teacups
Well-Known Member
Offer schoolmaster lessons. If possible, that is! They are very hard to find.
Whereabouts in Yorkshire are you?
Whereabouts in Yorkshire are you?
Setting up riding school
- Thread starter jenz87
- Start date
Steorra
Well-Known Member
Even the best ponies need to be schooled by an experienced rider from time-to-time. Even the best instructors need lessons. I think this is often the difference between a good school and a bad one.
In terms of softer skills, I think that feeling welcome and generally part of the club is important in a Riding School, especially for children. I remember how much I loved wearing my polo shirt with the yard logo on it years ago. Photos of group rides on the walls of the office were another hit. These days, an active facebook group that is regularly updated would help create a sense of community. Then there’s the more practical things, like pony days, pony weeks, mini shows etc.
Think about things that appeal to parents as well as children. I’m sure you have your safety procedures all wrapped up, but a well-kept yard where everything has its place, an organized office, paperwork to hand (ie, you know where my emergency contact number is!), a sensible booking system, someone to answer the phone (or at least check voicemail regularly), all inspire confidence. The option to sit somewhere undercover with a cuppa while the children ride is good.
In terms of softer skills, I think that feeling welcome and generally part of the club is important in a Riding School, especially for children. I remember how much I loved wearing my polo shirt with the yard logo on it years ago. Photos of group rides on the walls of the office were another hit. These days, an active facebook group that is regularly updated would help create a sense of community. Then there’s the more practical things, like pony days, pony weeks, mini shows etc.
Think about things that appeal to parents as well as children. I’m sure you have your safety procedures all wrapped up, but a well-kept yard where everything has its place, an organized office, paperwork to hand (ie, you know where my emergency contact number is!), a sensible booking system, someone to answer the phone (or at least check voicemail regularly), all inspire confidence. The option to sit somewhere undercover with a cuppa while the children ride is good.
EQUIDAE
Well-Known Member
What about clinic lessons for local people who have their own horses but not necessarily their own arena (other yards/homes locally)
sandi_84
Well-Known Member
Haven't read all replies but I'd say teach the basics thoroughly no matter if it takes a bit longer, in the long term you will build a reputation for turning out well educated rider and gain business through it.
Stable managment courses during holidays.
Little gymkhanas held on site.
Yard girls - well taken care of (whether it be rides and experience or wages) girls/boys who will help tack up and lead rein the novices.
Instructors who know their stuff and can adapt.
Stable managment courses during holidays.
Little gymkhanas held on site.
Yard girls - well taken care of (whether it be rides and experience or wages) girls/boys who will help tack up and lead rein the novices.
Instructors who know their stuff and can adapt.
jenz87
Well-Known Member
As we are new, we were thinking of doing a free "assessment lesson" like a 20min or 30min or whatever session for the instructor to assess your riding and allocate accordingly, and offer it free to try and encourage new customers. Would this encourage or not someone else said it would put them off? What do you think?
be positive
Well-Known Member
I think offering a free assessment is a great idea in theory but in practice it may mean you get lots of timewasters who have no intention of having regular lessons, I would offer a deal for the first 3? lessons, a bogof type of deal that gets people signing up for a few lessons in one go, it can still be a way of assessing people so you can try and get different groups set up at regular times.
We used to do a coffee morning group on week day mornings for ladies who wanted a bit of socialising as well as a ride, sometimes there was more chatting than riding but it was popular with mums who did not work as well as retired ladies that wanted to get back in the saddle, they were not really ambitious just enjoyed either an easy lesson or a hack with coffee afterwards.
We used to do a coffee morning group on week day mornings for ladies who wanted a bit of socialising as well as a ride, sometimes there was more chatting than riding but it was popular with mums who did not work as well as retired ladies that wanted to get back in the saddle, they were not really ambitious just enjoyed either an easy lesson or a hack with coffee afterwards.
Regandal
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't offer entirely free lessons either, you'll never see 90% of them again. I would pay good money for a lunge lesson though.
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
There is a successful riding school locally, you may not fit in with this pattern, but this is what they do, and I took my own daughter there for a while.
The lessons are only held indoors
All the ponies are unshod
The group lessons take place after school, I can't remember the times, but say 4.30, 5.30, 6.30, all year round.
The first half hour is taken up with riding lesson - walk, steering, learning to trot, progress on to canter, etc.
The second half hour is either jumping or games
The children progress and move up into another group and there are awards and prizes that they can aim for
The children end up riding quite well, they are well taught and can stick on and walk trot and canter and jump.
