Riding in London

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Aliwalig

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Hi

I'm a long time lurker/reader but rarely post. However I was hoping some of you could help. I've just moved to London (Lewisham, boyf in Barnes) and was looking for somewhere to go riding. I'm experienced but rust having not done much in the last five years beyond the occasional lesson. Is anyone able to suggest somewhere that is not too expensive and good. By not too expensive, I know its still going to cost a decent whack.

thanks in advance

Ali (super lurker!)
 
Hi Ali, I've ridden at many riding schools in London/Essex with varying quality! I won't bash the bad ones as I don't think it's really fair but here's my analysis:

There are 2 in Wimbledon/Richmond that would be in easy reach from Barnes but I would say not worth the extortionate prices. Stay clear of Hyde Park too!

Trent Park is near Oakwood tube out of North London, would be harder to get to and fairly pricey but have a very wide range of horses - many I fell in love with! Some fantastic confidence-giving jumping horses, good facilities and nice instructors.

One nearer to Lewisham is Mudchute Farm, heard good things but not sure of prices.

One not too far is Lee Valley which I would recommend - very reasonable prices, around £25 for a group, and private lessons were surprisingly reasonable too. Liked the instructors here too.

Hope this is helpful - it took a lot of trial and error to find places I liked!
 
benji123 said:
There are 2 in Wimbledon/Richmond that would be in easy reach from Barnes but I would say not worth the extortionate prices.
!
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If you are referring to Kingston riding school I totally agree. However, if you are referring to Ham House stables I'd have to disagree. I ride at Ham house and have to say the instruction is fantastic. Its not cheap at £60 for 45 mins private but its worth every penny. The emphasis is on the correct seat and position etc and how these effect the horse. You'll be taken back to basics with plenty of lunge lessons. If you go onto their website theres links to articles that the instructor has penned. They'll give you an idea as to the flavour of the lessons.

You might be able to get a bus from barnes or richmond station.
 
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benji123 said:
Hi Ali, I've ridden at many riding schools in London/Essex with varying quality! I won't bash the bad ones as I don't think it's really fair but here's my analysis:

There are 2 in Wimbledon/Richmond that would be in easy reach from Barnes but I would say not worth the extortionate prices. Stay clear of Hyde Park too!

Trent Park is near Oakwood tube out of North London, would be harder to get to and fairly pricey but have a very wide range of horses - many I fell in love with! Some fantastic confidence-giving jumping horses, good facilities and nice instructors.

One nearer to Lewisham is Mudchute Farm, heard good things but not sure of prices.

One not too far is Lee Valley which I would recommend - very reasonable prices, around £25 for a group, and private lessons were surprisingly reasonable too. Liked the instructors here too.

Hope this is helpful - it took a lot of trial and error to find places I liked!
Click to expand...

TPEC is pricey, but very close to underground station. I have many friends whom teach, or taught there. I was a client for years until I moved.

Lee Valley is also very good.

Wimbledon Village stables seems to have a good rep too, also had friends work/train here.

I also have a friend who helps manage Littlebourne EC in Harefield too, but again may be too far for you.
 
Near to lewisham is mottingham riding school in mottingham, willowtree riding school in lee green and dulwich used to have a riding school but not sure if it is still there.
 
Rhubarb said:
If you are referring to Kingston riding school I totally agree. However, if you are referring to Ham House stables I'd have to disagree. I ride at Ham house and have to say the instruction is fantastic. Its not cheap at £60 for 45 mins private but its worth every penny. The emphasis is on the correct seat and position etc and how these effect the horse. You'll be taken back to basics with plenty of lunge lessons. If you go onto their website theres links to articles that the instructor has penned. They'll give you an idea as to the flavour of the lessons.

You might be able to get a bus from barnes or richmond station.
Click to expand...

I had Kingston in mind, not heard of Ham House but it looks beautiful - will have to try it when I move back to London!
 
Am i right in thinking Ham House is Minette Rice-Edwards?
I was Yard Manager at Manor Farm a posh livery yard and riding school owned by Lilo Blum just next to Ham Polo and i used to take every opportunity to grab one of our horses and go down for lessons with Minette in her beautiful outdoor menage when ever i could. this was over 20 years ago!

Id thoroughly recommend her.
 
Well I think too it's what sort of riding you want. I was in Wimbledon today for most of the day and saw the riding school go out 6 times and of course not the same horses every time. They all looked really well, excellent feet and tack, all riding very safely with great courtesy to all other road users. BUT it looked simply deadly dull, all more or less one behind the other even on the common and the horses looked like robots. Yes yes I know they have to be 100% especially as police cars etc scream past but it made realise how lucky I am to have a bit of a handful to ride in glorious countryside.I'd rather ride once or twice a month out of the Big Smoke . Good luck in your search
 
Thanks so much everyone. Jenniedream, thats exactly the kind of place I want to avoid. Sounds great, but just not for me. I'll give Ham House a call and check out Mottingham.

thanks again
 
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