Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Welcome to Sweden
I can't answer your questions, but I'm so curious about the horse and equestrian life in Lithuania. Are there a lot of horses ? what breeds, and how are the horses kept?
I visitid Lithuania for the first time about a month ago. We stayed in the Klaipeda/Neringa area for about a week, and we hardly saw any horses at all...though I was looking for them all the time (as I suppose all horse-lovers do wherever they go )
I was thinking that perhaps the horses aren't let out to graze? since we didn't see any fences either. My Lithuanian-born sister-in-law, who was our guide, didn't know, since she's never been interested in horses.

Only horse we met was this beautiful little guy in Klaipeda:
Unfortunately, the driver didn't speak English, so she couldn't answer all my questions.

Sorry for an offtopic post

I will also apologise in advance for the offtopic

Equestrian sport is increasingly popular here, and showjumping is the main sport. Dressage is in second place, but it's far more behind than showjumping. We have some really good riders jumping internationally and taking first-third places at GP level.
Of course, both in sport and in keeping of horses Lithuania is slightly behind countries like England, Germany, Sweden or Denmark. There is a very big shortage of equine vets (there is only one normal vet in the whole of Lithuania), farriers (also just two or three normal ones in the whole country), saddle-fitters (none!), physiotherapysts (also none) and so on. Also, a very serious shortage of high level dressage instructors! No studies to do with horses, either, no practical diplomas and no strong teaching of equine veterinary in the national Vet.Academy.
So those are the problems, in an outline
Of course, there aren't as many horses here as there are in Sweden, so that's probably why you didn't see any, as most of the stables are usually away from the main routes.
In Lithuania one of the most popular breeds is the Trakehner, and we have a national Trakehner stud, too, not too far from Klaipeda, actually. Mostly, they have the old Russian showjumping lineage. We also have a newly forming Lithuanian Warmblood book, and a book for Baltic Hanoverians. There is a national breed, too, called the Zemaitis, which is a pony sized horse - rather small and awkward looking, but very strong, excellent jumpers and have a very funny temperament Some photos, if you're interested:



Again, sorry for the OT

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Are you bringing a horse or are you planning to buy one? Your rep will grow if you do well yourself on various events and competitions.
Are you getting any "parental wages" for your son?

I think it can be quite hard to fit in a lot of lessons with at 3 month old baby (at least if your breastfeeding).

I suggest that you put up posters on billboards in different stables or put in an ad in the local paper. Go around different stables and present yourself, maybe offer a free lesson or two to get references?

You can also offer to ride and educate horses yourself, maybe that will work even better?
I don't think the language will be a problem anyways.

I wish you the best of luck and welcome you to Sweden!
P.S. I also doubt that WE really should be that popular, it's quite a new branch so maybe it will be easier that way, there aren't that many WE teachers.

Thanks for all the ideas!
No, I'm not bringing a horse, but if all goes well and we stay in Sweden after my husband's studies are over, I am hoping to buy one.
I'm getting my "parental wages" here in LT.
My kid is 3 months now, so in a year, when I go to SE, he will be over 1yr old so it won't be as much of a problem, as he can stay with his dad for a few hours several times per week or even go to kindergarten (part-time, for example). I have actually started training now, about 3 times per week he stays at home with my grandmother, and other times I just take him with me to the stable, but it's getting a bit too cold for that.

It's a good idea about advertising on newspapers and at local schools. Also, I should probably try internet forums such as this one or others.

I was also thinking of educating horses, but for some reason I guessed that people would rather that I trained them on their own horses. I suppose it depends on the level of horse and rider, and each individual situation.

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

I think a good start is to contact the ridingschools and major ridingclubs in the area, perhaps also privat stables - to see if you might be able to have lessons there on a weekly on monthly basis. Perhaps work part time in one of the ridingschools? That way you automatically get into contact with trainers, riders, and can start buildning up a reputation and a social network.

Sar makes a good point concerning competitions and events - that is an excellent opportunitie to be seen, and to network. Skåne is not that big, even if there is a lot of horses and riders - and if you make good results people will notice you. Especially if you make good results on different horses, and therefore show that you´re capable of educating both horse and rider so to speak.

Here WE is not that big, even if we have one small club that offers WE-training, academic ridning, and a little western. But most private trainers, and all the main ridingclubs, focus on competions - mainly dressage, and/or showjumping.

Wish you all the best!

Riding schools and stables are definitely a good option - only I was doubtful anyone would want me there After all, I am a new, unknown person from a not-so-much-liked country... But who knows, I have to try, right?

