Choosing the right riding instructor is a major decision for any equestrian. Whether you’re a new rider looking to start your journey or a seasoned competitor seeking to improve, finding a trainer who fits your goals and learning style is essential. However, relying too heavily on other people’s opinions—or even online reviews—can lead you astray.

Here’s why opinions about riding instructors aren’t always the most reliable guide, and how to make a more informed choice for yourself.


1. Different Riders, Different Goals

What works for one rider may not work for another. Some equestrians are looking to compete at high levels, while others want a safe, supportive environment to gain confidence. A riding coach who pushes competitive athletes might not be the best fit for a casual or nervous rider—and vice versa.


2. Experience Shapes Perspective

Beginner riders often lack the experience to accurately assess the quality of instruction. They may praise a coach who’s friendly and encouraging, even if the instruction lacks depth or technical accuracy. Conversely, a demanding but highly effective trainer may receive mixed feedback simply because they challenge students in ways that feel uncomfortable at first.


3. Barn Politics and Personal Bias

Let’s face it—barn culture can be tricky. Interpersonal drama, favoritism, and even fallouts can color someone’s opinion of a trainer. A negative review might stem from a personality clash rather than poor instruction. It’s important to read between the lines and recognize when barn politics might be at play.


4. Fear of Speaking Honestly

The equestrian world is a small one. Many riders hesitate to speak candidly about a trainer, especially if they’re still part of the same local scene. This can result in sugarcoated reviews or vague comments that don’t offer real insight.


5. No Universal Standard for “Good Instruction”

Every rider has a different definition of what makes a great trainer. Some prioritize safety and encouragement. Others value technical precision and competitive results. The problem? There’s no single standard for what qualifies as “good instruction”—and that makes personal reviews highly subjective.



How to Choose the Right Riding Instructor for You

So, how can you make a smart choice without relying too much on word-of-mouth or internet reviews? Here are a few tips:

• Watch a lesson before committing. Observe how the trainer communicates and how students respond.
• Take a trial ride if possible. See how their teaching style fits with your learning preferences.
• Ask specific questions about the trainer’s approach, experience, and student progression.
• Trust your instincts. You know best what kind of environment helps you thrive.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to riding instruction, opinions are just that—opinions. Use them as a starting point, not the final word. Finding the right instructor is a personal process, and the best decision is the one that fits you and your horse.


At Hebert Sport Horses, we encourage riders to explore their options with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re auditing a lesson or visiting our facility, we’re here to help you make an informed, empowered choice.

Wellington, FL -  Freyja of Riverview made her FEI debut in the National portion of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival this year.  Being quite green with unconfirmed 3 and 4 time changes, she still held her own in a field of well established professionals and Olympic riders. Debuts are not always smooth.  Over the previous years of competing, it has been a bit of a struggle to figure out her energy levels and warm-up requirements due to many factors such as heat, cold, and travel stress.  This year we took much of that out of the equation.  Previously, we had to travel 6+ hours for each show and 13+ for US Dressage Finals.  Being based in Wellington at IDA Farm, we are a 10 minute drive from the show grounds, making showing much less stressful for both of us.  We could also enter a National or CDI show every weekend whereas, previously, we could only get in four shows between January and the end of May.  

At the end of it all, Freyja and I took her scores from the beginning of our season and bumped them up significantly by the end.  Unfortunately for the COVID-19 pandemic, our show season, as well as everyone else's, has come to a halt.  I have made the decision to forego the rest of the show season (when it opens up) in order to concentrate on making her small tour debut at Global next Spring. 
(PC Susan J. Stickle)

​By Katie Tharp-Hebert
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After our Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships placing, everyone kept asking, “Are you going to go?” to which I replied, “Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”  Turns out, not everyone who qualifies goes, for a whole host of reasons.  It’s too far, it’s too cold, etc.  I desperately missed doing the big shows and was dying to get back into it.  We were used to long drives, but going from showing in almost 100 degrees in Houston for the Region 9 Championships, we were NOT mentally or physically prepared for the frozen tundra that is US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®.  We came away from the competition with many things to do “next year.”  Here are a few tips we picked up to have a successful and stress-free show.
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I am very please to announce that, even though Freyja and I were unable to place in our Third Level Championship at US Dressage Finals, we did come away with a High Point Breed award for the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA).  Very proud of this horse!  

Via YourDressage.org:

Friesian Horse Association of North America

• National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Eagle fan Bosksicht; Julie Roche, owner/rider           
• National Levels, Open Division – Freyja of Riverview; Katie Tharp-Hebert, owner/rider
• FEI Levels, Open Division – Tjaarda 483; Ellisa Kroll, owner/rider

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yourdressage.org/2019/11/15/2019-us-dressage-finals-presented-by-adequan-recap-and-results/

Folsom, LA - We will be temporarily relocating to Wellington starting in mid-January 2020 until the end of February to complete most of our show season in one convenient spot.  

Katy, TX - ​ It's a tough field for a Friesian in dressage.  If it's one thing Freyja and I have proven it's that a Friesian can hold it's own against the warmbloods at the top of their game and we proved that at the GAIG/USDF Region 9 Championships in Katy, TX this month.  

First off, the temperature got up to 95 degrees (the "real feel" actually being 103) and our ride was in an outdoor arena, meaning our warm-up had to be short and hit all the points it needed to.  It's always tricky gauging how much energy she has, and how long it will last.  Thanks to years of trial and error as well as a good nutritional plan and amazing supplements from Arenus, that has become much easier.  

We went in to the ring with an amazing feeling and a confidence that we could get it done.  Everything went smoothly and the flying changes were there.  Her energy held up until the square halt at the very end.  Regardless of what the judges would think, I was incredibly proud of Freyja for giving her all, and for behaving like an old pro (which in past championships was not always the case).  However, the judge at C had a huge smile on his face as we came down the final centerline...

We ended up with a 69.8% overall (Judge at E gave a 69.25 and Judge at C gave a 70.375) and a Reserve Champion placing in a class of 16 professionals, earning the super Friesian and I an automatic invite to the 2019 U.S. Dressage Finals in Lexington, KY. ' Ecstatic' doesn't even begin to describe the feeling! 

I have to thank my husband Glenn first of all, for being so supportive, for playing groom, driver, and for helping me to believe in my abilities on a daily basis.  A big thanks to Kim Gentry of Bits N Such Equestrian for getting us settled with a new sponsor saddle from Custom Saddlery, and loaning us her personal Icon Alpha until it arrives. Thank you to Arenus Animal Health for your exceptional nutritional advice and for providing us with the excellent supplements we need to be our best.