How To Get More Experience Without Owning A Horse

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jrowen

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Hi all, I am very new here (and to riding) and I am after some advice from more seasoned riders. I apologise in advance for lack of horse lingo and the slightly lengthy post!!

I started riding relatively recently as my OH and her family have always had horses and I wanted to try something new. My OH doesn't have her horse anymore, but her sister and mother offered to let me ride their horses when I was a little more sure. I started with lessons at the local riding school. I had half a dozen or so lessons with the school, but found that it was getting very expensive (£45 for half an hour) so I decided to stop. My partners sister has since taken me to her yard and let me ride.

I am confident walking and I am able to trot, both rising and sitting, but I am well aware that I am not as competent yet. On the school horses I struggled to keep the horse going but find it a lot easier on a non-school horse. I have not advanced further than that at present. While my OH sister is happy taking me to the yard and teaching me, I am only going once per week as I don't want to seem like a burden. I would love to get some more experience and ride more often but do not have any idea as to how?? I know I am not competent enough to share/loan and certainly not competent enough to buy!

Any advice on the best way to get in the saddle more often would be greatly appreciated as I have certainly been bitten by the riding bug!
 
Thanks 9tails, I will certainly ask the question. I just wasn't sure if there are other ways to gain experience other than schools? i'm not after freebies, but without much experience I thought £45 was a little steep, or am I being cheap?
 
It's about the going rate for a private lesson. Can you join a group lesson which should make it cheaper, or look around for other riding schools closeby that may be better value. Until you're fairly competent it'll be difficult to find anybody willing to allow you on a private horse, as you've already found they're a lot different to school horses.
 
I would suggest group lessons as well as your money goes a bit further.

Otherwise, maybe next time you have the cash for a break away, have a look at Free Rein learn to ride holidays.
You can kill 2 birds with one stone by having a fun holiday and getting 3 full days in the saddle with instruction as well as learning about horse care.

It's not cheap I know, but I bet you'd come on leaps and bounds.

https://www.free-rein.co.uk/learn-to-ride/
 
I did free rein many years ago, the ponies are saints. Apart from Archie who was a cheeky git. If you do decide to do Free Rein, invest in a seat saver and remember to always wear gloves.
 
agree with 9tails - it sounds like your sister in law is ok with you riding, and I am sure that an offer to help with the heavy lifting would make her very happy to let you ride more often. You may also find that as you get to know more horsey people opportunities arise. If not a horse holiday is a great idea - you could look to Central Europe for some cost effective option. Good luck!
 
In order to have a share horse, you'd need to be safe and secure in the saddle. You don't need to be an expert, just competent, if you were looking for a safe hacking horse on which to progress.
It would be worth the investment to go on a trekking holiday. It's expensive but you'd get hours in the saddle on horses that know their job. You'd be able to focus on the movement of the horse without having to navigate in a small space and push the horse on. You'd also be able to get involved in horse care on a professional yard. It's good to experience different ways of doing things. Christmas is coming, you probably have enough aftershave and sweatshirts already. Point family in the right direction to contribute to a really useful present. :)
 
Winters100 said:
agree with 9tails - it sounds like your sister in law is ok with you riding, and I am sure that an offer to help with the heavy lifting would make her very happy to let you ride more often. You may also find that as you get to know more horsey people opportunities arise. If not a horse holiday is a great idea - you could look to Central Europe for some cost effective option. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Yes, help with heavy lifting etc is always welcome on a yard. If you can help out with that kind of thing you'll be invaluable!
 
It was so nice to read your post, you appear to be motivated and creative - the suggestions of group lessons are good ones as well.

There are many ways to be helpful around the yard so that it is a pleasure to have you around, also it's common courtesy.
Pick out feet, do body brushing, brush out tail and mane, check to be sure water for the horse(s) is clean and that the horse hasn't left manure in it.
These are all things that you will be doing when you have your own horse.
Be sure you put away things used during your rides, clean the tack so it's a pleasure for the next rider (you? your SIL? whomever) to take it out.
Pick up after yourself and the horses.

Best of luck to you!
 
Thank you for all the great suggestions! I will certainly be helping out around the yard and as ive been a few times now I am slowly getting to know some other people up there too so im not as nervous, especially as everyone seems so friendly!! The holiday idea sounds very interesting and I didn't know that sort of thing existed so I will definitely do some research!
 
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