Sending TB to a college or riding school?

[seabsicuit2]

I am considering loaning a horse to a college or riding school, I have too many horses and this particular mare has just developed cataracts so I can't sell her and I literally have no where to keep her after April. She is an exracehorse but is a quiet ride in the arena and very laid back, and is very easy to handle ,however when she is being ridden properly she is very athletic and amazingly light on her feet. She is quiet and very sweet in the stable and loves fuss& attention,perfect out hacking in company, she is jumping small courses, is good in traffic but naps and plants when hacking alone and sometimes naps when put into a new situation .
I think she would do very well in the system of a riding school or college where there is a strict routine and there are instructors over seeing everything . I would worry about sending her to a private home because she had an unfortunate past where she developed bad behaviour patterns and I wouldn't want to risk her going backwards when she has come so far. I really think that she just might thrive in a college and that she would love being kept busy ,also she would love the security of being in a big yard .

I have kept polo ponies at a big equine college about 15 years ago and was very unsatisfied with the standard of care . Fine for old cobs but no way would it be right for a thouroughbred that needs more specialised care and attention. However I'm hoping that times have moved on . Can anyone reccomend a college or riding school that would be suitable for a horse like her and would look after her well and make good use of her and give her a good life? Or is this a pipe dream? Also I'm a bit scared of colleges that are/ were using horses for 4 hours of arena work a day - this seems extreme do they still do this?

 

[undertheweather]

I'd personally consider Stonar School.

They have several of their own ex-racers who are all being reschooled for the riding school, and lots of the girls have their own high performance horses so it is a yard very much geared towards horses like yours.

Like the majority of yards there is less turnout in the winter. In the summer though the school horses tend to do 2 lessons a day Monday - Friday with overnight turnout and then have all weekend out in the field. Of course they do have horses on an initial trial.

If you want to know anything else, I was actually lucky enough to go there, just send me a PM.

Wherever you send her, make sure all tack is labelled (If you can get a leather stamp it is a really good idea) and you specify which numnahs, boots etc. Specify exactly what you do and do not want done with her, when they should call you, who should shoe her, how and how often.

 

[seabsicuit2]

That sounds brilliant! she would love a set up like that. Are they looking for more horses?

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

If you're worried about bad habits developing then no way would I send her to a riding school as its the very worst place for any horse to learn bad habits. Would choose equine college in preference.

 

[seabsicuit2]

Yes i get your point but i was thinking about the classier types of riding schools, there are a few schools about that have ex-eventers and unsound competition horses for the higher standard of rider !

 

[TheMule]

The problem I had with Hartpury was they like them to go home in the holidays, otherwise you get stung with a big full livery bill! I can't complain about the standard of care though, or how happy the horse was.

 

[teapot]

I know of a decent riding school with 24/7 turnout, good facilities, good hacking, wide ranging ability of clients etc etc. Certainly used to have a couple of ex-eventers on their RS horse list (learnt a lot from them myself!)

That or any of the big public schools with equestrian centres attached - Stonar or Millfield spring to mind. Does Bryanston have stables?

Re colleges I think you'd have to do some searching on the forum as few posters have had positive experiences...

 

[TarrSteps]

If you're worried about bad habits developing then no way would I send her to a riding school as its the very worst place for any horse to learn bad habits. Would choose equine college in preference.

That's a bit harsh! There are all kinds of riding schools, just like there are all kinds of owners.


I think it's definitely worth a conversation as the individual schools would know more about the sorts of horses that might fit into their program, what sort of management flexibility they can provide, etc.

Not to cast gloom, but the bit that jumps out at me that might be an issue in the cataracts. I know they aren't affecting here and might not for ages but you can see how an educational institution might have reservations about taking on a horse with the potential for a vision problem, given issues of liability etc. Definitely something to discuss.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've put my boy on loan both to a riding school (never again); AND equine college - and if doing it again would go for college every time.

However, the riding school mine went to wasn't exactly on the "classy" end of the scale; and yes, know the sort of set-up you mean, yes it might just suit yours.

Good luck anyway.

 

[seabsicuit2]

Thanks TM, that does sound good ,glad to hear that there was nothing to complain about...but that is a ****** about the holidays..

 

[kizmund]

The college my mares on loan to charges £30 per week for holidays (christmas, Easter and summer) which is no where near full livery prices and less than me bringing her home and having her on DIY so think it depends on where you go.
When I was looking around both colleges and riding schools I found nothing was the same for all. They all had different ways of doing things.

Bare in mind for most you'll have to have insurance to cover both veterinary fees and third party liability whilst you're there.

 

[seabsicuit2]

Thanks guys! teapot what was the name of that riding school?

Tarrsteps, that's a fair point, I hadn't thought of that. One eye is virtually normal as that cataract is tiny. I do have a report from a eye expert saying that she can still see very well so hopefully that will help her cause. Sod's law that I finally have the soundest horse ever to sell that would fly through the most rigorous vetting, and overnight these cataracts pop up! :-(

 

[seabsicuit2]

Kizmund- that's a good deal I could cope with that cost for the holidays. Will have to compare pro's and cons of each college/school.

I had forgotten about the insurance! But does make sense for owners to take the insurance out themselves.

 

[humblepie]

Many moons ago I sent my TB (not an ex racehorse) to a college. He was not the easiest of horses but was very well schooled. I chose a college as I felt that his ridden work would be under supervision at all times and that they had the money to get vet,farrier, etc as often as needed.

It worked out fine. I think it is a college which has since closed their equine part though nothing to do with him! I think they kept him at their cost over Easter because they wanted to keep him to use in exams but I was always going to have him back before the summer.

 

[Kat]

Maybe look at BHS where to train centres for an idea of riding schools that will have some more capable clients that are likely to be able to ride a decent horse. They are less likely to be the sort of places that have a handful of old crocks that go nose to tail in a circle all day every day.