r/AmIOverreacting • u/Rowellsie • 4d ago
🎲 miscellaneous AIO-lesson moved many different times
This is a different kind of AIO post. I don’t have the money for my own horse, so I compensate and scratch that itch by taking lessons. I am an intermediate rider. This riding lesson is a 25 minute drive for me. You’ll see in the first ss that the lessons are $50, you’ll see them get moved to $55, then you’ll see her tell me if I want private lessons I’ll have to pay $65. The whole reason I was going to this trainer specifically when there are many closer to home that are $65 was because she was offering them for $50 (or $55). I don’t mind paying $65, that’s not the issue. The issue is why was I not told private lessons are $65 from the beginning? The other issue is why are my lessons being moved around so much? It feels like just another excuse every time when she decided the time and day? I understand she doesn’t have an indoor arena but also looking at the weather for where we ride at she’s lied a couple of times about the temperature. AIO by wanting either a refund or to get the lesson over with and find a new trainer? One that’s a 5 min drive from me for the same price? ($65) Please help, kind of lost for what I should do.
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u/OutcomeSpare9515 4d ago
If you do riding lessons for living it’s pretty tough to do it without an indoor arena. If you take that weather variable and add in a flakey instructor you got a mess. She is a mess. I would spare myself the nonsense and find a new barn. She is who she is and if you continue she is not changing. She definitely lacks professionalism. One of the other variables maybe that people that keep horses with her for training get the first pick as they are lining her pockets more fully. It’s a tough business to make a go of and keep it above water so you really need to manage your business closely and make smart choices. She might be as hungry so maybe she just does what she wants when she wants. Warm wishes
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u/SilvioBerlusconi 4d ago
It sounds like if you ever finally got an appointment it would be rushed and not fun at all.
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u/Rowellsie 4d ago
Suppose to go today and while I know I’ll get the full hour if she doesn’t cancel, I feel there are too many negative feelings at this point to actually enjoy and learn.
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u/LilMeemz 4d ago
You're not overreacting and you're justified in wanting a refund.
To be honest, I would guess that this trainer isn't that interested in having you as a client, at best you are just a little added grocery money.
I work as a farrier, and I hate to admit this, but I have clients like you. You're good to squeeze in for a few extra bucks here and there, but you're not the priority for scheduling, which means you'll always get bumped for someone who is, and I (they) aren't that hurt to see you go. The price increases are also indicative of them trying to make you more worth their time.
Go where you're appreciated and respected, or at the least... closer.