BUT they have never ridden outside the arena.
These lessons are very popular. They were started after school as the owners liked to compete themselves at the weekend, but over 20 years odd have stuck to the same formula. Not all the ponies are perfect, finding the right ones can be difficult. Some naughty ponies have come their way which have responded to the regular work.
Just an idea for you.
I think if you have a riding school, you must aim to teach riding, equitation if you like, not just steering, pull on the reins for brakes, but real progress.
The lessons are only held indoors
All the ponies are unshod
The group lessons take place after school, I can't remember the times, but say 4.30, 5.30, 6.30, all year round.
The first half hour is taken up with riding lesson - walk, steering, learning to trot, progress on to canter, etc.
The second half hour is either jumping or games
The children progress and move up into another group and there are awards and prizes that they can aim for
The children end up riding quite well, they are well taught and can stick on and walk trot and canter and jump.
BUT they have never ridden outside the arena.
These lessons are very popular. They were started after school as the owners liked to compete themselves at the weekend, but over 20 years odd have stuck to the same formula. Not all the ponies are perfect, finding the right ones can be difficult. Some naughty ponies have come their way which have responded to the regular work.
Just an idea for you.
I think if you have a riding school, you must aim to teach riding, equitation if you like, not just steering, pull on the reins for brakes, but real progress.
McFluff
Well-Known Member
I think assessment lessons and/or coffee mornings are a good way to go, but I'd charge for them. People who are horsey know they are expensive and people who are wanting to try need to start with the right expectation on cost.
To answer your tack/untack question - start supervised (taught) then let people go unsupervised as they are ready. Either add it on to riding time or schedule the lesson to be longer and include supervised prep and finish (if that makes sense).
To answer your tack/untack question - start supervised (taught) then let people go unsupervised as they are ready. Either add it on to riding time or schedule the lesson to be longer and include supervised prep and finish (if that makes sense).
jenz87
Well-Known Member
Really good info so far thanks! We are hoping to have an indoor soon, but after school classes are doable!
Love the idea of the ladies club, but to start with dont think we have enough bigger horses to do a large amount of adults, but hopefully soon!
Shame about the idea of the free intro lesson, but youre all probably right! What sort of special intro offers do you all think would attract you?
Love the idea of the ladies club, but to start with dont think we have enough bigger horses to do a large amount of adults, but hopefully soon!
Shame about the idea of the free intro lesson, but youre all probably right! What sort of special intro offers do you all think would attract you?
Woolly Hat n Wellies
Well-Known Member
DECENT TOILETS!!!!! I don't mind a bit of mud or a sprinkling of bits of hay on the floor, but I hate groping my way into an unlit cubicle somewhere in the back end of nowhere, with no loo roll, hovering above a stinking, filthy toilet, and then having to scrub my hands without soap and with nothing to dry them on except my own jumper!
Also, enthusiastic and welcoming instructors are worth their weight in gold. I had an instructor once who would try to cancel on me almost every week, and would leave it so late to call that I'd have my horse halfway up the ramp when the phone went. When I booked I'd ask when she was available and try to fit around her, but she'd still have something come up at the last minute nearly every time. When I got there she taught short lessons ("that was good, we'll leave it there!" 25 mins into a 40 minute lesson), and generally made me feel as though she wished she was anywhere else. I left.
Also, enthusiastic and welcoming instructors are worth their weight in gold. I had an instructor once who would try to cancel on me almost every week, and would leave it so late to call that I'd have my horse halfway up the ramp when the phone went. When I booked I'd ask when she was available and try to fit around her, but she'd still have something come up at the last minute nearly every time. When I got there she taught short lessons ("that was good, we'll leave it there!" 25 mins into a 40 minute lesson), and generally made me feel as though she wished she was anywhere else. I left.
MargotC
Well-Known Member
Best of luck with your project. 
One thing I'd personally consider vital when starting out and getting new clients and riders on board, would be an obligatory theory- and "getting to know the yard" session before the first actual riding lessons get underway.
Simple basics such as how to act around horses (ie. no running or yelling), how and where to tie up, feed rules (ie. no treats), how to safely fit your gear before riding, where it is okay to hang out on the yard when not riding. It forestalls a myriad of questions being repeated and it enforces safety. Give everyone a tour of the yard and the ponies and make yard rules and expected behaviour known from the get-go. This will initially also work as a way for riders to get to know each other and encourage everyone being included. IME kids will also remind each other of the rules when done this way. Gives them a sense of responsibility.
