Dressage lessons/riding schools near Epsom

[Splishsplash]

I am in the process of moving to Epsom and am hoping that someone may be able to recommend a good place to have regular dressage lessons.

I have previously ridden at medium level (albeit a few years ago now so quite rusty...I was last riding regularly about 8 months ago, but not to that level) and would love to get back into my lateral work properly so am looking for somewhere which could offer this. I am however a slightly tricky customer unfortunately! I have some problems with my airway following cancer surgery so I need a horse that is off the leg but still sensible (I run out of puff very quickly if I'm having to do strenuous exercise and always will, no matter how fit I am, but also would hate to run out of air to deal with a horse that is having a big tantrum).

Any suggestions would be very gratefully received as I'm missing being in the saddle. I realise Oldencraig is comparatively nearby, but it is just so very expensive...!

 

[Shay]

There are several high level dressage yards around here and also several good dressage instructors. But are you looking at a riding school?

Oldencraig is only comparatively nearby if you have a car! You could also look at Wellington -although that is about 20 mins further (depending on where in Epsom you are..) Epsom does have an active RDA school who certainly would have horses suitable to your needs but I don't know if you would be eligible.

Kingston RS and Wildwoods are both BHS test centers. Kingston to stage 2 and Wildwoods to stage 3. I don't know if they do top quality dressage lessons specifically. Silvermere had a good range of horses when I was last there -but that was some time ago. I don't know what they have now.

You could look at Angel Farm and see if you are attracted by what they offer. To me it is rather low level but they are a very welcoming an supportive bunch.

Riding lessons a round here are very expensive I'm afraid....

 

[Splishsplash]

Thanks Shay. I'll have a look at the places you suggest.

Yes I should have been clearer, sorry. My horse is retired now so I need somewhere that provides the horse, not just the lessons! I do have a car so can travel and will be based on the Ewell side of Epsom.

I don't think my airway problem qualifies me for RDA. Essentially my airway is narrowed so it's a little bit like breathing through a straw the whole time (it's very frustrating!) but I don't need any assistance with oxygen or anything else to help me breathe. I have ridden sharp horses and riding school plods (and some inbetween!) since the airway problem started and have been fine. I just struggle more on the lazy horses as they obviously require more effort to get going and I get very breathless and need to have a rest. I'm fine to sit out isolated spooks, bucks etc still, but can't canter for more than a couple of laps of a school at a time so would struggle with a prolonged tantrum or bolting as the last thing you want in either of those situations is to realise you have no oxygen left to deal with the situation!