How useful do you think that critique is to a new rider? Are they able to translate what you tell them into changes in what they are doing?

It depends on how they learn. When I teach beginners they normally get a small pack of handouts, they all borrow a couple DVDs (or we have a viewing party at the barn or my place), and one of the advanced students or myself shows them how it looks as well as critiquing and correcting their actual position at rest and a walk if needed. Normally between the combination they get the idea. Helping a new rider form lasting good habits is easier than unlearning them a couple years down the road.

Critique can be an important part of teaching but is only as good as the person doing the critiquing. It is only useful though if the proper method has been thoroughly demonstrated by the instructor and understood by the student.

Its also really important how you deliver your critique. Some people just get really offended, really easily and even the slightest thing that you tell them they are doing wrong, can make them angry.

There is a difference between how some people will critique anything in life and with training someone brand new to a field its going to be tricky. Some people are over sensitive too, so always be on the lookout for them to know how to speak to them with making them feel uneasy.

I have to admit I'm one of those that doesn't take it critique well. Especially from family who for the most part is the one doing the teaching. I'm learning though, as long as they don't make me feel like an idiot I can take the advice they give.