It will also prevent someone showing up for a lesson and getting 'lost' or left to themselves because they don't know the place. Make your riders feel welcome and part of the riding school environment from the beginning!
I spent years at a RS and worked my way up through the grades as it were. For every new course of riding lessons started (a course typically lasted 15 or 20 weeks), no matter the level you rode at you had an obligatory theory week out of the 15-20. Theory was of course adapted to the level a group was at and could be angled towards eventing etc., but no one was allowed to skip it. Riding is only a part of a riding school, I consider teaching the kids basics on the ground just as important.
As a rider... I'd be inclined to gravitate towards smaller groups in a lesson if available to me. Overfilled lessons are a waste of time because you just don't get the one-on-one feedback you need. Similarly make sure the riders in a group are more or less on the same level. Inexperienced riders might not miss out but more experienced riders will be held back if the gap is big enough.
Last; a clean, well-organised, and well-kept yard will make people more at ease. Clearly tagged equipment to go with each pony, designated places for items people will handle such as brushes etc.
ETA. A nice, spectator-/visitor-friendly area where parents can watch their kids is always a good idea. Similarly it gives kids a place to hang out before or after a lesson with something interesting and horsey to watch.
One thing I'd personally consider vital when starting out and getting new clients and riders on board, would be an obligatory theory- and "getting to know the yard" session before the first actual riding lessons get underway.
Simple basics such as how to act around horses (ie. no running or yelling), how and where to tie up, feed rules (ie. no treats), how to safely fit your gear before riding, where it is okay to hang out on the yard when not riding. It forestalls a myriad of questions being repeated and it enforces safety. Give everyone a tour of the yard and the ponies and make yard rules and expected behaviour known from the get-go. This will initially also work as a way for riders to get to know each other and encourage everyone being included. IME kids will also remind each other of the rules when done this way. Gives them a sense of responsibility.
It will also prevent someone showing up for a lesson and getting 'lost' or left to themselves because they don't know the place. Make your riders feel welcome and part of the riding school environment from the beginning!
I spent years at a RS and worked my way up through the grades as it were. For every new course of riding lessons started (a course typically lasted 15 or 20 weeks), no matter the level you rode at you had an obligatory theory week out of the 15-20. Theory was of course adapted to the level a group was at and could be angled towards eventing etc., but no one was allowed to skip it. Riding is only a part of a riding school, I consider teaching the kids basics on the ground just as important.
As a rider... I'd be inclined to gravitate towards smaller groups in a lesson if available to me. Overfilled lessons are a waste of time because you just don't get the one-on-one feedback you need. Similarly make sure the riders in a group are more or less on the same level. Inexperienced riders might not miss out but more experienced riders will be held back if the gap is big enough.
Last; a clean, well-organised, and well-kept yard will make people more at ease. Clearly tagged equipment to go with each pony, designated places for items people will handle such as brushes etc.
ETA. A nice, spectator-/visitor-friendly area where parents can watch their kids is always a good idea. Similarly it gives kids a place to hang out before or after a lesson with something interesting and horsey to watch.
Last edited:
Firefly9410
Well-Known Member
You cannot sign away your legal responsibility. Disclaimers are largely pointless.
This will sound obvious but give your clients the opportunity to learn. In the beginning, if a rider persistently rides bad circles for example, do not assume anyone has ever explained how to ride a good circle! Too many instructors assume prior knowledge that is not there. At 15, between horses, coming from a dressage background and with knee problems I rode very long. Because I was light weight I was always given ponies who I could not ride. I could not get my legs on them riding long and could not raise my stirrups without being in pain. I needed 15hh minimum but if I asked it would only ever be a one off before I was back on the ponies. The horses being saved for the heavier people. I had less than ideal position on those little ponies, heels up to give an aid for example so I was left forever in the intermediate group not allowed to learn anything new. Quite basic but saddle fit really does matter, it is impossible for a novice rider to sit well in a saddle that is not balanced on the horse. Even an experienced rider struggles with a saddle which tips them forward or backwards a novice stands no chance. If you take out group hacks have two escorts one front one rear in case of accidents and to keep an eye on things.
