Riding stables Essex/London

[Luckylocalian]

Hello all - Christmas around the corner I am going to take the bull by the horns and be cheeky and buy my non-horse riding OH some riding lessons for Christmas in the hope he will get the bug!! Problem is he weighs around 14stone and there are v few riding schools where you can have a proper lesson on something big enough. I live in East London and horse kept near Epping - has anyone any suggestions of somewhere nearish I could take him??

 

[sloulou]

I only know a couple but not sure on weight limits?

I used to go for the occasional lesson at Lee Valley Riding centre - which was quite good.

Or there is Aldborough Hall but I've never been...

There are some places in Chingford I think... Barnfield? perhaps??

Not sure if that helps?

 

[Luckylocalian]

That does help thanks. Called Lee Valley and max weight 13stone which was a shame as they have good facilities and are so close to my house!!

 

[horsegirl]

well they certainly don't enforce the 13 stone weight limit, my ex husband's wife rides there and she is 6ft and about size 16 so easily way more than 13 stone (and I'm not just being bitchy)

 

[JessPickle]

well I am not that close but pm'd you in case it may be worth it as my yard has a 14 stone limit

 

[keeperscottage]

I grew up in the Epping Forest area (before I became a country bumpkin!) and although the riding school where I learnt to ride has sadly long since gone (Snaresbrook Riding School), I can recommend Woodridden Stables on the Loughton/Epping border. It has direct access into the forest and is run by the Butchart family. Barnfield (as mentioned in an earlier post) in Sewardstone Road used to be a real dump in the seventies but of course that's not to say it's not now a shining example of a top class yard! I'd steer clear of Queen Elizabeth Stables - had less than favourable reports of that school. Forest Stables on the Wakes Arms roundabout used to have a good name, and again has easy access into Epping Forest. There's also High Beech Riding School, which has been going for many years. Can't say about weight limits, but my first mentioned riding school, Woodridden, has lots of decent horses, so I imagine would cater for everyone! Good luck!

 

[carthorse]

I trained at Woodredon Very many moons ago, as did Bananaman, happy days

 

[TheresaW]

Forest has gone now. I would agree with Woodridden or High Beech.

 

[Bananaman]

With the emphasis on 'many'!!!

I can't believe that Snaresbrook has closed.

I used to hack from Woodredon through the forest to Snaresebrook to compete in their jumping competitions.

 

[Jo C]

Did you? I used to go over for lessons on Patrick at Woodredon. Lovely place

 

[CSYMolly]

I am sure those photos of you jumping x-country are at my yard!?!