Returning to riding - courses?

[Hazbo]

Hi,

I'm returning to riding and although I have tried a couple of local riding schools, i'd like to have more hands on experience, particularly in caring for horses.

As I'm newly in (about 8/10 lessons), I wondered if people could suggest the best way to gain hands on experience? I work full time, so would need to be evening/weekends.

Ideally I'd love to get to the position where I can share a horse and ultimately own my own horse in a few years time. I have looked into BHS qualifications/volunteering/etc and would love to hear people's views about different stable management/horse care qualifications/etc.

I used to spend weekends volunteering at a stable back in my teens and have gone riding on and off for the past 15 years - totally committed to learning more, so can't wait for your suggestions.

 

[Casey76]

I'm not in the UK so I'm probably out of touch. But how about a BHS horse and stable management course. Someone else will probably come along and tell you the right name as I think I got it wrong.

It's a bit like the riding stages the BHS do, but it is all about taking care of the horse and stable.

 

[B&J]

I got back into it after a 15 year break by helping out at the local riding stables at weekends (also worked full time) and the riding school was only too pleased to have an extra pair of hands. From there I took on a share horse 3 days a week for a year or so then bought my own

Also an advert on preloved or FB may help offering help in return for being shown the ropes but not necessarily riding

 

[Dunlin]

On my return to riding I started with some lessons and then helped out for a few hours at the school before my weekly lesson so got back into the whole 'caring for' side of things. I too worked full time so was there on either Saturday or Sunday and in the summer I went down in the evenings as they had lessons till late.

When I felt ready I then looked for a share at a riding school but couldn't find one suitable so found a share privately on a great yard with people willing to help me if needed. I made it patently clear to the horses owner that I was back after a long break. She shadowed me for a day and then I had a day to myself with YO keeping a watchful eye and the result was positive and I got to be the sharer. I then used my share horse to do some courses and training sessions (not BHS) with the local Riding Club.

I gave up the share and am back to a riding school now, still helping out which they love and am offered the use of RS horses to do courses, qualifications, training and even little competitions that they hold at the yard, one girl there in the same situation as me is currently studying for her BHS Stage 3 using one of the horses.

It's all about finding 'the one' be it a school or a share, it may take a while but it's out there, wishing you all the very best

 

[Wiz201]

You could volunteer with your local riding for the disabled group? That's what got me into carriage driving and I'm hooked now.

 

[[100323]]

I could offer an assisted share of my pony for somebody wanting to gain hands on experience before going solo. I have been thinking about it for a few days, and not plucked up the courage to advertise. I am about halfway between Huntingdon and Peterborough if anybody is interested.