Riding Schools - Cheshire

Sol

Sol

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Desperately looking for a decent riding school in Cheshire - been to a hell of a lot of them and either don't rate the instructors - want an instructor who actually WANTS to teach, is not just in it for the money, and can teach from beginners to a decent standard - or the horses. Sorry, but I don't think that anyone can learn to ride on a horse that is so 'safe' that is doesn't actually move despite what you do!
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So, any ideas? Any places you recommend?
I'm mainly asking for my friend who has been riding since september now at a local riding school that /used/ to be very good and has gone somewhat downhill, and she can't even do diagonals yet despite being more than ready to progress as far as her balance and such, the instructor just refuses to teach the ride more!
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If we could find a good enough place, I would also have lessons as I think it would be nice to do some learning on other horses as a change!
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Sorry, just really frustrated and so is my friend!
Thanks in advance,

Sol x.
 
Just had a look at the website but there doesn't appear to be much information on the actual riding school on there!? Can you give me any info about what the place is like before I email??
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I'm not 100% sure what the facilities at Folly Farm are like, as I only know the place from when it used to be a racing yard, but I believe they've built some arenas etc up there now that the riding school moved in.

When they were at Arley Moss they seemed to have a selection of all sorts of horses and ponies, and I regularly saw the instructors riding them to keep them tuned up.

They have a very good reputation as far as I'm aware.
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Hi Sol,
As with everything (best restaurants, etc), all depends on staff who are working at that moment when you're there.

But teaching diagonals is so simple, + is something that is within BHS Stage 1, which is very basic. Bit like giving chips out in McDonalds.

At this moment, I recommend Willington Hall Riding Centre, who will do an assessment lesson (i hope Sandra still does this), stipulate the level of your ability, + you'll get the safest old plod. Until you prove you can ride. I personally wouldn't take anyone out on hack on roads who couldn't feel diaganols or canter leads, as this shows lack of awareness.

At the same time, my strongest comment is that learning to ride is always hard work.

And that is what you + your friend need to commit to. I've gut feel that you're wasting our time. Prove me wrong!

PS: Give us one good reason why we want to teach you?!
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Well for a start, I hope I can already ride
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Considering I've got a horse and been riding for 12 years!
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If I haven't learned about commitment yet then I never will!
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Friend knows it's all hard work etc, current instructor just isn't proving overly helpful! :/

Will take a look at Willington Hall RC now, thanks
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i know that ardley moss has an excellent rep, never been myself but i have met the owner at some byrds lessons and they seem to be very commited and the place has grown very rapidly
 
I am a BHSAI and have worked at a couple of riding schools in Cheshire. Personally riding schools scare me now..! Despite having learnt how to ride at various Riding Schools while I was growing up, the amount of accidents I have witnessed just frightens me. Quite often these places are unprofessionally run, unsuitable horses are used and it's all about the money. Having said all that, I too would recommend Willington Hall. I used to work there, they have good facilities and (they used to have) a good variety of instructors. They also won't let you ride out on hacks until you have proved your standard which I think is very admirable. BHS approved doesn't mean much these days in my opinion.

Good Luck.

ETA: I have also heard that Cheshire Riding School is very good - although I have no personal experience.
 
Willington Hall seems to be quite highly rated and will have to see if I can get down there some time I think.

I do agree with you Fanatical about Riding Schools, if I had a lovely sane horse then I would let my friend have lessons with my instructor on it but 5yr old wouldn't be too keen I don't think as he's got enough of his own problems right now, he's a little too green and I'm too sensible to allow it.

Cheshire Riding School is one of the ones I have been to (even if only once) and wasn't too keen for a few reasons unfortunately :/
 
Hi again Sol,

I think you need to let your friend decide. (I didn't suggest for a minute that she use your own youngster, + firmly advise otherwise.)

I'm very disturbed by your comment about people teaching 'for money'.

Please learn facts - Just how much do you think we get from teaching? I charge £20, often 20 miles travel round trip = 2 hrs + fuel, + mainly evenings + weekends, then they often let you down at last minute. Riding schools are most trainers' bread + butter, cos they're reliable. 'Money?' Get real, and pay them better.

I suspect you are paid more than about £6/hr, which is what it works out at, when we have qualifications which we worked long + hard for, in dangerous profession, + we still work at such unsociable hours.

