Oldencraig schoolmaster lessons/ riding simulator lessons

[Stoxx]

I have two questions to ask but thought one post would do the job

Firstly, has anyone been to Oldencraig for schoolmaster lessons? Did you enjoy them? Would it be best to have them with Vicky Thompson or one of the other instructors?

Secondly, there are a few riding simulators around me now, one in Stansted and then Becky Chapman's in Suffolk, would anyone recommend one over the other?

For my birthday OH has paid for me to have some schoolmaster lessons and my parents are going to pay for me to have simulator lessons

I can't wait

 

[BigRed]

My friend had a schoolmaster lesson with Vicky Thompson. She said it was a nice horse and she enjoyed the session, but her position was criticised so she felt a bit deflated about it afterwards. It made her aware of her shortcomings as a rider, and she has competed at Medium.

I don't know how well you ride, but tell the absolute truth so they know what you are expecting from the lesson.

 

[Stoxx]

That sounds excellent! I want to be criticised!! I've just started riding again after being off for 9 months due to an operation so I feel it is the perfect time for me to sort out bad habits that I may have got into.

Also I'd like to learn some more advanced movements.

 

[Shipley]

I have been to the simulator at Becky's and it is interesting. The thing I liked about Becky's as opposed to others is that you get a computer print out and they cant lie. It also means you are not relying on an instructors eye.

Depending on money I would do both with the simulator first. I did half hour lessons in each pace.

 

[dressager]

I have pm'd you.

 

[AutumnRose]

My trainer used to have lessons with Vicky on her advanced horse, only stopped because she moved. I know she really rated her.

 

[Stoxx]

Thanks Ship, I was chatting to my instructor yesterday who also said that you got a print out from the one at Becky's. I think I may try her one as I think that would be really helpful for me. I'm concerned that due to my muscles not working correctly I may be sitting heavier on my left side without being aware of it.

 

[pocket]

A friend of mine had lessons at Oldencraig and found them really useful. I'd be interested in the simulator as I've not ridden for a year, due to an accident and I'm sure my position and balance will be crap when I return to riding in Ocotber

 

[Rhumbathunder]

Wildwoods in Epsom got one too

 

[Sanolly]

Yes to Oldencraig, no to Vicki Thompson.

 

[dressage_diva]

I used to have regular schoolmaster lessons at OEC though not with Vicki (personally she's too expensive and I found she could be quite distracted; some of the other instructors are much better teachers!). Id definitely recommend having lessons there as I learnt so much and my position definitely improved. Only thing I will say is that they do believe in using draw reins and side reins on their schoolmasters ( ) so if that bothers you then I wouldn't go there.

 

[luckyhorseshoe]

I've been to OEC for a riding holiday and i really enjoyed it. However, i found it took me a couple of lessons to learn how to cope with the movement, at 5ft1, i found it quite difficult. It was great to play with their buttons and i had lunge lessons to work on my position.

I think everyone should give it a go.

Dare i say it though it taught me that i didn't want a german horse(please don't lynch me!!) and so when i went looking for a dressage horse recently, i brought myself a 4yr old pre mare....still has great paces, but with movement i can cope with!