London HHO'ers?

Esme

Esme

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Joined
10 April 2008
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243
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London
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Hi All,

I'm a serial lurker on here but hope you don't mind me sticking a quick post on! Also not sure if this is ok in here or if soapbox would've been more appropriate, but we'll see I guess(!)...

Anyway, I've always spent a lot of time/worked in London, and made the decision to move here full time a few years ago, which obviously meant giving up horses. Since then aside from the odd ride with friends when I go back up to visit, I've had no interaction whatsoever and really, really miss it!

I have looked into a couple of yards and riding schools but can't really justify the cost when tbh I've never really had an enjoyable 'riding school' experience, so was thinking about volunteer work to get my horsey fix? Do any of you have any experience (good or bad!), or suggestions of where to try?

I've also really, really struggled to meet people down here and build myself a 'life' outside of work and my OH (who understandably struggles with the lack of independence), so thought volunteering might be a good way of meeting some new people?

Would be really good to hear from any of you with experience of either volunteering or meeting new people in the area anyway. Thanks in advance! :)


ETA: Totally forgot to say I live and work in the Farringdon area, so not too difficult to get around anywhere :)
 
Why don't you look into a share? Rough guide is that sharers at where I am in Surrey look to pay around the £150 -£175 a month to ride 1 -2 days a week and 1 day at the weekend. Horse is on part livery and hacking is very good. I would expect to pay less if it was a horse on DIY but then you would have to committ to the actual chores/fixed times. Its been a long time since I lived in North London but there a lot of people on here who are up that way who can recommend yards or tack shops to look for ads. Alternatively, put up an ad yourself in said tack shops or contact the local riding clubs and see if you can put a notice up in their newsletter. Good luck!
 
That's a really good idea that I just totally hadn't considered! Thanks. Will have to have a serious look at the budget (or just stop internet shopping...) but will certainly look into it and local yards. Thanks again!
 
Yeah, that would be really nice :). It's simple things like going for a drink that you really take for granted/i miss most when you don't know anyone nearby! Are you on Facebook? There should be a link to mine in my profile if you want to add me on there and give us a shout when you're free? :)
 
PeterNatt said:
There are several yards in London who would love to have additional volunteers such as The Wormwood Scrubbs Pony Centre (which has a large purpose built indoor arena) and Interaction in Kentish Town.
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Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre is the one I've been trying to remember all day! They have an RDA there too don't they? Never heard of Interaction, but will have a look. Thanks :)
 
Hello :) I live in London too. I'm South West though. Its totally possible to combine London and horses - I've had my mare in and around London for ten years and its been a great way to meet people. She is currently at grass livery out in surrey which is only a 25 min train from waterloo (I work in Holborn).

Sharing could be a good idea for you - maybe look for a big, sociable yard to meet people? I've never volunteered but these guys sound good http://www.vauxhallcityfarm.org/ as do these http://www.mudchute.org/support-us/volunteering. Or how about another animal? These guys are amazing http://www.hershamhounds.org.uk/, not your area but there must be somewhere near you that is similar. I know they're always looking for people to help walk the dogs
 
maggie123 said:
Hello :) I live in London too. I'm South West though. Its totally possible to combine London and horses - I've had my mare in and around London for ten years and its been a great way to meet people. She is currently at grass livery out in surrey which is only a 25 min train from waterloo (I work in Holborn).

Sharing could be a good idea for you - maybe look for a big, sociable yard to meet people? I've never volunteered but these guys sound good http://www.vauxhallcityfarm.org/ as do these http://www.mudchute.org/support-us/volunteering. Or how about another animal? These guys are amazing http://www.hershamhounds.org.uk/, not your area but there must be somewhere near you that is similar. I know they're always looking for people to help walk the dogs
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Yeah, I had a look at those two yards (or their websites anyway) earlier and thought they looked nice so have popped them an email and might give them a call in the week.. Some gorgeous dogs on Hersham Hounds! I've got a whippet and greyhound/staffie cross at my mum's, who I miss like mad, so have definitely been considering dog walking or the like. Tried Battersea but they didn't have any suitable shifts so am still searching - real shame that one isn't closer! Thanks for the info though :)
 
Hi there. :D

I'm jumping in because I'm horsey and about to move to Seven Sisters, whereas most of my friends are in Kent. Perhaps we could organise a horsey chat and drinks session one night - I'd love to make some new friends, particularly as I'm also looking into buying a horse to keep here in London.
 
