Personal Development Help!

[pineapple_pizza]

Hi guys,

I wondered if I could approach all you talented people and ask for your advice about competing 101: how to even start! Apologies it's a bit basic but I would appreciate any tips.

Essentially I learnt to sort of ride as a kid, in piecemeal lessons when we could afford it- certainly no pony club or anything. At university I managed to do a decent amount of riding but it was all hacking and trekking so whilst it was great experience, I still never learnt many technical skills.

Fast forward a few years and I'm finally in a position where I have a little bit of spends and would love to take riding a little more seriously, and start building a decent foundation where one day I might dream of buying something slightly sporty and essentially go as far as my (lacklustre!) talent and funds will take me- however modest!

My question is, what would you guys who are currently living this dream recommend I do to achieve this? I'm currently taking lessons at a local riding school (tried a few and this seemed the best) but I have a nagging feeling that this might not help me that much as their booking system is a nightmare so I can only go every fortnight, I get a different instructor each time so don't feel like I'm progressing logically, and I'm not sure the horses I'm on, whilst being lovely, have the scope to really take me further. I know that some people just want to pay for 30 minutes on a horse and are happy with that but I'm looking to learn more and make some serious progress.

Would you recommend I persevere with this, find a better place (I'm in London/Essex & Leicestershire some weekends) or really to be honest, I will need to get my own schoolmaster horse and use a trainer?

Thank you everyone- appreciate not the most exciting post on here but would love to hear from the experts!

 

[teapot]

Best options: have lessons at a decent training centre, few and far between these days but can be worth it, and will help with progression.

Then (or and) find a share that can offer lessons/hacking/possible competition, fun ride experiences.

There are two types of schoolmaster: those that will jump 1m60 or give you piaffe if you sneeze, or horses that are well schooled, mannered, but you have to ride them correctly to get the best results. The latter can be expensive to purchase, are priceless in what they can teach you, and imho some of the most rewarding to ride.

 

[LEC]

I would look to go to Germany for a week. There are a few places which specialise in intensive courses and their riding schools/set ups for this are far above what is offered here. Tbh it will probably work out better value. You would get unparalleled experience.

I keep meaning to do it but either don’t have the time or money.

 

[daydreamer]

If you can make it a bit further into Essex try Hemps green equestrian. It is a smallish training centre with very good horses and tuition.

 

[pineapple_pizza]

Best options: have lessons at a decent training centre, few and far between these days but can be worth it, and will help with progression.

Then (or and) find a share that can offer lessons/hacking/possible competition, fun ride experiences.

There are two types of schoolmaster: those that will jump 1m60 or give you piaffe if you sneeze, or horses that are well schooled, mannered, but you have to ride them correctly to get the best results. The latter can be expensive to purchase, are priceless in what they can teach you, and imho some of the most rewarding to ride.

Thank you! I think the latter is what I want eventually- I'll shall start saving now!

 

[pineapple_pizza]

If you can make it a bit further into Essex try Hemps green equestrian. It is a smallish training centre with very good horses and tuition.

Thank you- if they can give me what I'm after then it's worth the trip!

 

[pineapple_pizza]

I would look to go to Germany for a week. There are a few places which specialise in intensive courses and their riding schools/set ups for this are far above what is offered here. Tbh it will probably work out better value. You would get unparalleled experience.

I keep meaning to do it but either don’t have the time or money.

I used to live in Germany and I was always amazed by the quality of horses I would see in the fields. There was a lady who I'd see ride and she would just be in a normal field doing such beautiful movements. So thank you for a great idea- one for next year!

 

[Littlebear]

I wouldn't give up what you have as its time in the saddle, and every horse teaches you something, when I did my bhs exams I rode a tonne of school horses at numerous places and definitely got something out of each one (its just a matter of perspective). Also - I don't know your current ability but it maybe that something much more sporty may be out of your depth at the moment? Getting a big scare early on will definitely set you back so don't knock taking your time a bit.
But, if you have the funds, book a few schoolmaster lessons (contessa, quendon are both nearby ish) or an occasional course at Talland if its possible. If you can get some lunge lessons in, working on your basics, seat & balance will pay off well in the long run. I will also mention these is a lot you can do at home, easily accessible rider exercises will help you progress when you are able to ride, good luck x

 

[Sprat]

When in Leicestershire, try Witham Villa. They do lessons and from what I can gather their horses are really quite nice for riding school horses and the instructors are decent. They also do lunge lessons (I've done a few, and they were invaluable).

 

[sportsmansB]

I can't help with where close to you
But I go on a lot of riding holidays and there are several places which offer tuition as well as hacks out etc.
I always book with Zaras Planet, the ladies who run it are great and have always been spot on with recommendations for me.
Its not the cheapest option but you get great time in the saddle and if you can get cheap flights it can work really well. They have a super centre in Italy which has been recommended to me and several in Spain.

 

[pineapple_pizza]

I wouldn't give up what you have as its time in the saddle, and every horse teaches you something, when I did my bhs exams I rode a tonne of school horses at numerous places and definitely got something out of each one (its just a matter of perspective). Also - I don't know your current ability but it maybe that something much more sporty may be out of your depth at the moment? Getting a big scare early on will definitely set you back so don't knock taking your time a bit.
But, if you have the funds, book a few schoolmaster lessons (contessa, quendon are both nearby ish) or an occasional course at Talland if its possible. If you can get some lunge lessons in, working on your basics, seat & balance will pay off well in the long run. I will also mention these is a lot you can do at home, easily accessible rider exercises will help you progress when you are able to ride, good luck x

Thank you- great advice. My riding level is a bit odd in that I've got a lot of experience haring around bareback, so not really fazed by much, but no idea how to do a shoulder in. Something sporty is definitely therefore beyond me at the moment which is why I'm trying to work out the right way to raise my level. You're right that you still learn whatever you ride, but just wondering if I'm making best use of my time. I'm certainly happy to travel so the places you suggest might be great every now and then- thank you!

 

[pineapple_pizza]

When in Leicestershire, try Witham Villa. They do lessons and from what I can gather their horses are really quite nice for riding school horses and the instructors are decent. They also do lunge lessons (I've done a few, and they were invaluable).

Oo didn't know them- they look great on the website. Thank you!

 

[J&S]

Since Germany has been suggested, I would like to mention Holland. Step daughter and I rode some wonderful, well schooled horses in the north of Holland some years ago at a very large riding centre. It was not expensive, if you are interested I will get the exact area from my OH who has friends there.

 

[pineapple_pizza]

Since Germany has been suggested, I would like to mention Holland. Step daughter and I rode some wonderful, well schooled horses in the north of Holland some years ago at a very large riding centre. It was not expensive, if you are interested I will get the exact area from my OH who has friends there.

That's very kind- I'd love to know. I've always wanted to visit North Holland actually!

 

[J&S]

Hi PP sorry to keep you waiting. The small village we stayed at was Anderen. The riding centre was very near there next to a big forest area and there were several large covered riding schools. Super horses, all very professional.

 

[Equi]

You sound very driven and determined, i would look into some trainers who may be looking for projects who want someone to live in/volunteer yard work etc for lessons if you were able to. I know heather moffat offered something similar and shes quite responsive on FB messenger so she may be of help.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I used to live in Germany and I was always amazed by the quality of horses I would see in the fields. There was a lady who I'd see ride and she would just be in a normal field doing such beautiful movements. So thank you for a great idea- one for next year!

Lol this does not reflect my experience in the last 8 or so years of living here. Totally depends on the area. So I can tell you which are to not come to if you want dressage and/or quality ?

Personally, I'd be looking at Spain, but I have a strong bias