Recommend a riding school near Harrogate?

[lmh25]

Hi there
I'm 39, and looking for a riding school near Harrogate. Can anyone recommend one?

I am a beginner (although I have had lessons before, my first lot in my mid-20's), but haven't managed to sustain my riding due to cost (I used to live in London) and other 'life events' like degree courses etc...

I don't claim to know anything about horsemanship, but some elements of teaching I've experienced concern me - eg being told to just kick or hit with a crop until you get a response - as does the demeanour of a lot of riding school horses - many seem bored or even deadened, rather than curious and keen to work (play!) with you.

Am I being too idealistic? Or are there riding schools out there who work to principles such as those espoused by 'intelligent horsemanship' practitioners, for example?

[skyesmum]

There is Follifoot stables near Pannel, they are OK tho alot of students now, or if you want a smaller friendlier yard that will show you the ins and outs etc, as well as genuinely loving the ponies there, you could call Joc at Little Pastures, in Knaresborough - 01423 863509 I think, google it.

I have ridden and worked at both places, enjoyed Joc's much more due to the fact it is smaller and hands on.

Good luck

[Giveitago]

Try it from the other way round.

Find a trainer that you like, then ask them where they would prefer to teach.

Have you looked on the IM website for trainers? How about trying Enlightened Equitation/ Heather Moffat?

Or, I think you may enjoy one of the Mary Wanless instructors, have a look around and see if you have anyone local.

Best of luck.

[skyesmum]

Is a Mary Wanless instructor who comes out from Skipton - surely tho if you are only just getting back into it and do not have a horse it would be hard to find a trainer:confused:

Very few riding schools would allow to random strangers to turn up and use their horses and school surely:confused:

Anyway if go on Yell they have 10 listed in HG postcodes so should give you plenty to poke at:D;)

[Giveitago]

No, I wasnt talking about random strangers turning up at a yard with a trainer to have a lesson.

Surely, the good instructors in your area will already be giving lessons to people, some of which will be at yards that have horses for hire or at regular riding schools. I'm sure a regular slot on this type of horse could be worth exploring.

Another name for random stranger is New Customer.

Many Wanless instructors are surely not expecting everyone they teach to own a horse:confused: Why wouldnt you start with a decent instructor who is not part of the whip brigade rather than have to endure hour after hour of endless kicking and yanking, on a shut down horse, before you then decide to ride a little more respectfully.