I work in Farringdon and keep my pony on grass livery in chorleywood (on the met line).

My instructor also teaches at Littlebourne equestrian center

http://www.littlebournefarm.com/

I have not ridden there myself but they have loads of activities and people can hire the school horses for competitions, they do all day picnic rides and there is even a riding club run there using the school horses. You can get there by public transport.

Here is the info about the riding club which uses the school horses

http://www.sportstation.co.uk/clubs/HarrowDistrictRidingClub/index.php
 
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I am a London HHOer! I live in the SW, started sharing in 2009, progressed to loaning at the start of 2011 and have now joined the owners club as of a fortnight ago :D

It's a slippery slope...kind of like heroin...but with better accessories! :rolleyes:
 
Mount Mascals in Bexley Village (about 25 mins from south east London) is a good one to try, although is too busy for everyone's taste. Lovely horses to introduce you back into riding. Try going on a week day though, you'll have the arena to yourself. Weekends on the other hand are very busy. Cheaper prices (£30 for private lesson) than most in London, eg Hyde Park Stables is £90 for an hour hack!

A quieter much small yard, Slades, is down the road (and I mean literally down the road) which I think is just liveries, and I think you can share too.
 
I live in London and keep two neddies in Essex. One used to be at the Mudchute for a couple of years in working livery ... I work near St Pauls if you fancy meeting up for lunch? Or even come out and help exercising the beasts one evening (I am on my own most of the time so help is welcome :-)
 
Hi All,

I work for Ebony Horse Club in Brixton and we provide inner city riding lessons to help develop the life skills of children and young people living in the borough of Lambeth.

We are super keen for any volunteers to come along and help out. We currently have a really nice set of young professionals giving their time across so is a great social experience as well.

If you're interested, you're more than welcome to send me an email across to jaime@ebonyhorseclub.org.uk for any further information.

http://www.ebonyhorseclub.org.uk/
 
God I feel so rude! Couldn't find this thread after a couple of days and never came back to check it. Thanks so much for all the other suggestions!

JLF - I'll have a proper look and quite possibly get in touch!

muffinmunsh - That's such a kind offer! Where about in Essex are yours? I did briefly look into livery-ing out there, but didn't really get far past the cost of extra travel(!) and would've had to move house. Always up for lunch or a drink too, just give me a shout :)

lilyoftheincas & SO1 - Thanks so much for the suggestions and taking the time to reply! I'll look into them!

arizonahoney - Hope you're enjoying ownership :D. Despite all the hard work (and expense!) I do miss it so much!

Aces_High - Thanks! If you don't think she'd mind (or think I was a crazy London-people-stalker!) I might do that :)

Goblins - Horsey drinks and chat would be fantastic! Let me know if you still fancy it :). Did you have any luck with looking into buying?
 
Chingford is not too far to get to, about 25 minutes on the train from Liverpool Street, and has loads of yards and great hacking in Epping Forest. There's always plenty of shares available. I live here and keep my horse here, and love it.

Just a thought!
 
Hi esme am a fellow Londoner, work in canary wharf and just moved from Holborn out to loughton Essex so I can have my horse nearby! He isn't here yet but I ride out in Epping forest on a weekend with high beech riding school- its reasonably priced and the hacks are really good fun. You are very welcome to come ride my boy when he gets here- I've been 4 years here and know how it feels without horses to keep me busy! Also know all about making new friends- its a funny old city at times! If you ever fancy some after work drinks il be glad to come meet you!
 
Oh and meant to add there is a RDA centre in loughton Essex, about 10 min walk from central line tube and they are always looking for volunteers at the weekend if that was something that might interest you!
 
