Advice On learning to ride

[HananeBoudali]

I've always wanted to work with horses - and i really want to become an instructor but I can't afford riding lessons to be able to pass bhs stages. I'm 15,do you think it's too late to learn to ride,also any advice in the best way possible to learn riding as cheaply as possible?
Thanks

 

[Shay]

15 is certainly not too late to learn. BHS Stages are the primary route to becoming an instructor - certainly you will find a career path much easier with them as they are recognized internationally. But you can also join pony club - without your own horse you would need to join a center. Then work your way up through the efficiency tests and take the UKCC qualifications available also through pony club. Its a new route and so will become more accepted - especially if you only want to teach rather than work with horses in any other professional capacity. But there is no way to do this cheaply I'm afraid. Professional training costs money; taking exams costs money.

You could start with something like your local pony club center. See if there is any work that you can do in exchange for reduced fees. If you have an RDA near you they sometimes offer riding in exchange for volunteering. A local horse rescue might also offer work experience you can use to build a CV. It will help you make a start and show you if this really is something you want to do - its a lot of hard work! The more determination you can show the more likely you are to be able to get a working pupil placement when you finish school.

 

[Rosiejazzandpia]

Hi.
15 is certainly not too late to learn to ride, you are never to late to learn to ride
Having been in a similar position to you when I was about 15/16 where I hadnt ridden for years and wanted to take it back up but having a lack of funds prevented me from doing so.
I would suggest finding a local riding school and joining the pony club which is much cheaper than riding lessons and allows you to get your foot in the door of the equestrian scene with a potential of doing more riding etc when you are slightly older.
Where are you based? It may be worth posting on one of the regional boards and seeing what people say, you never know- somebody may know somebody else who is willing to help

 

[Rosiejazzandpia]

Also, the BHS stages, although expensive, are a good way to start. Stage 1 is split into two sections- riding and care.
You can do them seperatley so if you did the care bit first you could gain a part of a qualification without needing to be able to ride. Plus you would learn all the basics of horse care and feeding which is always a bonus

 

[Staci-liana]

Hi,

I am completing my final year at university and completing my dissertation project into what motivated new or existing horse riders.

I would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes out of your day to fill in my survey into what motivates new or existing riders to take up equestrian sport?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NXZKSMR

Thank you!