mechanical horse lesson

[sbloom]

Definitely ideal to take your own, and to be able to balance it correctly. So often half of our efforts are in fighting the saddle so it's good to either know yours doesn't fit you optimally (though to be fair even biomechanics experts don't always have extensive knowledge of saddle fit for the rider, for good reasons) or that at least you're not fighting a saddle that absolutely doesn't fit you (ie most generic mechanical horse saddles). Still worth doing even if you do have to sit in a different saddle, but of course I see all the time the difference the saddle can make.

 

[tda]

The session I'm going to is at Wakefield RDA, West Yorkshire

 

[teapot]

I’d love to try one. They have one at Naylors near me but it’s right in the middle of the shop with a little fence around it so I’d be too embarrassed
I do need to find one though.. if anyone knows on in Glos/Oxon?

Hartpury have the very latest ones. https://estore.hartpury.ac.uk/product-catalogue/equine/event-simulator-hire-rider-performance

For anyone looking, it's worth checking the larger RDA groups too.

 

[greasedweasel]

For anyone in Edinburgh / Glasgow I would highly recommend Lorraine at Equine Translation - she is based near Harthill. Had three excellent lessons with her then sadly work has got in the way all summer and I am completely back to my bad habits (but now I am aware of them!!!) Hoping to make a concerted effort to go regularly over the winter. She is on FB.

 

[hottoddy]

The Racewood simulator training centre in based in Tarporley, Cheshire. Personally I haven’t been to it, it was set up fairly recently I think, but Racewood have cornered the market in good riding simulators.

There are training days there on your own horse plus sessions on the simulator - that sounds fascinating. If I had a current riding horse I’d certainly take that up.

ETA The weight limit for all of the Racewood simulators is 16 stone.

I teach at Racewood, it’s a fantastic facility and they are improving it all the time

 

[Kunoichi73]

I teach at Racewood, it’s a fantastic facility and they are improving it all the time

Do you have to book a session through a specific instructor or can you just book a time and get any instructor available?

 

[hottoddy]

Do you have to book a session through a specific instructor or can you just book a time and get any instructor available?

You need to contact the instructors directly and they will then book the facilities

 

[Kunoichi73]

You need to contact the instructors directly and they will then book the facilities

Thank you. I'll have to do a bit of research on each of the instructors and decide who I think would be best for me.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I teach at Racewood, it’s a fantastic facility and they are improving it all the time

That’s good to hear .

I’ve just seen this short course advertised on FB. Don’t know if this is you, ht, I’ve cut the contact and date details out so as not to get knuckles rapped for advertising, but to show what’s about.

3 Week Improve Your Position Course
At Racewood, Eaton, Tarporley CW6 9AR
Friday afternoons ********* 1.30-3.30
Wk 1 - posture analysis, static and dynamic on and off horse
Wk 2 - balance and straightness
Wk 3 - transitions and movements
Cost £100 for 3 weeks or £40 per session to be paid in advance

 

[Cragrat]

Does anyone know where the other two Eventing Racewood simulators are? Acoording to their website, there are 4 in the country - one at Racewood, and I know one is at Hartpury.

 

[teapot]

Does anyone know where the other two Eventing Racewood simulators are? Acoording to their website, there are 4 in the country - one at Racewood, and I know one is at Hartpury.

Sparsholt College has one, just outside Winchester. Rein and Shine has the other one who are Wilts way I think.

 

[tda]

Just got back from my session with the mechanical horse, it was really fun. My friend went first and she looked to be working really hard, so I did worry I might not to actually get it moving, but it was fine.
I even had a little canter on it at the end, haven't cantered in years!

Will definitely go again

 

[Spotherisk]

I’m not sure I’ll ever ride again (knackered hip, doesn’t open much) but I’m tempted by this to see if I can do it.

If I ride in my saddle again, even on a mechanical horse, I will probably cry.

 

[tda]

I’m not sure I’ll ever ride again (knackered hip, doesn’t open much) but I’m tempted by this to see if I can do it.

If I ride in my saddle again, even on a mechanical horse, I will probably cry.

Have a go, the saddle on this was lovely

 

[Spotherisk]

Tbh I didn’t mean cry from pain, I mean I KNOW I’ll cry from the pain, I meant the emotion of being on my saddle!

 

[hottoddy]

That’s good to hear .

I’ve just seen this short course advertised on FB. Don’t know if this is you, ht, I’ve cut the contact and date details out so as not to get knuckles rapped for advertising, but to show what’s about.

3 Week Improve Your Position Course
At Racewood, Eaton, Tarporley CW6 9AR
Friday afternoons ********* 1.30-3.30
Wk 1 - posture analysis, static and dynamic on and off horse
Wk 2 - balance and straightness
Wk 3 - transitions and movements
Cost £100 for 3 weeks or £40 per session to be paid in advance

It’s me

 

[Cragrat]

Sparsholt College has one, just outside Winchester. Rein and Shine has the other one who are Wilts way I think.

thank you!

 

[Nonjumper]

Reading through this post got me wondering, so I did a quick google to see if there as a mechanical horse you could have lessons on close to me, and Avon RDA have one. I must admit, I am sorely tempted.

 

[Spotherisk]

I did have a full day session via the BHS with Heather Moffett some years ago, riding all three of hers, absolutely fascinating.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I've got a half hour booked this Sunday at a local RDA, looking forward to it

I hadn't realised they hire it out. Will you let me know how that goes please? I have ridden one in Oldham/Ashton but the journey can be a bit hair-raising on foggy days like today

 

[tda]

I hadn't realised they hire it out. Will you let me know how that goes please? I have ridden one in Oldham/Ashton but the journey can be a bit hair-raising on foggy days like today

It is not permanently there, the next time will be February 2025.

I really enjoyed it, my friend went first and she looked to be working quite hard to get it moving, so i was a bit concerned i wouldnt be able to get it moving at all (it truly is mechanical, no electric parts) but once i got the hang of it, it was ok.
Big trot timing which I'm not used to , and even had a little canter at the end

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I hadn't realised they hire it out. Will you let me know how that goes please? I have ridden one in Oldham/Ashton but the journey can be a bit hair-raising on foggy days like today

Just seen your feedback. Did you just ring and book the session?

 

[tda]

https://m.facebook.com/events/487009607548091

It was thru a group that organises clinics and things, CE dressage on fb,

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

https://m.facebook.com/events/487009607548091

It was thru a group that organises clinics and things, CE dressage on fb,

Thanks

 

[MerryMaxmas]

Carrington Riding Centre, near Manchester have a Racewood one, if I can return to riding at some point I plan to have a couple of lessons on that to see how my body copes with riding again

 

[Tiddlypom]

Carrington Riding Centre, near Manchester have a Racewood one, if I can return to riding at some point I plan to have a couple of lessons on that to see how my body copes with riding again

@Pearlsasinger is Carrington RC within a reasonable drive for you?

It’s me

Aha! I came to a dismounted Rider Reboot workshop that you hosted . I am very interested in your sessions at Racewood, but am currently still too wobbly post Covid bout #4 to safely attend. Will defo be looking out for future blocks of sessions though.

 

[QuobAsti]

In the past i had some lessons on a mechanical horse on springs that you had to make move
It was really interesting and enjoyable
I'd love to do it again

 

[SheriffTruman]

Tomorrow is my final Joker lesson. Yesterday when I rode my horse, a few things really clicked. Because I moved with him much better, I could feel his movements much clearer. There was much more body awareness. Hard to explain, but great to feel. For instance, I now clearly feel which hind leg is moving and can cue my aids accordingly. Very happy so far.

I would love to ride a racing simulator one day, just for fun.