Hi
I'm from Oz too. I lived here previously for 4 years (6years ago) and moved back to Oz for personal reasons. I'm now happily back and living in SW London for the foreseeable future (OH'S job pending) and proud owner of a new neddy who I keep on part livery in Surrey, a 30 min drive away. (I'm next door to a livery yard here in London but the costs are prohibitive and no turnout which doesn't suit my boy as he gets stroppy 24/7 in a stable.
I must say I've made more friends in the 7 weeks since I bought my horse than in the previous 4 years I was here.
Everyone has been incredibly helpful and welcoming (even if they do struggle to understand and my muddled Oz/sort of British accent).
If you are planning to live here long term (visa permitting) then there is no reason you can't buy/share a horse and live in London.
It's not cheap unless you keep them on grass, but the hacking is great and much more horsey oriented here than back home.
Would love to meet up for a drink or two.
 
elliefiz & Loulabelle007 - There's some lovely places in Chingford and Loughton. Loughton has almost tempted me out of Farringdon a few times but I've alway been a bit worried about the transport costs for work, and didn't know anyone with horses out there to advise on whether is was feasible or where to try/avoid! Will definitely look into the RDA there too. At the minute I've got a horse up back at home (Leicester) to ride at weekends, but I can't make it every weekend and would love to help the RDA.

Gusbear & elliefiz - I'm always up for drinks! Haha. Think there's a link to my FB in my profile if that's easier, just give me a shout when you're around :).
Glad you're enjoying horsey life over here Gusbear. I've always lived here (not sure where the Oz thing came from? Sorry!) so definitely long term. Would absolutely love my own down here but I'd probably need to win the lottery first! Had been looking more centrally and stabled though, so good to hear there's some hope of finding somewhere more affordable!
 
Esme - you could be living my life, except I'm south of the river! I leave London at the weekends to see the horse! Some weekends I end up stuck in the smoke though so thanks for the thread as its given me some great ideas! Not sure if any of the voluntary places would appreciate irregular help though...

Would definitely be up for a drink with fellow Londoners...
 
Hello London peeps! I'm north of the river and keep my boy in Herts. I started out doing riding lessons at trent park on the picc line but v swiftly moved on to having my own.

It is possible to own a horse and live/work although it's expensive and I never ride as much as I would like! But it's what keeps me sane!

Sharing would be a great way to get back into the horsey world. Tack shops and local livery yards, and just getting the word out, might help you find something. Volunteering at a riding school also sounds like a good idea.

And like others said, be warned as it's addictive!

Arizona - how exciting you've got a horse!! Have you posted piccies so we can all coo over the new addition :)
 
Goblins said:
Hi there. :D

I'm jumping in because I'm horsey and about to move to Seven Sisters, whereas most of my friends are in Kent. Perhaps we could organise a horsey chat and drinks session one night - I'd love to make some new friends, particularly as I'm also looking into buying a horse to keep here in London.
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I work in London but keep my two horses in Kent -I like making new horsey friends too :)
 
I'm from London too, S E London to be precise!

There are loads of places for getting your riding fix - I do recommend getting in touch with Mudchute for volunteering and I remember knowing people from Ebony Riding Club when I was younger. I think they used to come and ride at my stables before they got their own land. We may even have gone to the same competitions.

Have you tried looking at Frogpool/Speedwell Saddlery for sharers, groom help etc?
 
Hi...
I have just moved out of London, but when I lived there I used to keep my horse at a place called Aldersbrook, the nearest station is Manor Park overground which you can get from Liverpool st, so close to Farringdon.
The people there are absolutely lovely and have a lot of people that help out, they are always looking for more and once they get to know you I would imagine there would be opportunities to ride some of the horses.
I found it a struggle to find somewhere that actually gave you the time of day in London... But this place is soooo friendly... It's worth giving them a ring to see what they say, I'd speak to Julie she generally sorts out the helpers!
Good luck! Hope you get your horsey fix!
 
Hi ya I have a yard outside of London you could always come down to visit unfortunately not always something to ride as I break and produce show horses and some of the clients don't want any one else to ride them but your welcome to come and groom etc If you wanted ? Feel free to pop me a email sbrownshowhorses@hotmail.comor add me on face book :)
 
Definitely recommend sharing as a way to get back into it.
I rode at riding schools (Belmont and then Trent Park when the former closed) then started sharing a horse at Frith Manor.
Moved on to getting my own horse and decided that I wanted better countryside and turnout and moved him out to Herts.
There are so many yards within easy reach of London and alot of people who want help and someone to ride their horse a couple of days a week. Would cost about the same as a one hour lesson and you get to do alot more.

Plus you get to meet people too.
 
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