As I said on another post, I've been at the same riding school for many years. A lot has changed in the last few years, and I find myself missing the "small barn, just starting out" vibes.

We were always told to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the lesson to tack up. Over the years, however, as more and more people have joined, this stopped being told to beginners - they just need to arrive in time, ready to mount. I get it if the horse just had a lesson and is already tacked up, but I'm in the 10 am lesson on saturdays - it's the first lesson of the day. Due to this, I very rarely untack as well, as there's lessons right after. The only thing we do anymore is putting the bridle on, since obviously you don't want a bridled horse alone in their stall.

No matter how early I get there (I always arrive at least 30-40 min before), the horse is tacked up. I suspect this is partially due to a couple of teens who spend their day at the barn helping out. (I'm in no way against it btw, I feel like I missed out on that opportunity when I was their age and so I'm happy for them). Before this, it started being an issue when more stablehands worked there.

Regardless of the reason, what would I do anyway? Ask to not tack up whatever horse I'm riding? It sounds silly, but with college and work, I really looked forward to lessons as being the relaxing part of my week. Even though riding is one of my favourite things, I've come to enjoy the bonding time a lot more. If I'm honest, I miss feeling like, for a handful of minutes, I'm taking care of my horse.

Does anyone have some thoughts? I understand this is a silly rant, just thought I'd share