dissapointing lesson

[iloveponies00]

I moved to Northern Ireland in June after spending the last 3 yrs in Scotland. I had a pony which i sold just less than a year ago. I used to do a lot of showjumping but when we found out we were moving she had to be sold. I found a bhs approved riding school here and bearing in mind i havent ridden for 9 months let alone been in a riding school i went an booked myself in for a novice lesson. I was horrified to discover that my instructor really hadnt a clue about horses and i doubt she could ride herself. she was about 20 or probably less and hadnt a clue about riding, let alone 7 of us. I was put on a really big clydesdale type horse who could barely pick up its feet and i honestly did try my hardest but didnt get any comments from the instructor! Im sorry for this big moan but i dont believe that all riding stables are like this.

They have also decided to keep me in this lesson until i "develop confidence"b what do others think?
thanks

[SwiftwindSpirit]

Wow, 7 people in a group?!? That seems and aweful lot to me! Maybe see how your next lesson goes, and if it turns out to be the same bad lesson that you just had, you should talk to the riding school about it and see if you can arrange to have another instructor take you. Also, because it was a group of 7 riders, maybe the instructor was too busy concentrating on others, instead of checking if everyone was going on fine. I hope things get better for you! :(

[Showjumper]

That's appalling - I'd definitely complain, and ask for a different horse and a different instructor.

[thaxted]

Hmm...what part of N. I are you in? There are loads of good riding schools in Co Down if you're there.

[nat]

I live in Belfast but i dont go 2 a riding school anymor, i keep my horse at a livery yard and hav lessons there. What was the riding school called?

[iloveponies00]

i live in belfast! the riding school was in knockbracken called burn equestrian. i had my 2nd lesson today and altho it wasnt as bad im not going back! I had the same instructor as last time and she was no better. we had 6 peaople in our lesson and i was on a wee pony which was a bit better. we spent the whole time walking and trotting round the arena with the instructor occasionally commenting on our position.
i have decided not to go back there so i am looking for another riding school as close as possible to the centre of belfast

[thaxted]

Gosh - I'm surprised by your experience at The Burn. I've had some lessons there and they were great! Perhaps you could speak to one of the Senior instructors about what has happened, I'm sure they would like to know.

Perhaps the problem was that you booked for a novice lesson when you have had quite a lot of experience, maybe a more advanced lesson would be better. or you could book a private lesson with one of the senior instructors for an assessment and then they could advise you which group ride would be best for your ability.

However, the next closest Riding School to you is probably Lessans near Saintfield, or Millbridge near Comber, since Lagan Valley has now closed.

[nat]

i used 2 ride at the burn! u shud tlk to intouch! shes an instructor there!

[enkeli]

Hi. I used to ride at the Burn as well. My last teacher was Leslie and I thought she was really good - especially for those lacking in confidence (like I was over jumps:)). I haven't been there in a couple of years though. I now ride at East Hope with Lucy Adams - really excellent teacher but no indoor menage so lessons are 'weather permitting'.

There is another place a little closer to Belfast called Bracken Equestrian. I don't know anything about the place but the location (up past Milltown). Might be worth checking into.

(sorry, newbie here - guess I should go to the general thread and introduce myself :))

[enkeli]

Phoned Bracken Equestrian and found out they are actually a retail tack shop! Their sign only has their name so I didn't realise this. However, since Joe Gordon's is gone, this could be handy for anyone in South Belfast. Hours are MWF 9 - 9, Tu,Th,Sa 9 - 6.