Advice for Discipline Change/Return

[KandC]

I briefly left the HJ world, and delved into dressage for the last year and a half. Currently, I’m riding with a wonderful instructor in dressage. She did event in the past and has ties to one H/J instructor in the area, but she only has one horse that can jump and the H/J instructor does not provide lesson horses. I’d like to slowly start dipping my toes in H/J world again, but I feel awkward. I don’t want to give up my dressage lessons- really I’d like to just add one H/J lesson a week or so.

We’ve talked about when/if I have a horse of my own (that isn’t retired), finding a boarding situation will be tricky because of her location and the location of boarding facilities that allow outside instructors and are up to my/our level of care. I like her a lot and she’s extremely knowledgeable so I would love to continue to ride with her and don’t want to damage our working relationship. I just miss jumping! Advice?

I feel like this topic pops up once a week!

[Bristol_Bay]

Maybe it’s late, but I’m having trouble following your post.

[Madison]

@KandC

I’d like to slowly start dipping my toes in H/J world again, but I feel awkward. I don’t want to give up my dressage lessons- really I’d like to just add one H/J lesson a week or so.

We’ve talked about when/if I have a horse of my own (that isn’t retired), finding a boarding situation will be tricky because of her location and the location of boarding facilities that allow outside instructors and are up to my/our level of care. I like her a lot and she’s extremely knowledgeable so I would love to continue to ride with her and don’t want to damage our working relationship. I just miss jumping! Advice?

I don’t see why you would feel awkward, it seems like you would just tell your dressage trainer you miss jumping and want to add a h/j lesson to your schedule also. If you don’t have someone in mind, ask her for suggestions of programs that might be a good fit. There’s no reason that has to interfere with your dressage training. Where it will get more complicated is when you get ready to buy and have to decide what you are shopping for, which discipline will be primary, and where you want to board. But for now there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to do lessons in both.

[Fellbutbackup]

It is awkward because trainers tend to be protective to put it mildly, or possessive/controlling to put it bluntly of clients/horses.

The only advice I have is to be firm and clear with both trainers about what your expectations are.

[ClassyJumper]

Its pretty common for eventers to have both a dressage instructor and a jumping instructor. Apples and oranges really. I think you are overthinking it :winkgrin:.