Newbies

I've noticed veteran horse-owners & riders can sometimes seem abrasive and harsh. I know if a stranger comes to my door when I'm riding, and walks up close to my horse, I usually back up & become cautious. I know when I've been to riding stables for the first time to take a lesson the folks around are usually tight-knit, and don't speak to me unless I force myself into their conversation. After a lesson or two, Chewie and I are right at home... but that first trip in is difficult. Until the instructor walks up, I usually find I feel very uncomfortable. When I took lessons in SC, I remember the first few lessons the only people that spoke to me were the work-friends that talked me into the lesson. The instructor wasn't even very welcoming, but instead very protective & almost defensive. I don't know if it's a "you're new & we don't trust you" feeling, or a "we don't think you're worth our time since you don't own a fancy enough horse."

So how do you "vets" greet a newbie? Kind & gentle? Encouraging?

You don't even need to respond if you don't want to, but it's something to consider..