Riding lessons in central scotland...

[want_to_learn]

I'd like to learn to ride in central Scotland - problem is that I am 6'1" and weight approx 14.5st. Whenever I call any of my local stables they tell me that they don't have any horses that can take my weight.

(I think part of the problem is that when they hear a weight of 14.5st an image of a big round person pops into their head - which I am not by any means!)

I understand that problem - that a much bigger horse would be needed - which would make teaching very difficult.

Does anyone know if there are any stables in Scotland that would be able to give me lessons?

 

[flying solo]

They're not my cup of tea but what about Tower Farm or Lasswade? They used to have big Cobs and cater of all shapes and sizes.

Have you tried turning up to a stable yard and 'enquiring'? That way they would be able to see you in the flesh

 

[Silverspring]

Houston Farm Riding school in Uphall (near Livingston) will have plenty of suitable horse for someone of your height. I don't see your weight being an issue at all, a well built 15.2hh could carry you with ease

 

[want_to_learn]

Great suggestions - thank you!
Had a look at the web-sites for both of these and they mention that they can cater for everyone!

Both Edinburgh based though - I am in Glasgow - but would be prepared to travel if it was my only option!

 

[want_to_learn]

Great - thank you - that's even closer!

Houston Farm Riding school in Uphall (near Livingston) will have plenty of suitable horse for someone of your height. I don't see your weight being an issue at all, a well built 15.2hh could carry you with ease

 

[tinuviel]

Hey, I've ridden at Tower and Houston (current RS). I know Houston have an official weight limit of 14 stone but think that may be flexible. There are a couple of folk I see regularly there that am pretty sure are a quite a bit heavier than me and am 13 stone. Tower also is very likely to have something that will carry you. Not sure about Lasswade, I steer well clear of the place. I've not ridden anywhere further west than Houston so can not comment on anywhere else. As mentioned before maybe its best they see you to make a judgement.

 

[Chestnuttymare]

If you go to houston, make sure you get a private lesson or a shared one. The group lessons go round a small school, nose to tail with girls in the middle swinging whips to make the horses move.
The private lessons with Anne are quite good though.

 

[Bosworth]

have you had a look at Kingsbarn, Shieldhill, Falkirk? Phenomenal facilities and I did watch a couple of lessons there about a month ago and it seemed good. Not local and only was there for an hour or so so someone local may have more info

 

[JenTaz]

Tannoch is good for lessons, i had a few private ones there at the time my best friend was working there and i had stayed at hers for a week, and i thought they were really good, in cumbernauld. Erm not sure where else in glasgow area tbh, i know oatridge does riding lessons, but thats closer to livingston than glasgow

 

[tinuviel]

If you go to houston, make sure you get a private lesson or a shared one. The group lessons go round a small school, nose to tail with girls in the middle swinging whips to make the horses move.
The private lessons with Anne are quite good though.

I go to Houston and have group lessons and have never ridden nose to tail in the small school! May have happened years ago before the large indoor school was built but not now. Think the wee kiddies lessons and novice riders lessons may take place in the small school. My class work open order in the larger indoor school or out in the working hunter paddock, and we work hard, they'll teach you how to ride properly! However what I will say is Houston is very popular, it is very busy so I'd go for private lessons for the simple fact the group lessons are pretty much running at maximum. I only remain in the group lessons cause we've all become friends in my group.