Tips on looking for good (dressage) riding instructor?

Just because an instructor or trainer may not have scores posted on the internet doesn't mean they aren't good at what they do. There are any number of reasons why there may not be any information available on this lady you're thinking of taking lessons with. Cost is just one. Location is another. She may be in a place where dressage isn't a popular or well known discipline. Since you mentioned that she rode with the Lippizzans after graduation from MM, that may be a reason in itself. That group is on the road at least 10 months out of every year doing performances, and there's no time outside of their schedule for competition or showing. Or the lady may simply have not competed in recognized shows- not everyone does, you know. I've been showing all summer, but not in recognized shows, because it's so expensive to do that. I can't justify spending upwards of $150 for five minutes of riding in front of a judge, no matter how well known he or she may be. My budget won't permit such an extravagance. I get far more benefit from going to lots of schooling shows and riding in front of different judges- I learn more that way, have a lot more fun, and get a lot more out of the experience.One other thing you need to be aware of: dressage is a sport where one usually progresses slowly, rather than quickly. That's because there is so much to learn at each of the levels, and horses can only learn or concentrate on one thing at a time. They have good memories, and can retain a lot- but they lack the ability to integrate and store information. Humans have that gift, but they don't. The fact that these other people at your barn haven't gone past 1st level is not a reason to reject either their trainer or the one you're considering. Things that I would look for in any trainer include:

-Excellent communication skills. This means he or she must be able to explain concepts thoroughly, using language that I can understand. It also means he or she needs to be a person who deals equally well with other people and with animals.

-Promptness and punctuality. Time is money, whether you're talking about riding or about anything else in life. If the instructor is more than 10 minutes late for a lesson, you should have the right to cancel and reschedule. Emergencies are excepted, of course.

-Courtesy and integrity. I want someone who is honest, considerate, and who treats me with respect. That means they greet me by name when I arrive, and admit it when they don't understand something or they have made a mistake.

- Compassion for horses. That's another important quality in any trainer. Good trainers will take the time to make sure horses and riders are suited to each other, and that their personalities mesh well. They also will respect the limitations of horses, and recognize that there is no one discipline or sport that is suitable for all horses all the time.

-A neat, professional appearance. This doesn't mean they have to be dressed in show clothes, but it does mean that whatever they wear needs to be neat and clean in appearance. They also need to be groomed. None of us like being around someone who hasn't bathed in a while, who has a five o'clock shadow (guys) or who's wearing tattered, muddy, or offensive clothing or t-shirts. Likewise, if the trainer is a smoker, he or she had better not light up during my lesson. I'm allergic to smoke, and I can't stand breathing it, even secondhand. Same rule applies to cell phone use and texting. It is RUDE for an instructor to do things like this, and I don't tolerate it. And right along with this is the issue of SAFETY for horse and rider alike. Riders NEED TO WEAR HELMETS, period, regardless of their age, discipline, or skill level. Any instructor who either says or implies anything different is no one you want to take lessons from. Having an intact, functioning BRAIN is your most important asset. Riders also need proper footwear. That means no sandals, tevas, flip flops, and no bare feet. Part of the instructor's job needs to be enforcement of barn rules.

I have been a hunter/jumper for the past several years and have just started taking dressage lessons too. I agree with Montreal. You should stick with this instructor. Regardless of their resume (which is not always truthful) in your gut I think you know a good instructor when you find one. If they explain in a way you can understand, and you get "results" from their instruction, etc. then you are working with the right person. I don't pay any attention to their resumes anymore because they mean nothing. Good luck, and enjoy the training!

Good communication skills.

Willingness to explain things in language that you understand. And if you do not understand something, then ask her to explain it in a different way.

Good understanding of the horse's anatomy (you cannot force a horse into perform if his body is not made for it, his muscles are not right etc) and that of the rider and how each effects the other.

Other than that, someone who can inject a bit of fun into lessons, while constantly working to improve the way of both horse and rider.

Continuously keep as calm as viable since if you're apprehensive, your horse will understand it & it could possibly have an impact on the best way he/she suggests. Be definite you realize when & where to alter gaits. Being very right in sample & using posture can aid disquise one of the most "not so good" movements your horse will have. Invariably SMILE-don't forget, you might be supposed to be having a just right time.

I think you should stick with her .You mnetioned she explains things to you and bends over backwards.I had an instructor who was qualified and seemed the perfect instructor.She dressaged and evented and was simply the worst instructor I have ever had.Good luck.It is expensive btw.