Do you go to a riding school?

T

Thelwell_Girl

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 March 2010
Messages
4,156
Visit site
Morning all :)

Off to the yard soon, but was just wondering...

1. Do you go to a riding school?
2. What do you like/dislike about it?
3. Why did you choose it?
4. What would you change about it (if anything)?
​
Will return later to give my answers :D

T_G xx
 
1. Not at the moment, did up until getting own horse 2 months ago
2. Like- friendly, on a farm, no pressure to be a top eventer, taught at own pace, horses for everyone, nice hacking and surrounding area, no time pressure 30 min lessons usually lasted for 45, adults and kids taught separately
Dislike - some of the instructors didn't know how to talk to the kids or encourage them, usually ending in crying upset kids
3. Don't remember started when I was 7
4. Not much really, it serves it's purpose
 
1. Do you go to a riding school?

Indeed I do

2. What do you like/dislike about it?

I like the one on one tutition on a horse that isn't a plod but not too advanced either. If you're unsure, she'll slow down rather than mess around and she really responds when you get things right. The instructors are also very friendly and have listened to my needs and tailored my lessons accordingly :)

3. Why did you choose it?

Recommended by someone at my yard, her daughters go there with their own horses.

4. What would you change about it (if anything)?

Don't think I would, only had a handful of lessons so far and no complaints :)
 
1. Do you go to a riding school?

Yes but not as regualr as i used to due to now having horses to ride (not mine)
2. What do you like/dislike about it?

good point-Tons of horses to choose from so you get to ride 13h-17.2h's which helps you alot.brill instructor and friendly people.

3. Why did you choose it?

Just had one lesson their and loved it

4. What would you change about it (if anything)?

Not to overcrowed lessons-ive never once not enjoyed a lesson though
 
1. Do you go to a riding school?

Yes have been to lots of different stables including 2 years at a college but current one have been there over 3 years riding and helping.


2. What do you like/dislike about it?

I love it there, the horses are great. The yard manager is lovely, I get on well with her and can talk to her about anything. I know she trusts me lets me ride the horses out in the field on my own for my free ride. Also we have all year turnout so the horses are never over excited but are always happy. Started having weekly lessons about 2 months ago as only did free rides my riding has improved so much from not wanting to canter to cantering and jumping and enjoying it.


3. Why did you choose it?

had moved areas and it was the nearest so had planned to drive round them all but didn't get any further :)

4. What would you change about it (if anything)?


Nothing really maybe a indoor school lol
 
1. Do you go to a riding school?
Yes have done since I was 4 (6 different riding schools)

2. What do you like/dislike about it?
Like - No pressure, everyone in my group is at a similar level, good facilities, friendly, experienced staff, occasional ability to ride high level horses
Dislike - Only a few horses over 15hh, kids that loan school ponies thinking they know it all, kids that work there trying to get people to do their jobs (I've tacked up, caught ponies, untacked and got kids on and sorted for lessons - I don't get paid but the kid who asks me for 'help' does)

3. Why did you choose it?
BHS reg. (prev. school I went to wasn't), Better facilities than other school, it wasn't the price (twice as expensive as other school and further away), Very experienced instructors

4. What would you change about it (if anything)?
That they reopen the tack shop and cafe, more horses over 15hh (preferably 16hh+)
 
Last edited:
1. Do you go to a riding school?

No but I send the kids on my yard to one, and did until I was 10 and started sharing/loaning my own pony

2. What do you like/dislike about it?

I am replying thinking of the RS my kids go to. I like the fact I can send them there for the odd lesson they cant really do on their own ponies - like jumping with no stirrups etc, and the poines are safe and reliable (not that their ponies arent!) I like the fact that the instructors are used to some of the problems I send the kids up there with and have the patience to sort it out and know exercises etc to help which they can then bring back and try on their own ponies.

I dont like that the ponies are often too good - and therefore the kids dont have to think/ride them. When they first had their ponies they did not know how to handle the odd spook or have the confidence to go up front and canter on their own.

I also dont like the way the clients are not encouraged to think for their horses becasue it is far quicker for the staff to grab the pony from the client at the end of a lesson and sort it for them.

