Three completely unrelated questions...

[starcrossed]

01. In this economy, my job is very unstable right now. There are strong indications I might lose it in the next few months. If I'm unemployed I'll need my savings for pesky necessities like bills and food and I can't make riding a necessity. I know it's commonplace for teens to volunteer at barns and work in exchange for lessons but has anyone

Comments

[songofsixxpence]

It sounds like you should do some reading.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Nature-of-Horses/Stephen-Budiansky/e/9780684827681/?itm=4&USRI=the+nature+of+horses
http://www.amazon.com/Adult-Longeing-Guide-Exercises-Independent/dp/1599211963
http://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Horse-Rider-Improving-Condition/dp/0715304720
http://www.amazon.com/Horse-Rider-Fitness-Essential-Riders/dp/1872119964

My advice to you is that it sounds like you are not fitting into the program you're in. You are being paired with horses that are not suiting your needs, and your instructor is not helping you grow in your riding. Your current barn could give you a lunge lesson, you don't need to go someplace else specifically for that... You should look into other programs in the area though and see if there is another that might fit your needs better.
Because you are an adult, your instructor might think that you are strong enough to get your mount to canter and keep it since you've been at it for so long. If you increase your fitness, you'll have an easier time keeping your forward pace.
As for not liking mares, all horses are different. Mares are just as likable as geldings, and I think if you just check out a few different barns (even if you don't switch) you'll see that they're not all terrible and spooky. If you're going to limit yourself to only working with mares, you're not going to get very far. Bonding is not important when it's not your horse, as xtheridgex mentioned, the more time you spend riding her and figuring that mare out, the more comfortable you'll feel.
As always, the more confident you are, the better you're going to ride. So safety first, confidence second, and ride it like you stole it.

[flax]

Thiiiiiiiiiis. OP, every time you post it sounds like there are some large holes in the lesson program you're in.

[ihorse]

So safety first, confidence second, and ride it like you stole it.

Best. Line. EVER. Love that!

[allfoolsinlove]

hahaha I agree, that's awesome!

[love2loveher]

My advice to you is that it sounds like you are not fitting into the program you're in.

Absolutely. Or you are over-thinking everything.