As for competing - my competition days are over, unfortunately, as well as intensive training I had several bad accidents, during one of which my spine was fractured, and this disables me to do the more intense work in the saddle where a lot of ammortisation and contact is involved, for example, a lot of sitting trot, higher jumps.
I still do ride (my doctor is very disapproving of this ), but try not to go too far - although you know how it is, once you start working, you can't stop and want to do more

Now I focus on "installing" all the correct basics both in riders and horses - so for riders it is a correct seat (which is absolutely crucial and it is where so much goes wrong from the beginning) and application of signals; for the horses it is flexibility, developing even muscles on both sides, correct walk/trot/canter, shoulder-in, travers/renvers, leg yielding and simple changes. I usually have to re-train horses as here, in Lithuania, we are often faced with horses who have been taught wrong, ridden "on the hand" and etc.

 

[Lobelia]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

I think you are wrong are wrong about Lithuania as as a not so much liked country. People in general in Sweden have not trouble with people from Lithuania (or the Baltic states).

 

[Lager]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Riding schools and stables are definitely a good option - only I was doubtful anyone would want me there After all, I am a new, unknown person from a not-so-much-liked country... But who knows, I have to try, right?

There is quite a lot of people from the Baltic states where I live, I hope that no one feel disliked because of their homeland... but how knows, not every swede is nice. Most are though.

At least show an interest. As I wrote earlier - it is a good way to start finding contacts. Not to make any real money, but even a lesson or two every week is a possibilitie to network.


As for competing - my competition days are over, unfortunately, as well as intensive training I had several bad accidents, during one of which my spine was fractured, and this disables me to do the more intense work in the saddle where a lot of ammortisation and contact is involved, for example, a lot of sitting trot, higher jumps.
I still do ride (my doctor is very disapproving of this ), but try not to go too far - although you know how it is, once you start working, you can't stop and want to do more

Sad to hear that you where injured, but if thats how it is then you let your students winn the classes - and then take credit for training them!


Now I focus on "installing" all the correct basics both in riders and horses - so for riders it is a correct seat (which is absolutely crucial and it is where so much goes wrong from the beginning) and application of signals; for the horses it is flexibility, developing even muscles on both sides, correct walk/trot/canter, shoulder-in, travers/renvers, leg yielding and simple changes. I usually have to re-train horses as here, in Lithuania, we are often faced with horses who have been taught wrong, ridden "on the hand" and etc.

I actually think is perfect for a job in a ridning school. Where you usually work with the basics constantly (well, everyone work with the basics...) and are responsible for keeping the schoolhorses educated and somewhat sensitive.

But generally, the private trainers (with focus on competition) do also spend a lot of time correcting this kind of stuff. Even if the riders wish to do more. No base, no foundation, nothing to build on - or the trainers are highly paid, and say that whatever you do is perfect...

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

"I think you are wrong are wrong about Lithuania as as a not so much liked country. People in general in Sweden have not trouble with people from Lithuania (or the Baltic states). "

"There is quite a lot of people from the Baltic states where I live, I hope that no one feel disliked because of their homeland... but how knows, not every swede is nice. Most are though."

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Swedes hate it or something It's just that in the time I lived abroad I have come across this opinion quite often. But of course, it's just a generalisation, it doesn't mean that everyone has something against it.

"At least show an interest. As I wrote earlier - it is a good way to start finding contacts. Not to make any real money, but even a lesson or two every week is a possibilitie to network."

I am most definitely interested Contacts are always useful, but more importantly - I will really want to get to know some horsey people and make new friends.

"Sad to hear that you where injured, but if thats how it is then you let your students winn the classes - and then take credit for training them!"

Yep, that's how it should be As long as I have students

"I actually think is perfect for a job in a ridning school. Where you usually work with the basics constantly (well, everyone work with the basics...) and are responsible for keeping the schoolhorses educated and somewhat sensitive.

But generally, the private trainers (with focus on competition) do also spend a lot of time correcting this kind of stuff. Even if the riders wish to do more. No base, no foundation, nothing to build on - or the trainers are highly paid, and say that whatever you do is perfect... "

I agree 200%!!! I don't know about Sweden, but here in Lithuania it is such a big problem... So many riders do badly in dressage/jumping simply because they don't have good basics and are trying to do too much instead of going back to perfecting the foundation steps. Especially dressage. I often work as a translator in dressage seminars and often hear the same opinions from the riders who participate: "why are they making us do simple trot transitions or 10 meter circles - I ride in Prix St.George and want to do piaffe!". Which is disappointing because they don't realise why these international instructors ask them to do simple things - it is because they haven't got the correct basics, and that is the problem why they can't do the more advanced elements, and of course their competition results are low. You can't move on until you have strong foundations. Everyone hopes a new professional from abroad will come and show them the magic button which makes the horse do perfect passage and piaffe, but unfortunately it doesn't work like that.
Sorry about expanding on this I just have a strong belief that even the simplest basics are extremely important, and that is why I chose this specialisation.

 

[Lobelia]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

There are many countries that Swedish people have prejudices against. Lithuania isn't exactly among those, maybe not the opposite either.

