Mollymalloo
New User
Would anybody be able to recommend an instructor in County Down, Northern Ireland. I'm 57, very much a novice, fairly timid, have own ID mare and I am mainly interested in flatwork. Thanks
Instructor Northern Ireland
- Thread starter Mollymalloo
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Season’s Bleatings
Well-Known Member
Mark Robinson would be my choice if you can get him, he’s a really lovely guy. He has a fb page - he’s based Hillsborough direction. Whereabouts are you?
Mollymalloo
New User
I'm near Downpatrick and ideally hoping for someone who could come to me. Is about 30 mins from here to Hillsborough. More atm cos of floods! Thanks for the reply
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
@JBM Do you know of anyone up that way since you were in the north previously? 
Cortez
Tough but Fair
I don't know if she's still around, but Sandra Martin used to teach near there.
Mollymalloo
New User
Thanks. I think Sandra may only teach people that have been going to her yard for a long time.
Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
There's a good few riding clubs near you and they're all very active. I'd recommend joining one and asking for local recommendations for someone who could come to you, and maybe then think about joining some group lessons. NI Riding Clubs are a friendly bunch.
Mollymalloo
New User
Thanks, will look into that. Had always thought I was too c**p for actual riding club though..
Northern Hare
Well-Known Member
I really enjoyed the lessons I had with Alison Mastin-Moore BHSI. My horse was at livery near Hillsborough and Alison kindly came out to the yard. I was a member of the Lecale RC and they did lots of training events. 
Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
You'd be made very welcome, ours is too far away from you but you're spoiled for choice up there.
Mollymalloo
New User
Thanks, I have heard great things about Alison
Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
Is she doing much these days?I really enjoyed the lessons I had with Alison Mastin-Moore BHSI. My horse was at livery near Hillsborough and Alison kindly came out to the yard. I was a member of the Lecale RC and they did lots of training events.
Northern Hare
Well-Known Member
Hi RR, tbh I'm not sure, it might be that Alison has retired now. I always found Alison to be an excellent teacher, and very patient.
Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
She was very good but she stopped coming this way a couple of years ago and I haven't heard if she's still coaching or not up that way.Hi RR, tbh I'm not sure, it might be that Alison has retired now. I always found Alison to be an excellent teacher, and very patient.
Season’s Bleatings
Well-Known Member
Jonny or Clare Steele might also be an option? I’ve never had lessons with them myself but they are lovely people. I sent a horse to them once for some ridden work and was very happy with their approach, they are in Ballynahinch.
Mollymalloo
New User
Great idea. I have heard of them and Ballynahinch is quite close. I wonder wd either of them travel to me?
Season’s Bleatings
Well-Known Member
I suspect Clare might do more stuff out & about but not 100%! I think the easiest way to contact her might be on her fb?
Mollymalloo
New User
Will have a go!
Cherryblossom
Well-Known Member
Penny Sangster is incredible- really really understands both people and horses. I use both her and Mark Robinson- he’s got an amazing eye for details, and I learn loads from him, but when I’m feeling nervous, Penny is my go to.
smolmaus
Well-Known Member
Sandra is still around! But yes, you are correct Mollymalloo she just has her regular routine these days.
I've heard great things about Clare and Johnny Steele. And Penney! A friend is also having a great time with Heather Graham at the minute, she's Lisburn direction so not too too far away and focuses on rider confidence.
Season’s Bleatings
Well-Known Member
Oooh yes I forgot about Heather, one of my friends has lessons with her and really enjoys them.
I feel like I’ve forgotten all useful information, I haven’t had a lesson in a while due to injured horse
I feel like I’ve forgotten all useful information, I haven’t had a lesson in a while due to injured horse
smolmaus
Well-Known Member
I only have recommendations from friends and not personal experiences for the same reasonOooh yes I forgot about Heather, one of my friends has lessons with her and really enjoys them.
I feel like I’ve forgotten all useful information, I haven’t had a lesson in a while due to injured horse