Firefly9410
Well-Known Member
I am probably not your target client as you sound like you want kids, but if you was looking to hook me in this would do it... A short assessment lesson,maybe 20min to half hour during which I would expect to be taught not purely watched, followed by an hour group lesson as I prefer group lessons to individual ones, then a chance to do a mini competition at the yard. All on the same horse over a period of a few weeks. I would be up for that even though I have my own horses. Then once you had hooked me I would be back any time I wanted to do something my horses could not for example jumping or long hacks or if they were lame.
suffolkmare
Well-Known Member
Sorry not had a read through all the posts so might be repeating an idea, but on top of the other suggestions could you provide hats to hire-with-a-view-to-buy after say 3 or 4 weeks, at a discount? I went to a school near Rugby once that did this and thought the scheme worked well. Providing some spare boots (kids sizes) and maybe even waterproofs is a good idea! Saturday kids club could include some stable management/ tack cleaning (be careful it stays fun and doesn't look like slave labour!) and this could grow into becoming a Pony club centre (for non-owners) Hacks and low key client competitions for all ages could be popular once you're underway. Good luck!
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
The decent loos is a good point. Too often they are damp, cold, smelly, not very clean, small and generally not appealing.
crabbymare
Well-Known Member
when you grade the riders have something like starter. beginner. intermediate. novice so that when they decide they want to share loan or buy a horse they dont think they are advanced and start looking at horses that are way beyond their actual ability when they are away from well trained and supervised riding school horses
Crazy_cat_lady
Well-Known Member
I keep H at a riding school and since the change of ownership they have got loads more clients. I did however get lots of good opportunities as a kid with the original owner too.
-social media is a big asset. I follow the yards fb page and they advertise events they are having then post photos of them afterwards (think everyone had to sign a permission form saying they are happy with this I signed my own as over 18 but think parents had to do it for the kids) often they get comments from parents/ competitors saying how much they enjoyed it so draws people looking for new place to ride due to postive reviews
-good instructors- the standard has considerably risen since new take over as the instructors are all actively engaged with the lessons not sitting on the mounting block chatting to parents the whole time
-events during the school holidays eg own a pony days (very popular it seems know I used to love them when I was a kid!) They also do themed ones atm they are doing Halloween ones with treasure hunt etc and staff dressed up and some of the yard decorated. They had a pony themed scavenger trail (think that's what they are called) once and each question was horse themed and lead you to the next one even I wanted to join in😂
-watch with helpers a bit- usually they are teenage girls so can get very cliquey can remember when I first got H it there used to be a "queen bee " who all the others seemed to idolise and you'd have about 4 of them talking to her when tacking up 1 pony! New owners have philosophy of you want to be here you can work however helpers are always thanked and get recognition which I think is a good incentive as when I used to be up there from 9 til 6 without so much as a thank you it did make you feel pretty unappreciated!
-keep good standards eg ponies nicely presented yards swept etc. Also a good mix of ponies is good. Some bigger horses too for the adults and a mix between super safe plods for the beginners but also some more sensitive horses and ponies for the more advanced. I will often have a lesson on a school horse if H is lame and there is a school master type and I learn a lot on him.
-holding little shows in the summer holidays with a range of classes so that the rs riders can dress up and join in too. Rosettes for all competitors so no one is left out I even used to keep all my special rosettes proudly!
-social media is a big asset. I follow the yards fb page and they advertise events they are having then post photos of them afterwards (think everyone had to sign a permission form saying they are happy with this I signed my own as over 18 but think parents had to do it for the kids) often they get comments from parents/ competitors saying how much they enjoyed it so draws people looking for new place to ride due to postive reviews
-good instructors- the standard has considerably risen since new take over as the instructors are all actively engaged with the lessons not sitting on the mounting block chatting to parents the whole time
-events during the school holidays eg own a pony days (very popular it seems know I used to love them when I was a kid!) They also do themed ones atm they are doing Halloween ones with treasure hunt etc and staff dressed up and some of the yard decorated. They had a pony themed scavenger trail (think that's what they are called) once and each question was horse themed and lead you to the next one even I wanted to join in😂
-watch with helpers a bit- usually they are teenage girls so can get very cliquey can remember when I first got H it there used to be a "queen bee " who all the others seemed to idolise and you'd have about 4 of them talking to her when tacking up 1 pony! New owners have philosophy of you want to be here you can work however helpers are always thanked and get recognition which I think is a good incentive as when I used to be up there from 9 til 6 without so much as a thank you it did make you feel pretty unappreciated!
-keep good standards eg ponies nicely presented yards swept etc. Also a good mix of ponies is good. Some bigger horses too for the adults and a mix between super safe plods for the beginners but also some more sensitive horses and ponies for the more advanced. I will often have a lesson on a school horse if H is lame and there is a school master type and I learn a lot on him.