Regarding working with the basics, i presume its something every country have trouble with more or less that people want to do more and more advanced. Not everyone but we have our share of those who think they are to good for basic stuff (and usually need it mostly).

 

[silkval]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Hi! I would just make a general suggestion for you, and that is to take some time and make a good webpage to present yourself, with pictures, trainingmethods, references etc

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Lobelia , I completely agree

silkval , that's actually a really good idea, thank you!!!

 

[YlvaG]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

I agree with silkval, a webpage is a very good idea. It's a perfect place to gather peoples opinions on your teaching skills, present yourself, contact information and a presentation of training methods and all that stuff. Then advertise, advertise, advertise

And the language is not a problem as long as you dealing with adults. If you are gonna work on a riding school, then you will mostly work with younger people, and of obvious reasons, they will have problem with the language.

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Again, thank you all for the advice - it's been really useful!

My circumstances are changing and I might be moving to Sweden this autumn/winter instead of next year! It would be awesome to meet any "horsey" people in the Malmo area

 

[karamelldrottningen]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

don't everybody who come to another country have to start from scratch? and I can't see whats the problem with you speaking english, i know many instructiors who does that.. and gives lessons all over the country and perhaps even further away. If you are a good instructor people will come too.

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Oddly enough my post from yesterday was deleted... I wanted to ask for your help with my website, to read the texts and give me your opinions on what should be changed. Perhaps it was deleted because I posted the address of the website here? Well, anyway, if anyone can help me and have a look, proof-read my "CV" - please write me a PM

And as I wrote before - looking really forward to meeting horse lovers around Lund and Malmo It looks like I will be moving in the middle of January...

 

[Lobelia]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

It was probably deleted because its not allowed to link to websites, loads of people tries to advertise there business that way. It was pretty obvious you didn't mean it that way but the rules have to apply to all.

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Yes, I realised that after it was deleted, that it was probably considered as advertising - my apologies to the admins When and if I do advertise, I think there's an advertisment section in this website somewhere

 

[Tussinussen]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Hi Justina I am an immigrant too, although I've been here for ages - I moved to Sweden from Scotland.
Generally (and I seriously hope I don't offend any native Swedes here because no offence is meant!), I think people moving to Sweden find it a bit hard to "find their way in" to society. I've heard this from every other immigrant I've ever met. It's not that people are not welcoming or friendly - they are! - it's just that Swedish culture is not the type of culture where 10 people are going to say "oh you're new? Come round to my house for a coffee and let me introduce you to all my friends!" So my first piece of advice generally would be: put yourself out there, be prepared to make the effort on a person-to-person basis. And check with Lund municipality if you are allowed to go to Swedish classes - I think that will depend on your residence permit status.
Next piece of advice - reputation in the horsey world here (don't know what it is like in Lithuania) is very much a word-of-mouth thing so you'll have to build up your reputation from scratch. Having a "foot in the door" via a riding school will be a big help.
If you Google Lund + ridklubbar you should be able to get a few addresses, maybe you could start sending a few e-mails and book some visits that you can do after you arrive?
And go to the jobcentre (Arbetsförmedlingen) and ask their advice: they might be able to help you to get some sort of paid placement at a local riding club or something. In any case, you should register with them.

That's all I can think of now - good luck!

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

A belated thank you for your advice! Have been busy with moving, Christmas, illnesses, etc. - but I'm finally here Arrived in Lund yesterday, and for now feeling a little lost, don't know which way to go when I leave the apartment

Without any disrespect or prejudice towards Swedish people - I have heard the same from my friends who live in Sweden. The general opinion seems to be that Swedish people are friendly and helpful, but a bit closed off when it comes to personal relations, like family-to-family friendships, etc. So far all the Swedes I met where really nice people, but I don't know anyone on a more personal basis, so I can't either confirm nor deny the theory
As for myself, I am an extrovert and want to meet new friends more than anything! Just don't want to overwhelm anyone with my attention while trying to make new acquaintainces
As I mentioned before - if anyone in Lund area is interested to meet up for a coffee or anything - I'm more than willing to

I actually just googled ridskolar today, found two in Lund - might try to visit them when I have a chance.
The main problem for me at the moment is that I'm on maternity leave, so I cannot actually search for employment until July 2013 which is when my maternity leave ends.

Are there any good tack shops around Lund? I know that there are Horze and Hooks shops in Malmo, but wonder if there's anything intersting closer by.

 

[Fiorano]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

If you want to meet some new friends I recomend a thread on "senior" called "vänner sökes" where you can find new friends in your area.

Good luck and welcome to Sweden!

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Thank you!

 

[Justina]

Sv: Working as a riding instructor in Sweden?...

Sorry for the offtopic, but perhaps someone is planning on going to the stallion performance tests in Flyinge?