Best riding school Aberdeen/shire?

[whisp&willow]

That was Anna. Lovely lass - and that was a terrible accident - all of us and Graham the vet who were there at the time were deeply affected and upset by it.

I met Anna and her partner at the Echt Show and she's doing fine, still dealing with the after effects of her accident, but she was fine and looking really well.

Graham and Claire are up at Auchronie farm and saw them at Echt as well.

Tina was absolutely lovely - what a big personality! Always good fun. And Fred - he was well BIG!

Got a big soft spot for Anna and Tina!

Yeah, Anna's name popped into my head yesterday! She was lovely- she stayed opposite me for a while so she gave me a lift once or twice. I'm glad to hear she is doing well. I'll never forget that day- I arrived after it all happened and everyone was crying... it was awful.

I remember Link now! do you still have him?

Tina was such a laugh, my dad is not horsey in the slightest, but I think he could have been persuaded by Fred!

 

[brucea]

Yes! I still have Linkwood - he is brilliant and will be 20 this year.

He has a job of looking after a few young riders who come to him with problems and he helps them to come to terms with what's happened to them in life and get their confidence back.

He matured from the "Loony Link" that everyone knew and gave a wide berth to, into the most beautiful and lovely gentle personality.

 

[Ilovefoals]

Well I was a bit worried after reading this thread about taking my daughter to Hayfield for her lesson on saturday. I rode there all my childhood and teenage years and loved every minute of it. I learnt so much and made great friends who I still have so I was upset hearing how much it had gone downhill. I have to say though, although it did appear a bit shabbier looking, I was very impressed with the instructor and helpers in my daughters lesson. They were lovely and friendly and really encouraged the kids. I was very pleased and my nervous daughter had a great time. The ponies all looked happy and healthy and were well behaved so second lesson has been booked

 

[nillynoo]

Well I was a bit worried after reading this thread about taking my daughter to Hayfield for her lesson on saturday. I rode there all my childhood and teenage years and loved every minute of it. I learnt so much and made great friends who I still have so I was upset hearing how much it had gone downhill. I have to say though, although it did appear a bit shabbier looking, I was very impressed with the instructor and helpers in my daughters lesson. They were lovely and friendly and really encouraged the kids. I was very pleased and my nervous daughter had a great time. The ponies all looked happy and healthy and were well behaved so second lesson has been booked

That's good to hear

 

[khalswitz]

I've heard a few people talk about Hayfield with regards to slipping standards, but unfortunately it's just like many other places - old, in need of refurbishment and unable to get it due to the economy and decrease in spending on luxuries. Every time I've been in to the saddlery everything has been clean and healthy, if shabby and run down.

As far as I know, Oldfold is still on the go too... one of our old horses is up there now I believe.

One I would warn you to stay away from is Midstrath...

 

[brucea]

Is that the one out between Banchory and Finzean?

 

[khalswitz]

Is that the one out between Banchory and Finzean?

No, it's between Finzean and Potarch. Think they now own Raemoir by Banchory as well...

 

[spookypony]

I've had a lot of help from people at Hayfield, and some very good instructors work there. I got back into riding there after some years off, and found that they were very careful to put people into groups of like ability, with progressive lesson plans. They've done quite a bit of work recently, but I think may be moving to a new location in a few years.

brucea, by the sounds of it you were on the top yard, which isn't where the school horses are kept; those are private horses. I think I know which weaving horse you are speaking of, and it is not a Hayfield school horse.

whisp&willow, the only one of the horses that you list that was still there when I got back into riding was Gonzo. I think he was essentially retired a while ago, and I was told earlier today that he was put down recently. I don't know for sure, but can ask!

 

[whisp&willow]

Aw Gonzo was a fun wee guy. I wouldn't be surprised if he was retired and subsequently passed on. It was quite a long time ago that I rode there.

At that time the top yard was where the private horses were stabled, but some must have been on working livery, as I rode a couple of them who I know were not owned by hayfield.

I think all school horses and ponies have a tough life, some cope, others don't. That's all I meant by my comments, while I was there it was clear that some of the horses were not coping with school life.

 

[nillynoo]

Has anyone been to mill of strachan?

 

[brucea]

Is that the place just out of Banchory? If so I've met the lady who runs it at Bellwade - she seemed very nice.