-holding little shows in the summer holidays with a range of classes so that the rs riders can dress up and join in too. Rosettes for all competitors so no one is left out I even used to keep all my special rosettes proudly!
Pearlsasinger
Up in the clouds
You could offer a deal on the first 2/3 lessons, paid for in advance, withe first one being a shorter assessment session. I remember years ago going to a new RS when I went away to college, having to have an assessment session before being able to join in their hacks which included riding alongside a busy A road, with cantering and jumping in the woods.
dollyanna
Well-Known Member
RE tacking up themselves - we used to arrive to tacked up horses and ponies but if we were the last rider of the day or before lunch then we untacked out own pony and put tack away. This was where ponies and horses were doing at least 2 lessons consecutively, but if that doesn't happen then people may like to tack up their own under supervision initially (and always check fit and correct tack before the lesson commences) if they arrive a little earlier.
Pony weeks, pony days, gymkhanas, client competitions - dressage, handy pony/trec, showjumping - are always popular, and it is good to do a league type thing with competitions every 3-4 weeks earning points with appropriate award ceremony at the end of the season.
Also don't forget to do stuff like round the world, touching ears/tail/legs while mounted, half scissors, thread the needle, somersaulting off the saddle etc - not only does it make it more fun but I think it is a brilliant way to teach stability and familiarity in the saddle, and improve coordination, flexibility and arm strength.
Pony weeks, pony days, gymkhanas, client competitions - dressage, handy pony/trec, showjumping - are always popular, and it is good to do a league type thing with competitions every 3-4 weeks earning points with appropriate award ceremony at the end of the season.
Also don't forget to do stuff like round the world, touching ears/tail/legs while mounted, half scissors, thread the needle, somersaulting off the saddle etc - not only does it make it more fun but I think it is a brilliant way to teach stability and familiarity in the saddle, and improve coordination, flexibility and arm strength.
pippixox
Well-Known Member
a riding school i went to for years used to offer block discounts of buy 9 and 10th is free. yes you want to entice people but you also need to make a living!
group lessons never had more than 5 riders and were well suited to ability or had a good instructor who would add more challenges to the better riders in the class.
lots of good points already
if possible try and find some good larger horses, as many riding schools have quite low weight limits due to lack of suitable mounts. even some healthy but tall men can be too heavy.
group lessons never had more than 5 riders and were well suited to ability or had a good instructor who would add more challenges to the better riders in the class.
lots of good points already
if possible try and find some good larger horses, as many riding schools have quite low weight limits due to lack of suitable mounts. even some healthy but tall men can be too heavy.
Crazy_cat_lady
Well-Known Member
At the yard H is on usually they are met in the school at the end of
Crazy_cat_lady
Well-Known Member
At the yard where I keep H they are met in the school by the helpers or staff and helped to lead the ponies out especially the younger kids who may be at risk of being towed. They are then supervised while untacking pony is always tied up while this is happening. The more competent children are then left to untack themselves but have been riding there a little while.
Also probably a really obvious point that you've already thought of but having a selection of different sized hats and boots that people can borrow as not all parents / beginners will want to buy all the gear to start with. Perhaps also taking a deposit for the first time someone books / for holiday events eg own a pony so if someone cancels at the last minute you are not totally losing out, deposit only refunded if space can be filled.
EventingMum
Well-Known Member
Any hats need to be of a suitable standard, BHS yards can't use those solely BSEN1384 after 31st Dec.
Have all your paperwork in place including rider registration forms which include emergency contact, height, weight, medical conditions, previousriding experience etc.
Make sure there are suitable times left in your school for your liveries to ride as you don't want to alienate them.
Have all your paperwork in place including rider registration forms which include emergency contact, height, weight, medical conditions, previousriding experience etc.
Make sure there are suitable times left in your school for your liveries to ride as you don't want to alienate them.
spookypony
Well-Known Member
Re. assessment lesson, maybe charge, but make it free if the person then goes on to book several lessons.
Group lessons: what works really well at a local riding school are some of the following:
---A grading system that means the groups are composed of riders of generally similar level, with an assessment (by a different instructor) several times a year to upgrade.
---a 6-week plan for working on a specific thing; e.g. in the summer, we often had a 6-week XC skills plan, with a mini competition at the end. Alternating flat-work and jumping lessons for the more advanced groups.
---management courses/badges offered as holiday courses or weekly courses.
