Riding schools around Basingstoke

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minipony

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Hello!
I recently moved to Basingstoke and I have never ridden before.
I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a good riding school in the area.
Thanks in advance.
 
Personally I wasn't too keen on Wellington - didn't get on very well with the instructors, but it has been a fair few years since I've been there! Park Farm in Oakley is pretty good, a much more "casual" and relaxed atmosphere than Welly imo.
 
Park Farm is now closed as a riding school, although if you pop into the shop (at Park Farm) they might be able to point you in the direction of another riding school. I think there is a riding school in Pamber Green, Tadley.
 
Thanks to everyone. If you could point me to a nice riding school it would be nice as I am a total beginner, so I would not be able to judge.
Basingstoke and around is fine since I have a car.
 
I heard recently from someone "in the know" that they are not going to reopen, but that could all just be rumours... It was a very good school, from what I understand, so hope it does re-open
 
Jinx94 said:
Oh no!! When did it close?? :( Have also heard that Pamber Green is really good - couldn't remember the name so didn't mention it in my previous post :p
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I have just visited their page. Do you know if their staff is qualified? And if I go tomorrow there, how should I dress up? (I have nothing specific), or do they provide you with everything?
Thank you very much :)
 
If you just turn up tomorrow you can wear what you like, because it's highly unlikely that you'll be riding. Weekends are the busiest times for riding schools, especially now the weather is better, so if you don't book you would have to be very lucky to get a free slot. They might show you around if somebody is free, but it's much better to call in advance. You can then ask whether they have a helmet and boots you can borrow. Also ask if they insist on gloves, then you can take your own. Apart from that any comfortable trousers and a long sleeved top. Jeans aren't very comfortable to ride in. Try to wear something with a bit of stretch in the fabric that you don't mind getting muddy/ smelling of horse.
 
I'm not saying you won't be able to ride at weekends, just that if you turn up without booking you probably won't be able to ride there and then. Most riding schools like you to ring up and book an assessment lesson so they can see how you ride. They will ask your height and weight so they can have the right sized horse ready for you etc.
 
minipony said:
Hello!
I recently moved to Basingstoke and I have never ridden before.
I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a good riding school in the area.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Pamber green is good. Really relaxed and friendly. I usually ride Finn and he is amazing. Ben is my instructor and takes getting used to but he's cool
 
I'm an instructor at Park Farm, we aren't closed! We are very busy so we have a waiting list for new clients wanting lessons, but generally we can fit you in somewhere.

Obviously I'm biased, but I think we're fab! Lovely yard to work on with lovely people and horses.
 
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