Mechanical Horse/Riding Simulator in Cambs?

[HollyWoozle]

Does anybody know of anywhere near to me (South Cambs) which offers mechanical horse lessons please?

Local riding stables can’t fit me in for normal riding lessons and I would find it hard to fit regular sessions in. I thought it might be fun to try a mechanical horse and to learn more about my position etc. Can’t find anything close to me with Google unfortunately.

 

[ester]

The college at milton does but a bit intermittently I think. I had a lesson on it for the first time a few weeks back and it was really interesting.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Lucy Mcwilliam with Barney used to be based in Bedfordshire not sure where she is now though, as not been to her for years she is really good I used her after my accident.

Maybe Google her she used to be on Facebook.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Nowhere near Cambs, sorry, but just that while I find mechanical horses sessions really helpful and interesting, IMHO it's worth having longer than a 30 minute session. And take your own saddle, if you have one.

 

[catembi]

Great post…watching with interest. I am pretty much grounded atm due to sicknote horses, save for 20 minutes a day on my old TB, I can’t face going to a riding school and this would be a way of working on myself while saving up for #5. I have something in mind so will check it out and post again if successful. I am north Beds and used to be S Cambs so not far from you

 

[HollyWoozle]

Thanks all. I hardly ride at all these days - own horse is retired. I ride abroad a few times a year with work (sell riding hols) and I’ve hacked out a little NF mare a few times this year to help someone out but that’s it. I’ve not had proper regular lessons in nearly 20 years but I would still like to be a better rider, even if it’s just for those few times a year. And I’m interested in the mechanics of it all generally.

 

[HollyWoozle]

@catembi ahh hi! I understand… family keep 5 unrideable horses and ponies at home in Central Beds then I live just across the border. I’ve enquired with a few local riding schools but most only cater to children or are simply booked up or don’t reply (plus I have limited time and finances). I thought the odd ride on a simulator would help keep me motivated and learning.

ETA: I did have two lessons at Contessa maybe 15 years ago and they were a totally demoralising experience. I find the idea of a mechanical horse more appealing than a standard riding lesson too somehow!

 

[Tiddlypom]

I'm just a bog standard rider who finds mechanical horse sessions really useful.

Being able to see in the mirrors what mischief my body is up to during the sessions is valuable additional feedback .

Re wearing the crash hat, I did wear it on Rocky as there was some discussion as to whether it was a requirement of the equestrian centre where he is stabled.

 

[catembi]

I feel your pain HW with four unrideables! I have messaged the person I had in mind.

I am really intimidated by the idea of going to a riding school. All those people, I wouldn’t know how they do things, might not be friendly etc! I am a wimp!

 

[catembi]

The lady does do mechanical horse lessons but in Harwich, which is 104 miles/2 hours from here, according to GoogleMaps. Back to the drawing board!

 

[Kunoichi73]

I feel your pain HW with four unrideables! I have messaged the person I had in mind.

I am really intimidated by the idea of going to a riding school. All those people, I wouldn’t know how they do things, might not be friendly etc! I am a wimp!

I would give the RS a try. I restarted my lessons just before covid, at a point were my anxiety was off the scale (hadn't realised that it was perimenopausal, and so wasn't being treated). It was a really difficult decision to make, to force myself to do something new and stressful but I haven't regretted it. All the instructors are lovely. I know I'm in a slightly different position as a non-horse owner, but if you need a riding fix, it's worth the initial nerves - if you can find a school that suits you.

That all said, I'd love to have a mechanical horse session occasionally to see if what issues it picks up.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Lucy Mcwilliam with Barney used to be based in Bedfordshire not sure where she is now though, as not been to her for years she is really good I used her after my accident.

Maybe Google her she used to be on Facebook.

Only teaches in Lincolnshire now but thanks for the thought.

 

[Laurac13]

Becky Chapman at ashen equestrian centre in Sudbury Suffolk used to do mechanical horse lessons I went years ago it was fab not sure if she still does? Probably around 40 Miles south Cambs.

 

[HollyWoozle]

The college at milton does but a bit intermittently I think. I had a lesson on it for the first time a few weeks back and it was really interesting.

I’ve found some dates which have been and gone but nothing for the future yet. Will keep my eyes peeled though, thanks!

 

[cauda equina]

Witcham EC has a mechanical horse

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Only teaches in Lincolnshire now but thanks for the thought.

I did think she had moved but wasn't sure where.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Witcham EC has a mechanical horse

Ooh thanks!

 

[honetpot]

Equestrian Centre

cwa.ac.uk

Dressage Simulator with Classroom
Prior to use coaches must undertake an initial training session with us at £35.00 and must be a fully insured coach

 

[FestiveFuzz]

It might be a bit far for you, but I had a couple of lessons with Katherine Walter on steady Eddy over at the playbarn in Poringland, Norwich. Katherine was great and I found it super useful to be able to spend some time solely focused on my riding without having to think about what the horse is doing.

 

[shortstuff99]

Witcham riding stables has a mechanical horse and is in Cambs http://www.witchamec.co.uk/facilities.php

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I'm currently in the process of booking a session in Leicestershire. Hoping to go end of this week!! Never done one before so really looking forward to it!!

 

[HollyWoozle]

Thank you all for the info. I’ve bought a gym ball off eBay too - my hips and back aren’t great and figured I can do a few exercises on there to carry over to riding as well.