Beginner!!! any tips and ways to get experienced without a lot of expensive lessons

[Carly_pie]

Hello there,

I am soon to be starting riding lessons but as i am saving up for a lot of domestic things too I am wondering how I can get experienced in horse riding along with lessons? I live in Aberdeen currently and am wondering whether horse owners would be interested in having someone exercise their horse sometimes for free? or for a relatively low price? Perhaps in exchange for some mucking out and other work with the horse too ?

And if so where would i advertise this?

I have always wanted to learn to horse ride but my parents couldnt afford it when i was growing up and I have been boarding at a agricultural college for the last two years doing a National Diploma In Animal Management so although I have a lot of experience with animals including horses I do not have a lot experience riding. Could anyone give me any hints and tips for perfecting my riding ?? Thanks I would appreciate any feedback

Carly

 

[Booboos]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

There are many people who are looking for sharers, the terms of the agreement depend on what the owner and sharer want but they can range from help with exercising a horse that is kept on full livery, to help with exercising a horse in exchange for mucking out, grooming, bringing in, etc. to getting to ride/look after a horse for a contribution towards its costs. There is no set formula really, just what works well between the two parties, so it's a matter of looking around and seeing what is available in your area. The best way to find shares is to turn up at livery yards, riding centres and riding schools to see what's available. Word of mouth will probably find you something suitable.

Having said that, it also depends on your level of riding and horse care ability. Don't take this the wrong way, but many owners may be looking for someone who is more of an experienced rider and can take sole charge of a horse's care when the owner is not there. Finding a horse that is suitable for a beginner without supervision by an instructor may be a tough call. However it all depends on how much experience you have. Have you had some lessons for a while now? If yes, are you in your RSs more advanced lessons? If the answer is yes then you have a better chance of finding a suitable share. If you have had few or no riding lessons then for your sake you are better off in the controlled environment of a RS. Horse riding can be a very dangerous sport and you want an instructor and a suitable horse to teach you before you take full responsibility for a horse on your own.

Either way it's a very good idea to take out rider's insurance and most owners will expect you to do so.

(you may get more responses if you post in New Lounge)

 

[charlotte26]

hi. are there any riding schools around you that would let you have free lessons in exchange for a bit of mucking out. i did this for many years at my local one. they always needed an extra pair of hands on weekend mornings and in exchange i got a free 1 hour lesson