Question on trying out different lesson stables

[Soleil]

I’m sure this question as been asked before, and I’m just unable to find threads pertaining to it, so I’ll ask it again. Okay so after a three-year break from riding (mostly due to the unavailability of a riding instructor), I’ve schedule a riding lesson, which in and of itself is kind of nerve wracking because I’ve been away from riding for so long. Not only have I already schedule one lesson, I’m going to be visiting another stable in a couple of weeks and hopefully schedule a lesson at this stable as well, so I guess my real question is whether or not it would be a bad idea to try both stables out for a month or so before deciding on which one I would like to stick with, so far when speaking with both instructors they are both very knowledgeable and friendly, neither of them strike me as someone I would not get along with but in the end I guess it’ll all come down to their teaching styles and what works for me.

Anyway I guess I’m just looking for either personal experience/opinions from people on whether or not it would be wise to try both stables out for a short period of time before deciding on which one I’d like to stay at.

- Soleil

[molly34]

Definitely try them both for a while - all sorts of things can affect how well you get on and enjoy your lessons: the facilities, the horses, the RI's style and personality, if there's group lessons available (and if so, the people in them!), the general yard philosophy..... if you're lucky enough to have access to two that look good, then there's nothing wrong with taking your time to see which one suits you best.
Good luck! :)

[Gruntfuttock]

I can't see how trying out two different places to see which one suits you better could EVER be a bad idea. Riding is an expensive hobby - too expensive to waste money at a place where you are uncomfortable, so it makes perfect sense to try as many barns as you can to see what style of instruction suits you best and where you will learn the most.

[Belle Rider]

The first RS I went to was very disorganized - i would arrive for my lesson and the horse I was due to ride was still in the field, let alone groomed and tacked up!! Plus we often had to wait for the previous ride/lesson to finish cos they were running late! :rolleyes:

Also, they weren't terribly good at progressive teaching - I progressed from walk to trot but after a year having lessons there I still hadn't even cantered!! :confused:

Since then I've moved and the RS I go to now is brilliant - always ready well before I arrive, and the RI is very experienced and the horses are well behaved and well schooled (no more horse planting feet and refusing to move!!:rolleyes:)

So I would definitely shop around before you decide where to spend your money. You're bound to prefer one RS over the other after a while trying both out. All the best - happy riding! :D

[TheWorldOver!]

Oh absolutely DO try out two and three stables until you stick to the one (or two) you like. This was my dilemma for a while too. I for example still don't have the best of both worlds right now, as my current school has an amazing RI on one hand but their stable help is a snobby 15 year old with a bitchy attitude who clearly shows you that she is superior to you. BUT my RI simply rules! The other school I go to occasionally has excellent help staff to help me put the bridle on for example but perhaps not the best RIs. (after a while I won't need help with the bridle so I won't need assistance for that)

You can have two different RIs teach you the exact same thing but yet come off quite differently. I hope I helped. :)

[kiwigirl]

Yes I am a two riding school person. It has been the best thing I have ever done. I am almost at the stage now where I am going to stop going to my original RS and stick with the newer one. I am also going to try out a 3rd next year:)

[Soleil]

Thank you to all of you for you're helpful replies, I have a lesson set up at both stables now, so I guess now it's just a matter of seeing which one I like and which teaching style suits me best.