Why Your Riding Instructor Puts You on a Horse You Don’t Like (and Why It’s a Good Thing!)

If you’ve ever walked into your riding lesson, spotted your assigned horse, and thought, “Oh no, not this one,” you’re not alone. Many riders—beginners and experienced alike—have had moments where they weren’t thrilled about their assigned mount. Maybe the horse is slow and unmotivated, or perhaps it’s a bit too forward or stubborn.

But here’s the thing: your instructor isn’t trying to ruin your ride—they’re setting you up to become a better, more well-rounded rider. Riding a variety of horses, even ones you don’t particularly like, is essential to developing real, adaptable riding skills.

Let’s break down why your instructor might put you on a horse you weren’t expecting; and why, in the long run, it’s actually a great thing for your riding journey.

1. Riding Different Horses Makes You a More Skilled Rider

Every horse has a unique personality, way of moving, and level of training. If you only ride one horse—the one you find easiest—you’re limiting yourself.

A lazy horse teaches you to refine your leg and seat aids.
A sensitive horse improves your ability to ride with softness and precision.
A challenging horse pushes you to think, adapt, and develop problem-solving skills.

If you only ride horses that “feel easy,” you won’t build the skills necessary to handle more difficult situations later on.

2. The Horse You Want to Ride May Not Be the Best Fit (Yet!)

Sometimes riders set their hearts on a specific horse, maybe one that looks fancy or seems fun to ride. But an instructor’s job is to match you with a horse that fits your current skill level and needs.

For example:

If you’re still learning how to maintain balance and control, riding a hot, sensitive horse might be unsafe.
If you struggle with confidence, a strong-willed or unpredictable horse could shake your trust in yourself.
If you need to refine your aids, a more responsive but forgiving horse might be the right next step.

Good instructors want to challenge you—but safely and progressively. You’ll get to ride the horse you dream of when your skills match what that horse requires.

3. Learning to Ride a Variety of Horses Prepares You for the Real World

In a perfect world, every horse would be easy to ride, perfectly trained, and always in sync with their rider. But that’s not how riding works outside of a controlled lesson setting (and definitely not without a LARGE budget).

Whether you plan to:

Compete in shows
Buy or lease your own horse
Work with young or green horses
Ride in different disciplines
Trail ride or ride casually

…you’ll need the ability to handle a variety of horses. The best riders aren’t just good on one horse; they adapt to different horses and situations.

4. The Best Lessons Come from the Toughest Rides

Ask any experienced equestrian about their best learning experiences, and they’ll probably tell you about a horse that challenged them. Maybe it was one that wouldn’t go forward, one that tested their patience, or one that exposed a weakness in their riding.

Those are the horses that make you better.

The lazy horse forces you to use your seat and leg effectively.
The nervous horse teaches you how to stay calm and provide reassurance.
The pushy horse shows you the importance of clear, consistent boundaries.
The sensitive horse helps you refine light, subtle cues.

Every tough ride teaches you something that a perfect ride never will.

5. Trust Your Instructor – They Have a Plan!

Your instructor doesn’t just assign horses at random. They take into account:

Your skill level and experience
What you need to work on that day
The horse’s mood, energy level, and training
What will help you progress in the long run

If you’re consistently put on a certain type of horse, it’s for a reason. Instead of resisting the lesson, ask your instructor:

“What do you want me to focus on with this horse today?”
“What skills will this horse help me improve?”
“What can I learn from riding different horses?”

Being open to every learning opportunity—even the ones that feel frustrating—is what will make you a well-rounded and confident rider.

Final Thoughts: Every Horse Has Something to Teach You

Next time you get assigned a horse you don’t love riding, shift your mindset: Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What can I learn?”

Your favorite horse might make riding fun, but the challenging horses are the ones that make you better.

So embrace the experience, trust the process, and know that every ride—easy or tough—is helping shape you into a stronger, smarter, and more capable equestrian.

Author: Una

Una moved to Colorado in 2007 and started the Colorado Horse Forum as a way to meet other equestrians in the area. Una now rides and competes in dressage. She operates a small dressage horse breeding program in Castle Rock.