Should I change riding school?

[gracie24]

Hi everyone!

Unfortunately due to the country I live in, it's hard to own a horse - so I've been going to a riding school for the past 6 years and don't own my own horse

I go there a 1-2 times a week and almost every lesson, the horse and trainer I get change. Most of the horses there are old, retired racers so they're either very very hot or very very lazy. For these past few weeks I've been getting the same horse which I assumed I'd get for the competition this weekend. Buuuuut I find out today that they've changed the horse I'll get... the competition is this Sunday!! For more context, the competition is basically qualifiers for an even bigger competition.

I'm not sure if this is normal and I'm overreacting or whatever since this is the only club I've been to and don't have equestrian friends to ask. So I'm wondering should I be looking somewhere else to learn or stick with them?

 

[Skib]

There isnt a normal for riding schools, but there is a tendency for students to pay their money and accept what happens. And say nothing.

It is better to try and discuss the difficulties with the RI at the school or the school owner.

Particularly discuss yur uncertainty about competing on a horse that you dont know well.

I too am a RS rider or sharer. Part of my education was to ride a lot of different horses, but it is also brilliant to have continuity and to get to know one horse very well. The problem is that one's favourite horse may be in great demand from other clients because she or he is their favourite ride as well. I wouldnt have a hope of going a weekend ride or on a weekend outing with my favourite because she has weekend riders who would have priority.