Finally I dont really like the way RS ponies in general dont get a reprieve - they are true work horses and rather than if they are good selling them to a good home after 2 or 3 years hard graft, RS's tend to keep them and work them for years - I understand it is a business but I think all RS owners should give back to the horses what the horses put in.

3. Why did you choose it?

It is immaculate, proffessional, the horses are of good quality, well schooled, and not overworked like some RS ponies.

4. What would you change about it (if anything)?

I would give a max. 3 year limit to ponies/horses in a RS. I would also insist that novice (as in starter level) riders have at least 4 lessons on the mechanical horse (my RS has a top of the range one, I know this is not available to all) before they are allowed to thump around on a horses back.
 
I do, but I take my own horse. I'm having lessons at all the local riding schools every week to get him used to going out and about in a safe environment.

The surface of their menage is the most important to me, as that makes a massive amount of difference to how well my horse goes.

The instructors are all different, but I quite like them all, and it's interesting having different points of view, and different excerises to do every week. My main aim is to give my boy (who is an ex-racehorse) lots of posititive experiences and get him used to going out in a controlled and calm way.

After I bought him I quickly realised it would be suicide trying to take him straight out to shows, so we have taken a step back and are introducing things slowly, and doing this is much more fun that I thought it would be.
 
My horse is stabled at a riding school and to address a point above I'd like to say it would be utter madness to sell a good riding school after 3 years! they are hard to find, and many thrive on the work. We currently have one on loan that was too mad for a private home, but is perfect being worked everyday (all ours do maximum 2 hrs a day and most do less than this)

Our yard do retire all there horses when the time comes, and they live there life out just chilling out in a HUGE field with lots of other horses and care.
 
Right, now to answer my own question!

1. I do go to a riding school, have been going there on and off for around 8 years! Started weekly lessons in February, and haven't looked back since :D Also help out when I can, occasionally get a free ride, which is always an incentive ;)

2. Like: Everything! They yard is clean, horse and ponies are lovely with everything from teeny minis to flipping HUGE horses! All horses are safe and sane, with their own personalities and quirks. Staff are really friendly, experienced, qualified and kind. There are two outdoors (1 big, 1 small) and a large semi-indoor. Price-wise, quite good for a London RS. YM is really nice, she really encourages you to improve and to work for your goals! I always feel supported, and the instructors know me and have helped me improve my riding and stable management hugely.

Dislike: It isn't on my doorstep :p I have to get a tube and a bus there, but all easily manageable in 30-45 mins. As its on quite a busy road, there isn't much hacking apart from one bridlepath nearby and the acres of fields.

3. My Mum said she originally chose it as it was easy to get to, however if I was choosing now, it is BHS Registered, the website looks v. professional and they are friendly (both on the phone and otherwise).

4. If I could change anything about my RS, I would move it closer to my house :D and maybe improve the hacking.
 
Yepppp :D Been there 11 and a half years :O

1. Do you go to a riding school? Yepp

2. What do you like/dislike about it? The range of horses, there is something for everyone! As well as the fact there are 3 schools, a xc course and good hacking :)

3. Why did you choose it? It's run by a family friend!

4. What would you change about it (if anything)? I wouldn't change anything, I love it :D :D
 
I keep Charlie at a riding school, I chose to keep him there because we were there for my daughter and I liked the laid back, calm atmosphere. We moved there from another riding school because I wasn't happy with the standard of the lessons she was recieving at the last place. I have to say it is like no other rs i've ever known, the rs ponies are as well cared for as most of the liveries, and look as well....
And i can't remember the other questions :P
 
nelle48 said:
thanks :) She's doing so good :) I'll do a photo update post if you like :D Had her 2 months yesterday :)
Click to expand...
Yes please :D Congrats on your own-iversary!

DipseyDeb said:
I keep Charlie at a riding school, I chose to keep him there because we were there for my daughter and I liked the laid back, calm atmosphere. We moved there from another riding school because I wasn't happy with the standard of the lessons she was recieving at the last place. I have to say it is like no other rs i've ever known, the rs ponies are as well cared for as most of the liveries, and look as well....
And i can't remember the other questions :P
Click to expand...

That sounds like a lovely RS!

Thats what quotes are for ya silly thing :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top