help finding a school?

[snooky]

Hi there, just registered on new rider after a pain staking 2 hours trying to think of a user name (decisions were never my strong point, imagine what i'm like food shopping!). I'm 34 and live in dagenham and would love to start riding again but don't know where to go. I rode at Bretons in Rainham when i was a wee teenager but don't know what it's like now. Have also enquired by phone at Eastminster but never find them very helpful. My only pre-requisite is
'no snobbery from adults/children'...just a friendly yard with a few other mature riders, thanks and can't wait to hear from anyone x
P.s Did try a riding school about 4 years ago but got took out on a hack after my fourth lesson and the horse bolted and i had quite a bad fall, so am a bit nervous!

[Kittycat]

Hi, welcome to NR.

I would suggest googling riding schools in your area and phoning them for a chat. If you find they don't make the time to talk to you (you may have to arrange a mutually convenient time to call) then move onto the next one. Tell them you are nervous and ask what provisions they make for nervous riders, they should be able to reassure you that you will not be put on an unsuitable horse, that you can stay on the lunge as long as it take etc.

My RS appealed to me not only because it was VERY reasonably priced, but because the RI sounded enthusiastic. (I was ridiculously excited and most put off when one place I rang just seemed bored). I went for a lesson and haven't looked back since, I absolutely love it.

Good luck in your search, I hope you find somewhere suitable. Remember, if you go somewhere once and don't like it, you don't have to go back! Don't let it put you off, just try another place until you find somewhere you are happy with.

:)

[snooky]

Thanks for the sound advice KC. I have googled and called various places, but am hoping that i'll get a bit of feedback from anyone that attends any local schools for a bit of 'first hand' experiences. How many schools did you try or call before finding the right one? :)

[Lizbeth]

Hi Kittycat

I don't live in your area, but I'm sure someone on here is near you and will be able to offer some help. In the meantime, it may be worth looking on the BHS website at their list of approved riding schools
Good luck
Lizbeth :)