Scottish peeps - recommend me some lessons!

MissSBird

MissSBird

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Hi guys

I've recently been becoming more and more aware of my riding faults - I developed a very defensive and nervous position from my old tb. With my new horse, he's such a sweetheart that I have relaxed and improved a bit - I don't lean forwards nearly so much and my normal instructor was delighted with how well I was sitting up today.

But I still can't ride very well. I tense with my legs, gripping upwards which causes my heels to rise. Today we took away my stirrups just in walk and I hardly seemed to know how to push forwards without raising my heel. And as soon as we moved into a little trot I felt all over the place and had to stop pretty quickly.

I believe no stirrup work is the answer to fixing my position, but I don't think it's fair to ask Baby to do this with me. He's only learning to balance himself, so I can't expect him to manage that and me bouncing about all over his back.

So, I think the best option would be for me to go and get some lessons on a schoolmaster type, where I can focus in on myself without worrying too much about what the horse is doing. Can anyone recommend a riding school for this kind of thing?

I'm Glasgow based, so Ingliston Riding Academy was the one that popped into my head immediatly, but they're quite expensive. Are their instructors worth that kind of money? Hazeldean is also near me, but I've no idea what the teaching is like there either.

Anyone got any experience/opinions?
 
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If you are ever through East of Glasgow, Houston Farm just outside Livingston have some good instructors. Sorry I can't help with the Glasgow recs. :(

Also, don't suppose you know any one who has a suitable horse for you to have a lesson like that on with your current instructor? Could be worth asking?
 
Thanks Figjam. Unfortunatly I'm predominantly to the west. Going to Ayr would be quicker!

But I'll keep it in mind if all else fails

I had thought about that, but I actually only know 2 other people who use my instructor. One of them has offered me a sit on her horse before, but at the moment he's got an injury. The other has a youngster like me so no help there either :(
 
No worries, figured it was probably a long shot! Shame about your friend's horse as that would have worked well. I'm sure someone from the area can give you some recommendations. If no sign of them on this thread, you could always PM Nic or JenB to pick their brains on RS as they are in that area(ish)!
 
Sorry - I am too far way to recommend :(

I would def get recommendations - As from my experience some1 qualified isnt always some1 good and/or experienced (ducks for cover as might get pelting for saying that :S )
 
another vote for hazeldean its not the best but def not the worst :)
i know its far away but kingsbarn has fantastic horses, i went when i was having a jumping wobble on reccommendation from a friend as she did the uni challenge thing there and was riding horses over 1m10 in the competition and doing some dressage tests! it is too far to go reguarly but if it was a one or twice thing, might be worth a go if there isnt anything suitable at hazeldean :)
 
Hazeldean is a really nice set with with really nice horses and great for getting people started but depending on what level your riding is already at they may not have the right level of instruction. There are a couple I won't recommend but don't want to name them.

Easterton is another you could look into
 
I'll look at Kingsbarn. I'm not short of free time at the moment so longer journeys won't be an issue right now.

kirsty, could you possibly PM me those names?

I may have sorted something, but thanks for all the suggestions and if there's any more keep them coming. :)
 
I can't comment on Hazledean as I haven't been there for years but I would really recomend Ingliston. It is expensive but it's so worth it. They have some lovely horses for all levels and the teaching is good. As for Easterton I'd avoid it like the plague if I were you. Pm me if you want as I won't say more on here.
 
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