Where to lean to ride in Harrogate...HELP?

[tacsatsgt]

So I'd like to learn to ride. I had the chance to when I was younger but never did. Now as an adult I have the time and money and am looking for a new hobby. The only problem is that all the riding schools in the area have a weight limit of 14 stones. I am a big and tall man at 6'1 and 21 stones. Since no one whats to let me ride their training horses since they get so much use, and must keep the weight of the customers down to insure their horse remains in service for a long time, I thought about purchasing my own horse. But realized I dont know how to care for one. I dont even know how to ride yet LOL.... So, What are my options? Clydesdale lessons in harrogate?

 

[teacups]

It's not the height, and definitely the weight which will be the issue.
There is a place in Ireland (google Castle Leslie) which does one-week learn-to-ride courses and who have a 16-stone limit, but most other places have a 14 or 15 stone max. limit as far as I know.
Buying your own horse still wouldn't mean that the horse would be able to cope with 21 stone, unfortunately. That's just how they are built - e.g. clydesdales look strong but are built for pulling, not carrying on their backs, afaik.
You're going to have to bite the bullet and lose weight if you want to ride! It could be a good target to aim for? Not easy, I know - my OH is trying to lose a couple of stone at the moment, and cake (and beer) keeps getting in the way. Your reward could be the week in Ireland when you get to 16 stone? It'll take a while, mind - slow and steady is the way to do these things.

 

[Red-1]

I feel your pain.

My OH is a similar height and weight, we found it difficult to find somewhere for him to learn. Fortunately for him I am a trainer, so we loaned a horse and he learned on that, after which he loved it enough to buy one. His weight was never a problem in his riding, he was taught to be balanced from an early stage. I guess it may be a problem if you wish to spend a full day hunting or whatever, but OH was happy to go hacking, schooling, and to some dressage. He had a 17hh ID X TB (my ex eventer that grew a bit big!).

I guess for your situation it depends on how much money you have and how much you wish to do it.

If money is plentiful I would go to Yorkshire Riding Centre to have them help find you a horse, then keep it on livery there where you can be fully supported. They could do lessons, and also keep your horse ticking along in his work until you are up to speed. They have FAB facilities.

If you have this arrangement you can have a similar horse to the one my OH had, one that is safe but capable of whatever you decide you wish to do. I find it is actually easier to learn on a capable, reasonably active horse, as long as you are fully supported.

Good luck!

 

[teacups]

That's interesting to read, Red-1. Bit more encouraging, too

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

There are mechanical horses, not sure if they have a weight limit, but the instructor gives you a lesson so it must be cheaper and faster than YRC .

 

[Dazed'n'confused]

Have a look at Hillcroft Riding School in Sicklinghall - fantastic riding school, been going years & if anyone caters for all kinds of riders it's them!