Riding school: the Final Decision

T

Toz

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Hi
So, over the past few weeks I've been posting on here a bit about a potential change in riding school...
Here's a bit of background for those who haven't seen it...

I wanted to get more hands-on with some horses. I asked at current stable (let's say yard A) if I could help out. They, in short, said no.
So I looked around, and someone suggested this new stable (I'll call it yard B) which seems to encourage that type of thing more.
So I booked in at yard B, had a lesson, and was on a very slow horse, so had a bit of a difficult time concentrating and thinking if yard B was up to scratch.
I then went and had a pretty good lesson at yard A.
So this evening, I had a lesson at yard B again, and it was really good! I was on a more energetic and characterful horse, so I could really think about the stable themselves.
My mum (just to get this out the way, I'm not old enough to have my own house or anything!!!) also rides at yard A but she hasn't been enjoying it as much recently, so was thinking she might stop for a bit.
I'm worried that, if I move, she won't ever ride again... Because of me. I don't know if she would ride at yard B, the only reason she started at yard A was because I went and some parents of other riders in my lesson wanted to ride as well. I'm worried that by moving, I am stopping her riding.

So advantages of yard A:
1. My mum can carry on riding
2. The yard is ever so slightly more focussed on better riding, pointing out positions etc.
3. Groups are smaller when riding
4. Takes less time to get there


Advantages of yard B:
1. £7 cheaper!!! Makes a big difference!!!
2. Horses in better condition. There is a question mark over this, just an observation in passing that they are better groomed, I didn't vet them or anything!!
3. More relaxed lessons with better choice. We could choose to do what we wanted basically!!! A chilled atmosphere.
4. More hands-on with the horses! Turning out, etc.
5. Groups are sorted out better, in order of age and ability combined.
6. Everyone seems more relaxed, but in order too, with all the lead ropes rolled up, and we used halters to turn them out, rather than bridles!!!
7. Indoor, though small ish school, and two outdoors, one 60x20m, not sure about other one.
8. Organised- horses aren't tacked up at last minute, they are tied up in the mounting area ready for riders.


I know it kind of looks obvious from the amount of points, but I want someone else's opinion. What do you think? Are there things I haven't thought of? I will happily answer questions you think I should be considering.
Sorry for the really long post, it is quite complicated!
I hope that makes sense, thanks for any replies!!!
 
Yard B! Keep encouraging your Mum with stories of how much fun you are having there, encourage her to come with you and watch your lesson, and if it is meant to be, she will take to riding there too. (But just in case, don't burn your bridges at Yard A) :)
 
ok here's another tactic to try Toz... my daughter is now 18 and in under a month (sob!) she is going to leave home to be an au pair overseas :( I will miss her SO MUCH!! Perhaps you can be dastardly and remind your Mum that you will be leaving home one day and wouldnt it be nice to spend lots of time together while you still live at home, eg going to the same riding school etc... Its a bit of a low tactic but mums do fall for stuff like that :)
 
Could you try alternating weeks at each for a couple of months? See which you click with?

I think it is lovely you are worried about your mum stopping riding if you move yards, yet you said she wasn't much enjoying Yard A anyway and was thinking of taking a break anyway. Maybe a change of yard and meeting new parents at Yard B (if you do decide you want to ride there) might spark her interest up again?

As for slow horse in the first lesson - I would imagine they were trialing you on the schools bombproof number. I know I spent several weeks on the school 'plod' when first starting out my last riding school before being allowed onto anything with any fizz!
 
Does it matter if your mum does decide to stop riding? I think it's super that she's got involved in something you love so much but perhaps if she's not really enjoying it as you say, then riding is not for her. I'm presuming she will still take you for your lessons? If B are happy to let you help out and learn then I would go there - perhaps you could help out on a weekend day too if your parents allow? If you want to do horsey things then a good idea is to ask your local riding club if they need some help at club nights or competitions if your parents don't mind. Our riding club has lots of junior members and I know we are always pleased to have helpers. You will learn a lot and meet lots of people who love horses as much as you - you never know, you may find someone who would like some help with their pony. I have an older pony that I'm always happy for people to hack out on with me. I like the company :)
 
I'd go for lessons at yard B. Once your mum is there watching you she might be tempted to book a lesson. Or you could try the old money thing (it usually works with us mums). If you both book a lesson you would be saving £14 s its £7 cheaper each. ;):D
 
Ok, thanks for all the help! The money is a good idea to help convince. Think yard B is best for me overall
Thank you everyone for helping me, somehow this is a very big decision, because my week revolves around my weekly ride :)
 
Yard B definitely. You will learn so much more from lessons where you ride properly in charge of your horse, rather than always doing things together or front-horse-rides-to-the-back etc. You will essentially be learning to school the horse as well as work on yourself. Plus the horse care side will be invaluable if you decide to part loan or buy your own horse later. Your mum is an adult and perfectly capable of deciding for herself if she wants to ride or not. You won't be stopping her.
 
Yard B for sure! Does your mum have a birthday / anniversary coming up? You could always book a lesson for that and be so excited for her that she won't have the heart to say no!
 
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