---opportunity for non-pony-owning kids to join Pony Club, or adults to do Riding Club
---opportunity for adults to part-loan a riding school horse to dip a toe into horse ownership
---weekday lesson times: a few group lessons for adults or private lessons during the day. After-school/work times: 4:30. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30.
---lessons dedicated to longeing, long-reining, etc.
Re. tacking up: I found it extremely weird when moving here, that there are places where you don't tack up your own horse! That was just about the first thing I learnt, along with grooming. Care of the horse, was the implication, was always top priority, before riding.
From childhood:
---summer day camps
---longe lessons!!
Group lessons: what works really well at a local riding school are some of the following:
---A grading system that means the groups are composed of riders of generally similar level, with an assessment (by a different instructor) several times a year to upgrade.
---a 6-week plan for working on a specific thing; e.g. in the summer, we often had a 6-week XC skills plan, with a mini competition at the end. Alternating flat-work and jumping lessons for the more advanced groups.
---management courses/badges offered as holiday courses or weekly courses.
---opportunity for non-pony-owning kids to join Pony Club, or adults to do Riding Club
---opportunity for adults to part-loan a riding school horse to dip a toe into horse ownership
---weekday lesson times: a few group lessons for adults or private lessons during the day. After-school/work times: 4:30. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30.
---lessons dedicated to longeing, long-reining, etc.
Re. tacking up: I found it extremely weird when moving here, that there are places where you don't tack up your own horse! That was just about the first thing I learnt, along with grooming. Care of the horse, was the implication, was always top priority, before riding.
From childhood:
---summer day camps
---longe lessons!!
Midlifecrisis
Well-Known Member
One of the best I took my daughter too used to have instructors who asked her "what do you want to get out of this lesson?" and then asked her at the end "did you achieve what you wanted to ?" ..then the instructor would have a lesson plan and amend it for next time.
Nativelover
Well-Known Member
Really good luck with your venture, good riding schools are hard to find.
Here's my input;
Well cared for, well schooled horses/ponies
Immaculate yard and a set routine
Engaging instructors who strive to teach correct riding and horse care rather than kicking and pulling
Friendly yard staff
Detailed records of clients information
Pony days
Pony club
Riding club for adults
Clinics
Stable management classes, separate for adults
Show days, dressage/jumping comps
Nervous rider clinics/sessions
The things that annoyed me when I was at a riding school were unfriendly yard staff, 'uncontrolled' teenage helpers, having to pay/book lessons and discussing progress in front of the staff whilst they had their break.
I had a bad time one lesson whereby I was on the pony for 10 mins, pony spooked. I screamed and cried to get off ( pathetic I know!!) I must have scared the instructor as he led the pony away and left me standing there in the school!!! I'd paid for a 40 min private lesson!!! I don't think he knew what to do with me!!!
Here's my input;
Well cared for, well schooled horses/ponies
Immaculate yard and a set routine
Engaging instructors who strive to teach correct riding and horse care rather than kicking and pulling
Friendly yard staff
Detailed records of clients information
Pony days
Pony club
Riding club for adults
Clinics
Stable management classes, separate for adults
Show days, dressage/jumping comps
Nervous rider clinics/sessions
The things that annoyed me when I was at a riding school were unfriendly yard staff, 'uncontrolled' teenage helpers, having to pay/book lessons and discussing progress in front of the staff whilst they had their break.
I had a bad time one lesson whereby I was on the pony for 10 mins, pony spooked. I screamed and cried to get off ( pathetic I know!!) I must have scared the instructor as he led the pony away and left me standing there in the school!!! I'd paid for a 40 min private lesson!!! I don't think he knew what to do with me!!!
gnubee
Well-Known Member
Serial experienced adult riding schooler for 10 years before I bought my own, so my experience and expectations are a bit different than the majority of your clientele (but I have tended to find that places who also cater to experienced adults tended to have better schooled horses that could do more advanced moved etc as some of your lesson groups will effectively be schooling for you). I at one point had 5 regular weekly places on the go, and tried pretty much everywhere in a 20 mile radius.
Things I need:
- sufficient weight carrying horses that I get to ride a variety (and in fact enough that you can realistically run an adult group lesson)
- reasonably priced group lesson (don't mind size as long as not too much queuing- as an intermediate + rider if given the opportunity you can work on your horse's way of going without constant instructor attention if the environment is right. For this reason the only place I had a regular group jumping lesson had everyone else walk/trotting on the track whilst someone did the exercise to avoid 45 mins of queuing.
