Ok, this may sound dumb?

I don't really know what the question is, but I have a mean instructor too, though she teaches well. Ever since I got her, we've been able to perfect my form in all disciplines I ride and she allowed me to advance a lot.

So, does she teach well? Will she be able to make you a good rider? She might be mean, but she could still be an excellent teacher.

If she is a good instructor, then I would suggest you just ignore the mean parts about her, and just use her to learn.

I strongly suggest you find a riding instructor whom you can relate with. You should enjoy your lessons, not dread them. I had the same problem with an instructor many years ago. I left the stable, discussed my problem with her (if the instructor is defensive or doesn't like your reason for living, you really know you made a good choice to leave), and found an excellent riding instructor who not only explains techniques very well, but also explains why you use them or what effect it will have on your riding, etc.

To help you out with your stirrup problems, it's great you can ride bareback well, but very dangerous if you can't site correctly in saddle, especially if there are no safety stirrrups. Really focus on dropping your weight through your hip and into your heel. Sit up, with your shoulders back, and most importantly - relax!

Good luck!

You don't need to ride with someone who is rude or demeaning towards you. Is she firm and strict, or is she mean and insulting? Figure that out, if she is just a strict instructor you need to suck it up and listen to her.

If she calls you names, yells constantly find someone else who is reputable by going to a local tack store, get a referral and make an appt to go visit the farm and view a lesson.

If you want to really learn how to ride and show, you need to listen to your instructor and ride in a saddle. Ride and lesson as much as you can, that's how you get good. If you can ride without stirrups well, it means you have a strong leg and center of balance, riding in the saddle will come to you naturally but only if you practice.

Just walk with the stirrups until you're comfortable. Work your way up to a jump. Keep your heels down and the stirrup on the ball of your foot. Your boots should also fit properly, it could make it awkward if they don't. Maybe try standing up with the stirrups.

I don't usually ride bareback with my pony because he flips out if anyone sits on his back without a saddle. XD However, I do ride without stirrups. It helps build leg muscle. I've jumped before without them.

I'm not very good without them, though. XD

I suggest just taking it one step at a time. Good luck ^^

Here is my question for you - Can you learn from this woman?

I have had many instructors over the years and I have learned that you don't necessarily have to like them to learn from them. If she is the only one in your area that gives jumping lessons, you will have to decide for yourself if your love of jumping outweighs your dislike of this woman.

Are you sure she is the only one?

I think you should find another instructor. It wouldn't be safe to jump on your own without a trainer if you don't know what you're doing. But this instructor doesn't sound any good.

welll your stirrups you are going to want to hit right at the ankle bone..and youll want to put all your weight in them..or as much as you can....but uhm to help do that you can go into 2point position..(jumping postion) and it will help make your legs stronger..and you could also tie them t the girth and then eventually youll get it....

get a different instructor that isn't a *****