Best London riding school - West or South West

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kbush001

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Hi everyone,

I'm a complete newbie here, having moved over to London from New Zealand a week ago. I haven't ridden consistently in ages but am looking to get back into it (I'm now 26) and am hoping that some of the old skills are still hanging around.

I've been Googling a lot of the local riding schools and need some local advice. Where would be good for a couple of initial lessons or a hack, that's not too overpriced? I don't have a car so will be relying on public transport, and no I don't have my own horse.

I've had a look at Wimbledon, Stag Lodge and Kingston Riding Centre - keen for opinions, or other options.

Thanks heaps!
Kat
 
I live near Park Lane and they are terrible - nice hacking but badly run and doesn't have a good reputation at all. The horses look depressed to me as well. Wimbledon Village Stables would probably be your best bet, and they are very professional, although it will cost a little more. Please PM me if you want any more information.
 
I seem to remember it getting a LOT cheaper if you went out the other side of kingston towards chessington etc. Unfortunately its not the cheapest area - hence why I didn't ride when I was a student
 
Park lane is a great place. The horses are happy and very well cared for they don't have turnout on site but are boxed to the fields and have plenty of time off between working. The staff are very friendly and the place buzzes with happy children and the lady who runs it does so with great care and pride in what she achieves without the facilities other stables have. The hacking into the park is great and there are horses to suit every age and ability. Give it a try and make up your own mind. :)
 
I walk my dog in bushy and see the horses and ponies from park lane regularly, they look in good condition, but the ones I see are very much beginners being led by youngsters and receiving very basic instruction.
 
There's barnfield in Kingston too. My friend loves Wimbledon although sometimes finds the lessons somewhat "samey". I've ridden at Stag Lodge recently and they gave me exactly what they said on the tin - a hassle free hack.
 
wren123 said:
I walk my dog in bushy and see the horses and ponies from park lane regularly, they look in good condition, but the ones I see are very much beginners being led by youngsters and receiving very basic instruction.
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Agreed, i cycle regularly in the park and see them. I've only ever seen children riding. Hi wren123, probably wizzed past you too!!:)

I did have a few lessons at kingston rs. I didnt last long. The instructor sat in the corner chatting to the teenage helpers/stable hands for most of the hour. The helpers laughed when something went wrong like a fall, spook or bolt or even a horse farting and im sure they used to try and spook the horses when they went by the viewing gallery. It was most off putting especially as a nervous novice. I've just started elsewhere but have to drive as its outside the m25.
 
Not sure if its too far but there is mudchutes farm on isle of dogs. It's right next to the train station and the horses seem very happy
 
I'm a recent returner myself. Had a 10 year break from riding, but started having weekly lessons/hacks at Stag Lodge for the last 6 months or so. They've been very good, the hacking is especially lovely as the schooling facilities are a bit limited (but they are due to expand in the coming months) but fine. I found their lessons a but cheaper than elsewhere. For lessons I'd recommend Mel, Rebecca, or Eliza.
 
If you drive, Weybride Equestrian Centre is excellent with lovely instructors and reasonable prices! Definitely worth checking out if you can get there.

They have a website too x
 
I ride at Park Lane!! It's great :) Yes, there are a lot of younger kids because we quite often have birthday parties, but we do have very good instructors who can take out more advanced riders and the hacking is amazing - beautiful scenery, good canter tracks, and we can ride through the stream!

It's also really friendly and newbies are always welcome!!
 
Lami said:
Agreed, i cycle regularly in the park and see them. I've only ever seen children riding. Hi wren123, probably wizzed past you too!!:)

I did have a few lessons at kingston rs. I didnt last long. The instructor sat in the corner chatting to the teenage helpers/stable hands for most of the hour. The helpers laughed when something went wrong like a fall, spook or bolt or even a horse farting and im sure they used to try and spook the horses when they went by the viewing gallery. It was most off putting especially as a nervous novice. I've just started elsewhere but have to drive as its outside the m25.
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Small world!

Where are you riding now, I used to ride at Chobham at a place called Southern Schoolmasters, very good, but they have now moved to Chiddingfold which I am going to but is a bit of a trek, which is why I didn't recommend to the OP.
 
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