I hope Willington Hall don't take you on. I wouldn't, i just think you'd cause problems, + i don't need it. There we go. Think of it from our side.....
 
Why exactly,so you think the OP and her friend would be trouble?
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I think I must have read a very different thread to you!

OP is a good rider who wouldnt mind some lessons if a decent school can be found,her friend is wanting to progress but is unable to because of current RI.
Neither are unusual situations.

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I think you need to let your friend decide. (I didn't suggest for a minute that she use your own youngster, + firmly advise otherwise.)

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Nowhere in the thread has she said she would let friend learn on her youngster.
In fact Sol said IF she had a sensable horse friend could use it,but not the youngster as it would do neither any good.


[ QUOTE ]
I'm very disturbed by your comment about people teaching 'for money'.

Please learn facts - Just how much do you think we get from teaching? I charge £20, often 20 miles travel round trip = 2 hrs + fuel, + mainly evenings + weekends, then they often let you down at last minute. Riding schools are most trainers' bread + butter, cos they're reliable. 'Money?' Get real, and pay them better.

[/ QUOTE ]
Seriously?
Have you never met a jaded instructor who does the job but without any enthusiasm? I certainly have
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All Sol is looking for is someone who wants to teach and help the pupil progress-not a big ask is it?
As for costs,RI's/RS set the price,if you feel you undercharge I sugest you put your prices up,can hardly expect a client to insist you take more then your set price can you?
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Sol,hope you find what you are looking for.
There are plenty of good ones out there
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My price to you, Anima, on 13,750+ posts, from Yorkshire is £95.75 + VAT/hr. Does that make me an international, well-respected trainer?! (With that price, to someone with so many posts, how can i go wrong? Got great school here also!))

Seriously, Sol, i'm very surprised that no riding school in Cheshire has suited your client. I really have wracked my brains, after Willington + Weaverham were dismissed... Foxes? Wirral? Bold Heath? There used to be one at Nantwich - Broomhall? No, closed now.
Oh, sod all that, please may i stick my neck out, + say that the problem is probably with your 'friend', + society, and not the riding centre?
Going to get boring now - When i was a kid, i just loved riding, didn't matter where, or what i was on, just loved it, kept smelling horses on hands all night after my weekly lesson, + it was privilege to be put on Smokey, who ran off with my friend, then another privilege to be put on our trainer Tom's horse (who was 15.2) when another client's pony didn't toe the line, + she was put on mine, + Tom put me on his.
That's my feel, anyway, friends.
I learnt to ride at Childwall Abbey, later at Gateacre Brow, in 1960s, Liverpool. All built up now.
It's sad how things have changed, + now we're all scared to do anything with kids, which means they've lost out on fun we had. I still recognise the tree we climbed on Brodie Avenue, but kids don't play there any more. (Intend going there with my dear cousin soon!! That'll teach em!! We're both in 50s!!))
I hope Sheila Lavery + Jim Blundell are listening, whichever world they're in. Thank you for such happy times, they were the best, with all love BS XX
 
[ QUOTE ]
My price to you, Anima, on 13,750+ posts, from Yorkshire is £95.75 + VAT/hr. Does that make me an international, well-respected trainer?! (With that price, to someone with so many posts, how can i go wrong? Got great school here also!))

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It makes you expensive,doesnt mean you are at a high level or any good
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You have also been very rude in this thread for no reason,which is about the worst thing possable in my book.
A client who wants to learn and progress should be a breath of fresh air,not a nuissance.
Although if you are an international trainer,then you will more then likely not have come into contact with the "heals down,shorten the riegns and kick it" type of teacher for a long time.
I would guess that is the type OP's friend has,and anyone that can improve with one like that(unless by some miricle those really are the points that need correcting) deserves some respect!
For every good school there is one that is pants,and a a student needs to "click" with their trainer-ever a very good RI will not suit everyone.
 
Anima, thanks
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Seems like some people just have something against me for some reason?!
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I never had myself down as a troublemaker tbh... ah well, as long as I know I'm not!
Thank you for your support - nice to see that some people are polite & helpful!

Hoping to go and visit some riding schools within the next few months, hopefully we'll find something suitable!
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Thanks again to everyone who has helped!
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I very much hope you do
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And maybe they will have more consistant pricing then BrandySnap...how would you ever know how much cash to bring along if it's £20 one week and £95 plus VAT the next
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