Back in the saddle - North Bristol

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Candyfloss1978

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17 April 2012
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South Gloucestershire
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As a child & teenager I used to compete to a relatively high level in both junior and senior BSJA competitions, but I gave up when my parents divorced and I could no longer afford to keep my horse. In the last 15 years (I’m 33) I’ve ridden a couple of times but nothing serious. I live in North Bristol at the moment, shortly moving to Gloucester, and would really love to get back in the saddle. I feel like I might need to have some refresher lessons, just to remind myself that I can remember what I’m doing. Can anyone recommend a decent riding school in the area? I’m also struggling to know what to say when I book a lesson, has anyone got any ideas as to how I should describe my ability? I know I’m not a beginner, but then maybe they might class me as one because of the length of time I’ve taken off riding :confused:

I really would appreciate any advice as, even though technically I know what I’m doing, I lack the confidence to get going again.

Thanks in advance :rolleyes:
 
North Bristol has no decent schools not that I found anyway, I've had a 2 year break and wanted to get back in the saddle again before taking on my own again :)
I found urchin wood manner a nice place but that's more near Weston but well worth the drive
 
Bertolie, thanks for those suggestions. I've looked at Summerhouse, simply because it'll be just down the road from where we're moving to. I'm just being silly about taking the first step :o

Annaellie, thanks also for your reply. I looked at Urchinwood Manor ages ago but never got round to contacting them. Glad it all went well for you. Have you bought your own horse again yet? :)
 
No no yet fingers crossed and all paperwork completed will have a house with stables and land :D so will either Rehome a horse and pony or buy :)
 
Annaellie - WOW! I'd love a house with land eventually. That's ideal for you, hpe everything goes smoothly and you get yourself a horse very soon :)

Thanks treacle_beastie, I've looked at Tumpy Green online so I might give them a call as well as Summerhouse - I think they will be the two most convenient stables to my new home in Gloucester.
 
Bertolie said:
Summerhouse in Gloucester or Talland near Cirencester are the two that spring to mind. Links to both below.

http://www.summerhouseec.co.uk/
http://talland.net/h/Home

I would just say that you have been out of riding for the last 15 years and take it from there. I expect you would have an 'assessment' lesson to find out what level of riding you are at.
Click to expand...

I agree with this advice and both recommendations!
 
Candyfloss 1978 - I was in the same/similar position to you, an experienced rider (backing, schooling, competing, owning and working with all types of neds) but VERY rusty as I hadn't done any significant riding for over 20 years.I went to Summerhouse last summer for a couple of lessons (and they had a buy one get one free offer too!). I explained that, although I am experienced, I am totally unfit as regards riding and very out of practice. This was not a problem and very shortly I was walking, trotting and cantering, doing leg yields etc. I really think any instructor worth his/her salt can tell if you can ride within minutes of you getting in the saddle. But boy! I can't tell you how stiff I was the next day. I haven't been back as I prefer hacks to lessons at my age, so am riding a privately owned horse now.
Have fun!
 
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