Bridging the gap between riding school and 'real' horses

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KEC

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Have been trying to find a horse to exercise including lessons for the last year and have ridden so many unsuitable horses that the owner either can't or won't ride. After being chucked from a rodeoing horse a few weeks ago I've decided to go back to weekly lessons with a BHSII who I met by chance. I don't like the riding schools near me and wondered what other people have done to bridge that chasm between riding schools and 'real world' horses (not sure what the right phrases is)?

I'm still looking on preloved etc to try and get more riding in but if anyone has a saint of a horse who needs more work - let me know!!
 
It's hard! There are some riding schools that deal on the side, and they have some livelier horses about. You could try loaning one a few days a week? Where abouts are you?
 
I've done this (well sort of similar) by taking on a 3 day share, which has taught me a huge amount. It's also got me in amongst horse owners. I have no desire to own myself but I'm now in the position if I wished to take on a choice of several different shares of varying ability with people who know and trust me with their horses, not that I would ever give my Welsh D girl up, I love her to bits.
 
Im not in a position to loan due to work - I do on call and can have my work base changed every few months - and finances and lack of time, that's why I thought I should focus on the riding part until I'm more settled. I'm looking really to have lessons so don't want to be part loaning AND paying for lessons if that makes sense. I'm in the north West. Wonder if I'd be better focussing on improving until I can ride more advanced horses and try again
 
Have you looked further afield to find a riding school that's big enough to offer the 'real' horses as you call it?
 
I don't mean this to sound rude, but you're very unlikely to find anyone offering you a school master to ride in exchange for nothing - aside from you using it to have lessons on. People usually want help schooling, with jobs or financially, and they tend to want it on a regular basis. If you're in the north west and can get to Manchester, John Shaw equestrian centre in Urmston have some spicier horses as well as your usual lovely riding school types.
 
There are suitable horses out there, my mare was one, she had 2 young sisters as her share riders. My friend has had several straight from riding school teens for her horses too. They've all been great and eager to learn about the non-ridden stuff too. So don't lose hope, there are horses out there for you

eta, the sharers paid a financial contribution and do chores as well. However, we did have one person who rode both of our horses in exchange for "chores" but generally did a pretty poor job of it, that wasn't worth it
 
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Haha I know what you mean. I'm more than happy to do all jobs and have even done them without riding the horse, basically acting as groom for the owner!

I've been to John shaw and thought it was great (fab instructor) but it's just too far regularly.

Thanks a million for all replies.

Will prob stick with the set up I have got at the moment.
 
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