- if not reasonably priced then instruction needs to be really top quality and groups tiny. I don't see much middle ground here; I'm either paying top price for valuable instruction or the main benefit to me is just from riding time so I will get to as cheap as possible. Figure out your market early on based on instructors and horses available and play to it,
- school needs to be rideable at the level of the lesson all year round- no cancelling jumping because it is frozen/ baked hard or working with 3/4 of it round giant puddles.
Nice to haves:
- friendly and consistent adult groups late evening (7,8,9pm). I tended to accidentally veer towards adult only groups looking back as although the mainly kids lessons were often more fun, but kids have a knack of monopolising instructor attention, particularly if only one or 2 of them in an otherwise adult group.
- someone to meet you when you arrive the first time. If that's not possible then clear signs to where you wait for your lesson and ideally the disclaimer form clearly left out for me to do so I'm not doing it whilst everyone else is mounting and consequently miss the start of my first lesson.
- mix it up a bit. Adults like to play gymkhana, handy pony etc too occasionally.
- great website; the best places I've been have let me know what level group lesson happens in each hour slot during the week(with quality examples of what that level means there), the price, description of the horses available sufficient to gauge the variety I could ride before I even pick up the phone.
Hates
- mandatory assessment lessons - maybe it's just me, but if I'm picking a new stables it's because they have an intermediate flatwork class at 8 on Wednesday that I want to be in. I have no problem with trying it once and being told I'm not there yet and can't do it again or that I might get more out of advanced flatwork at 7, but I want to try out the lesson I want to do, not a private session with what is most likely a different instructor. Fwiw I have self placed into a group at every riding school after my first and never been outside the range of the group so it's clearly not rocket science.
- modifier on the above, the standard of the group needs maintaining at the expected level. If someone joins and can't keep up in the first week it's an honest mistake. After that the instructor needs to remove them and if they don't it massively grates. Similarly, I have no problem with someone joining a group below their ability as long as they are happy to learn at the expected level of the group - not getting jumps put up extra high for them, learning shoulder in when everyone else is leg yielding, or monopolising the best / trickiest horse when others in the group are also capable.ive seen this handled by defining peramafers of a lesson timeslot, and also been in groups where the lesson standard has improved with the group and a new lesson at a different time been set up for the standard the group began at. The later is my preference but does require a very stable group develop oping at a relatively consistent rate so can see why it rarely happens.
- people in lessons doing stupid things. Everything that happens in your lessons reflects on my trust in your instructors even if it doesn't happen to me. People riding their own horse lame, bringing a horse down on top of a jump because it hits the end of its Standing martingale, pony club kicks with spurs, draw reins making noses touch chests. I've seen it in pure riding schools too, but it's definitely worse on combined livery and school yards.
- instructors over facing people (again even if not me). I've been 2 places where over a few weeks I was consistently calling nearly all falls before they happened. Use your accident book to spot themes and address them early. In most cases the pattern will be an instructor who raises jumps when people aren't comfortably clearing them lower, or a known refuser ridden by insufficiently experienced riders. Instructors who can't gauge a related distance also cause more than their fair share.
- drill rides/ musical rides. I've never ridden in a group with anyone who admits to enjoying them but instructors seem to think it is a special treat . At least get majority consensus before inflicting them!
Things I need:
- sufficient weight carrying horses that I get to ride a variety (and in fact enough that you can realistically run an adult group lesson)
- reasonably priced group lesson (don't mind size as long as not too much queuing- as an intermediate + rider if given the opportunity you can work on your horse's way of going without constant instructor attention if the environment is right. For this reason the only place I had a regular group jumping lesson had everyone else walk/trotting on the track whilst someone did the exercise to avoid 45 mins of queuing.
- if not reasonably priced then instruction needs to be really top quality and groups tiny. I don't see much middle ground here; I'm either paying top price for valuable instruction or the main benefit to me is just from riding time so I will get to as cheap as possible. Figure out your market early on based on instructors and horses available and play to it,
- school needs to be rideable at the level of the lesson all year round- no cancelling jumping because it is frozen/ baked hard or working with 3/4 of it round giant puddles.
Nice to haves:
- friendly and consistent adult groups late evening (7,8,9pm). I tended to accidentally veer towards adult only groups looking back as although the mainly kids lessons were often more fun, but kids have a knack of monopolising instructor attention, particularly if only one or 2 of them in an otherwise adult group.
