Hertfordshire riding schools for beginners?

HollyWoozle

HollyWoozle

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www.farandride.com
My fiancé is interested in learning to ride but as some of you might have guessed, my horse Belle is not really beginner friendly!

We live in Hatfield and I'd like to find a friendly, easy-going riding school for him to maybe start getting some lessons. He is French but speaks near perfect English so that shouldn't be a problem, as long as instructors can be patient if he doesn't hear them first time etc. He is 6ft, less than 12 stone and quite fit and healthy so there should be no issues there.

I've been to Contessa riding school myself a few times and it's good but quite pricey. We don't need anything flash, as long as they are friendly, take care of their horses and can do the job (though I know that we're going to have to spend quite a bit of money anywhere really).

Does anybody have any suggestions of places they have been and would recommend?

Many thanks.

*French pastries for all those reading*
 
Check the BHS and Association of British Riding Schools web sites to check for approved places, which at least ensures a minimum standard.
 
Contessa is the obvious recommendation. I suppose the obvious question is will a beginner learn quicker in that environment rather than a more basic riding school

I'm having some schoolmaster lessons there at present.

I sat on one of their "novices" horses for my assessment, and would be very happy for my OH to learn on such a horse.
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great suggestions, I'm very grateful. I really think that Antoine will love horse riding (he really takes an interest but is a little nervous around horses). If he goes for it then I will try and get a photo of him on a horse at some point!
 
There's Courtlands in Titmore Green, Stevenage. It's got a website and is very easy to reach just off the A1M, Hitchin turnoff. It has an indoor school, a selection of sizes and they do hacks as well for those that are good enough.
 
I'm a fan of Courtlands too, I learn there and have introduced friends as well... Very safe, good variety of horses, and fun. A bit old school in terms of discipline, and very aware of the horses wellbeing!
 
mtj said:
Contessa is the obvious recommendation. I suppose the obvious question is will a beginner learn quicker in that environment rather than a more basic riding school

I'm having some schoolmaster lessons there at present.

I sat on one of their "novices" horses for my assessment, and would be very happy for my OH to learn on such a horse.
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I used to think that Contessa was good - although more efficient than friendly - but having had a bad fall there and found that, having packed me off to hospital in ambulance, they haven't even had the courtesy to get in touch to see how how I am I have revised my opinion. Frankly, I think they see clients as nothing more than a necesary evil to maintain cashflow.
 
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