New year - new you!

Now that 2007 is almost upon us, taking into account all the hoohah of 2006 with regards to how professionals teach us, and what THEY want us to wear/ride/ride on/ride with etc., etc., Why don't you take a moment to think of what you want!
Hey, got you. Now you have to think for yourself, instead of always being told of what is good for you/your image.
Think of what you want for your horse, does he need to have his mouth strapped really tight? Does he even need a noseband? Does he appreciate being kicked in the ribs and then smacked in the gob because he is then going forward?
2007 should be the year of enlightened riding, take off all gadgets and gimmicks that you see professionals ride in because :-
A. They are (usually) better riders and have tried other methods first
B. They are getting paid an awful lot of money to advertise the products (remember Forest Gump?)
C. They are experienced. Are you able to ride what you create????

If your riding is letting you down, have lessons from a GOOD instructor, see them teach, do you understand their methods? Could you get on with them? Do they ride their Client's horses? Do they want you to take short cuts to "get there"? Do they teach their Client as well as the Client's horse? Do they take into account your size, ability, length of leg, fitness levels of you and your horse? Or are they just interested in clock watching, answering their phone while teaching, or just the money you are paying?
If any of the above apply, tell them to take a hike and rip off another unsuspecting idiot in her designer gear and fluffy bandages. You are paying a lot to them, get them to do what you want! ! ! !