- someone to meet you when you arrive the first time. If that's not possible then clear signs to where you wait for your lesson and ideally the disclaimer form clearly left out for me to do so I'm not doing it whilst everyone else is mounting and consequently miss the start of my first lesson.
- mix it up a bit. Adults like to play gymkhana, handy pony etc too occasionally.
- great website; the best places I've been have let me know what level group lesson happens in each hour slot during the week(with quality examples of what that level means there), the price, description of the horses available sufficient to gauge the variety I could ride before I even pick up the phone.
Hates
- mandatory assessment lessons - maybe it's just me, but if I'm picking a new stables it's because they have an intermediate flatwork class at 8 on Wednesday that I want to be in. I have no problem with trying it once and being told I'm not there yet and can't do it again or that I might get more out of advanced flatwork at 7, but I want to try out the lesson I want to do, not a private session with what is most likely a different instructor. Fwiw I have self placed into a group at every riding school after my first and never been outside the range of the group so it's clearly not rocket science.
- modifier on the above, the standard of the group needs maintaining at the expected level. If someone joins and can't keep up in the first week it's an honest mistake. After that the instructor needs to remove them and if they don't it massively grates. Similarly, I have no problem with someone joining a group below their ability as long as they are happy to learn at the expected level of the group - not getting jumps put up extra high for them, learning shoulder in when everyone else is leg yielding, or monopolising the best / trickiest horse when others in the group are also capable.ive seen this handled by defining peramafers of a lesson timeslot, and also been in groups where the lesson standard has improved with the group and a new lesson at a different time been set up for the standard the group began at. The later is my preference but does require a very stable group develop oping at a relatively consistent rate so can see why it rarely happens.
- people in lessons doing stupid things. Everything that happens in your lessons reflects on my trust in your instructors even if it doesn't happen to me. People riding their own horse lame, bringing a horse down on top of a jump because it hits the end of its Standing martingale, pony club kicks with spurs, draw reins making noses touch chests. I've seen it in pure riding schools too, but it's definitely worse on combined livery and school yards.
- instructors over facing people (again even if not me). I've been 2 places where over a few weeks I was consistently calling nearly all falls before they happened. Use your accident book to spot themes and address them early. In most cases the pattern will be an instructor who raises jumps when people aren't comfortably clearing them lower, or a known refuser ridden by insufficiently experienced riders. Instructors who can't gauge a related distance also cause more than their fair share.
- drill rides/ musical rides. I've never ridden in a group with anyone who admits to enjoying them but instructors seem to think it is a special treat . At least get majority consensus before inflicting them!
gnubee
Well-Known Member
Also whilst I like the idea of an active social media group, I've never seen one in practice for a riding school that didn't come across as incredibly cliquey to an outsider, and they often have more than their share of commentary from disgruntled customers who have gone elsewhere. If one were strongly influenced by social media I dont think there is any stables in the northwest that could get your custom.
alainax
Well-Known Member
I cant believe I forgot this! This is the absolute stumbling block for me with any lesson on a horse which is not my own. Being the wrong side of 12 stone - please please please make it clear what your weight limit is. If you do not, larger people (or even smaller people who think they are large) wont ask. It is embarrassing to ask " do you have a horse big enough for my fat butt?
If you have it clearly stated what your weight limit is, then those who are under wont be put off thinking they could be over, but too afraid to ask. If you can afford one decent weight carrier, do it. Certainly this country has a problem with overweight people, but horse riding is fabulous excersie. Just bear in mind it could well be novice heavier people. To give an example, the stables I worked ah had several HUGE horses. A Clydie, a shirexcob, a massive ID hunter, a maxi cob who was as wide as he was tall etc - the weight limit was 15 stone. Of course these guys could carry a lot more with ease, but not novices many times a week.
On the other hand I know a trekking centre (who are absolutely amazing!) with a weight limit of 19 stone. However they are not giving lessons each week, they are doing one off adventure treks and every horse they own is a huge clydesdale - so can ensure it is only once in a blue moon that one has to carry some weight. Very different from a riding school.
So.. I rambled.. but website, facebook and notice at yard of weight limit. Choose one sensibly for the horses you have, but not so restrictive that you miss 90% of the population as clients.
This for sure. Don't give away one free, just have it free as part of a block. The block bookings get discount. So if someone books a block of 10 ( and pays upfront) they get a discount.
Think about deposits, particularly if you don't have a lot of horses and would lose business if you knock back someone to ride - and the person who was supposed to come never showed up.