lessons at Talland

Cor

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Hi guys, I am thinking of traveling from abroad to the UK to have a series of lessons (perhaps for 3-5 days) at Talland, mostly riding lessons. Can you please suggest which instructors you would recommend for a novice rider? Also, if you have had lessons there how would you rate your overall experience?

Thanks
 
I had Tom Galler, he was good but be prepared for searing honesty!
I can be a bit lacking in confidence and am bringing on my mare, currently working novice/elem level, OH asked for me to have a reliable horse who I could spin through a few moves on - prob about elementary level, with a bit less attitude than my 'I'm not too keen on dressage' mare! Horse was sweet enough, a small stallion but the stiffest horse I have ever sat on in my life, ground his teeth through the lesson (a little off putting tbh) and fairly poor tack. I spent far too long wasting time at the start of my lesson trying to get level ish leathers from an odd pair with lots of extra holes!

I did take learnings away which is good, but it isn't an experience I would go back again for. I'm looking at heading to Matt Frosts place or to Claire Lilley for lessons instead, they are in a similar area so might be worth looking into?
 
I had lessons with Hilary and she was great.

If you are not set on Talland then this is a place I would highly recommend Arrow Equestrian - Sue NP is an absolutely brilliant instructor. The Equi-simulator is great fun as well, Accommodation is fab too.
 
You don't say what you want to concentrate on, jumping/flatwork?
I can highly recommend Ali Mills for her luge lessons and Tom Gawle. both have a really good eye and will ensure that you come away having challenged yourself and gained feel and knowledge of new movements.
Don't be overawed by the somewhat "military" initial feel of the place, especially if you see a group lesson in progress. Its a large establishment and you need rules and standards in order to get the best results. The instructors are all very friendly when you are on a one to one basis and they really want you to get the most of your experience.
I would suggest that you drop them an email explaining exactly what you are expecting to gain from your visit. It goes without saying that you should be honest about your riding ability.
I really enjoyed my two lessons and it was fascinating to watch Pammy and Charlie ride and give lessons.
 
You don't say what you want to concentrate on, jumping/flatwork?
.

Mostly dressage , but some jumping as well as I enjoy it.
I am a novice rider, and there are specific things i want to work on. E.g improve my position and focus on a more refined use of the aids, make my canter look more natural, improve my sitting trot, perfect my leg yielding and some introduction to shoulder in and quarters in.

Would lunging lessons be a good idea to have there? Is this place more suitable for the more advanced riders. Due to problems with my recently acquired horse, i am not the most confident rider at the mom... I would need instructors that would be able to encougare me and not make me feel less confident that I already am....
 
Would recommend Tom Gawler as well, he is fab, really helps your confidence but as someone else pointed out he is searingly honest, but if you want to better yourself honesty really is the best thing. Used to get shouted at frequently by him but he improved my riding no end, as did the endless lunge lessons I had with him :)
 
Talland will definitely fit the bill for you but I do recommend giving them a call to discuss your exact requirements. It is definitely not just for experienced riders - they cater to all levels. I can highly recommend Ali (especially for lunge), Richard and Hilary. (Tom is great but is no longer there). If you want a mix of flat and jumping then Gerry would also be a good choice. There is a wide range of horses. If you spend several days there then you can also gain an enormous amount just sitting on the side of the school, watching!
 
Ok guys, thanks a lot for your comments. Can you pls recommend accommodation? Which hotel or B&B is the closest to the school?
 
Re accommodation, check out the Talland website as they have some suggestions. You can also probably stay on site, but it would be a dormitory :)

You may need a car as most places are a drive away. Lovely location though, Enjoy!
 
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