Shropshire - Decent riding school/instructor w/horses

C

Celticprospect

Active Member
Joined
24 March 2009
Messages
43
Location
Wales & Devon
Visit site

I've recently moved up to Newport and not really in the know about horsey people around here yet.
I've got a youngster that I'm in the process of breaking (though laid off because of a splint at the mo) and hope to do some dressage with him in the future. I've not done much serious riding (just backing and riding other peoples) for a couple of years because of uni etc..so the idea is to have a lesson a week while I'm horseless and then continue so to keep a few steps ahead of the youngster!
Does anybody know of some good riding schools around here? I've done a quick google search and the few I've seen don't seem to state any BHS qualifications or suggest that they cater for people that don't want to just plod around!
Are there any instructors around here that teach on their own horses? My old instructor did...but she's too far away now!
Sorry this is a bit of a rant...
Thanks!
laugh.gif
 
Right:

Prescott Equestian Center is where I had my lesson. Nice yard, nice horses, nice instructers. They were very aminable about us holding a competition there last minute too!!

http://www.prescottequestrian.co.uk/www.prescottequestrian.co.uk/info.php?p=7

Freshfields Equestrian Centre is where I've been riding recently. It's nice enough, but it is the focus of the IT girls... and I hate IT girls...

http://www.ridingschool.org.uk/index.htm

They're both BHS approved and both of them catered for our equestrian club needs (ie dressage and showjumping, not just plodding!)
 
Try Berriewood, they have a lot of horses and great facilities. I don't rate Prescott, I rode there once and wasn't impressed - their own instructor told me that all of the horses are plods and bored out of their minds! Also, unless you make a fuss, you won't be taught by any of the better instructors and will automatically get the 17yo girls who aren't qualified.

My YO teaches a few people on her own horses (AI) though I think that's just reserved for friends now. I will ask her tonight though.

Also try the Wyke, they used to have some quite nice horses though from what I know, they tend to cater more for people who just want to do flatwork.
 
Well thats not the Prescott I rode at! I got a nice, forward little mare and an instructer older than you and I put together!

But then, I should add, we pick our riding schools on the grounds of getting a student discount for the club. Berriewood is twice what we pay!

I might have to have a mosie though, especially as I have nothing to ride anymore.
frown.gif
 
I like Berriewood, am going to go and have a play on their XC course when the ground dries up a bit. One of their instructors in particular is supposed to be fantastic, she teaches a lot of the jumping clinics for various RCs in the area and have heard great things about her.
 

Who/where's Emma Bailey?
I did look at the BHS website, but you can either search for grade of trainer or just schools. The trainers section doesn't say whether they are based at a riding school or have horses to ride and the school section doesn't say how qualified their staff are or whether they just plod. I could phone them all up I guess!:p
I guess I just need to try a few and see what I like. I will remember to make a fuss if I go to prescot!
Wat do people know about the Wyke? It's nice and close. I went to their website, I can't see any details about the instructors...who teaches there? Any good/bad reviews?
 
The Wyke is down the road from me, I did mention it in my original reply to you. Gorgeous place, always immaculate and lovely horses. They have a XC course and run quite a lot of low key dressage. Has a reputation locally for only teaching flatwork and supposedly people who ride their tend to have no "horse sense" or be able to hack out safely (or ride outside of an arena at all) because they only teach flatwork there. Don't know how true it is though but it's worth a go there. From what I hear they have some quite well schooled horses. Expensive I think though.

Emma Bailey is a classical instructor though as far as I know she only teaches you on your own horse. I've got a lesson with her in Jan which you'd be welcome to come along to watch if you want to see how she teaches and think about having some sessions with her on your own once he's working.

If you want a horse to hack out during the week you're welcome to mine!
 
Having ridden at The Wyke I wouldn’t recommend it. Lovely place, pricey, but my main gripe is if you ride CCI**** they might just let you canter in the indoor school. Not ‘real’ riding to me but depends what you’re looking for. The YouTube clips might give you a feel for the place. Telford Equestrian Centre is rough and ready but you can at least get out hacking, also know people who rate Nedge Farm but never been myself.
 
I'm Newport too!!

I've ridden at Prescott and The Wyke and rate them both! There's a few I would categorically say avoid with the plague but if you want their names I'll pm you?
 
Wanted to add....

I went to the Wyke to improve my flatwork as I was riding/schooling young event horses at the time and wasn't interested in jumping as I had my little mare to do that on. They really did help, got me doing all sorts of movements I had only ever ridden on push buttons but they challenged me by making me do it on horses that only did it if you asked properly.

When I was at Prescott I made it quite clear I wanted to be tortured back into shape and work on my jumping confidence and they helped with both....plus the instructor being a fellow pony squasher helped
wink.gif


I'm going to go back to Prescott when I have the money together. I think if you go with a specific aim then they're brilliant as we really were working towards the goals I set out and I was really pushed in terms of riding different horses and challenging my skill/balance etc. 3/4hr of no stirrup work some lessons meant they definitely tortured me back into shape!
 
I used to teach at prescott (summer pony club camps) and have used the wyke for dressage comps. Prescott is lovely. Two indoor arenas (one large and one dinky) plus two outdoor arenas. They dont have much winter turnout so if you want to move your youngster down be aware of this. Also very expensive a half hour private is £26 if booked in advance. The Wyke is the same price. The wWyke is also an imaculate yard and also well run. Both have good reputations. I teach in the area (I used to live in Newport- now down the Road in Bridgnorth) and I know of a couple of other good instructors who I would recomened and also those who I personally wouldn't as their clients are now my clients and the stories I have heard do not do much for our profession. PM me if you need any details.
 

Thanks for all the replies! Good to know how many newportions are on here!
I think I will try the Wyke then as it's closest and I can hopefully sneak off work to get there in the week! I'm only interested in improving my flatwork at the mo, and it sounds perfect for that. Perhaps I will spend my new year sampling a few!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top