Classical Teacher in NW London / Middlesex / Herts

[Kenzie]

I have been reading Heather's Enlightened Equitation and Sylvia Loch's Invisible Riding. I want to learn to ride according to these Classical principles, as I have reached a plateau with my current teachers.

Also, I hope to have my own horse within the next few months, so I have the option of chosing a freelance teacher who suits me rather than being assigned a teacher at a riding school with no choice about which teacher I get.

Does anyone know of a freelance teacher in the Harrow, Middlesex / Watford, Herts area who specialises in Classical teaching and who they would recommend?

Or a website where I can search for local freelance teachers? A general web search hasn't helped.

Many thanks for any help or recommendations.

K

[LindaAd]

The Classical Riding Club has a list of instructors. I don't know the address, but you could find it in a search.

[kyanya]

Hello Kenzie

Sadly I don't know of a riding instructor in the area who teaches in the way you wish, but I'd be very interested in your findings.
I'm from Uxbridge, and currently looking for a new riding school / freelance instructor too. I finished at my old school in Iver as I had a fall (although not riding there) which has stopped me riding for a while due to a broken wrist.
This time without riding has promted me to step back and look at my riding, and I have found I don't feel I'm progressing suitably, and also feel the teaching is not really agreeing with what I think riding should be.
I should be allowed to ride again within a couple of weeks, so I will be beginning a search of all the schools in the area soon to find the right one. I would be prepared to travel, but I might be starting to share a horse soon, and I thought lessons on it would be beneficial.
I haven't been involved greatly in classical riding, but my friend is very much involved in it. She has had lessons from Joni Bentley, and then gave me Joni's book to read, as well as a tape to listen to. I found these very inspiring. One tape had exercises to do while riding, the other not mounted. Both of these really made me think about my riding, but on returning to my regular riding school, without the encouragment to use the 'classical' seat, it soon was forgotten. I was also given bareback lessons on the lunge by my friend, which I felt improved my seat enormously.
Now I feel I would benefit to finding a classical instructor, who understands the way I want to ride.

[larri]

Little bit out of your way but I know of a couple based Oxon / bucks, and they certainly used to travel although one of them has had a baby recently so not sure what the score is there.

Lizzie Robertson & Katherine Babb run Classical Principles. I don't have the number on me as I'm at work but will try and post it later.

I trained with Lizzie at Turville Valley Stud, one of the best classical riding centres in the uk ( Heather will confirm this!) - she was head girl when I worked there.

Alternatively if you can travel I'd reccommend Turville - about 5-10 minutes off the M40 just past high Wycombe where they can teach your horse or you can have lessons on one of their Lusitanos. My little Moose is there for schooling at the moment and I can't believe the difference in her way of going! Highly reccommended :D

[kyanya]

I saw Turville's website. Looks very nice. Do you know how muhc lessons on their horses cost? i'd like ot ride a Lusi

[Maria]

Suzanne's Riding School in Harrow Weald is another place. Heather recommends Julian Marczak - the Co-Proprietor.

[kyanya]

I didn't realize Suzanne's taught classical. I was considering it anyway, so thank you Maria

[larri]

Turville lessons - I think!!! are from £30. Certainly are when you are on your own horse, as my filly is there right now! :D

[Kerry's Partner]

Kenzie I'm sorry to butt in but I'd like to ask your other respondents if they believe that all who they recommend would provide for you what you say you are searching for - given that you seem to have been captured by two specific writers so to speak.

[Yann]

Another little question, how much of a gap is there between good 'correct' teaching and 'classical' teaching? I was taught quite a lot of things that HM's book might well agree with, but I don't believe my instructors had ever read it.

[Kerry's Partner]

Depends on your definition of "good, correct, teaching" I suppose Yan - cart before the horse or chicken before the eggs..........I'm sorry if this sounds flippant. Because, I don't feel the least bit flippant about all of this at all.

I'll probably be shot at dawn I suppose but (to me, the uneducated) "classical" is all of that really good stuff that we can be taught because it's tried and tested and we know it works - it looks beautiful and the horse love's it. It's what we know (well what our masters know and have mastered) because they have remained "fixed" on a style which isn't necessarily popular in the competition world. - but (to me) it is also that stuff that the horse loves (and so I do too). It isn't the same as it was many many many years ago because people have applied modern techniques and understanding (such as saddle design, horse movement etc) to enhance the comfort (so pleasure) that the horse and rider experience . Therefore, there are some differences (imo) to be found amongst the present day classical styles, trainers and instructors. This is good, I guess because we'll learn more because of it; the problem is that often the variances are the focus of major debate - the debate is OK of course it's just that we who are learning (people and equines) sometimes get caught up in it or caught out by it when we just want to enjoy things instead!!!!!!!!!!

[larri]

Blimey - gauntlet thrown down and accepted

I can and will speak up for those that I have reccommended as I know them personally, have worked with them and in the highest way of confirming my belief in them (in Turville's case ) have sent my own horse ( who hasn't been worked with or ridden by anybody else...ever) there for eight weeks intensive schooling.

Everything my filly has done was done my way, I have read extensively about various methods of training, either ridden , owned, loaned or worked with horses for most of my life and used what i've learnt to start her. The best stuff I learnt and more to the point the most succesful for Safi was based on Turvilles classical portuguese in hand methods and Heathers ridden weight aids stuff.

I'm more than happy to stand up and say that I learnt more about how to work horses, softly, classically..more to the point CORRECTLY at the two years I spent at Turville than I did in nearly twenty years of riding before then.

My horse has been there for just over a week, she is already responding beautifully. At home I had just started really asking her to work softly and come onto the bit, really using her back to push through...we were starting to get it. This week she is coming soft at walk trot and canter when asked- the results speak for themselves really!

Why do we obsess about boxing a way of working and sticking a label on it.......what my horse is being taught is a beautifully fluid, soft, relaxed easy way of working, that makes the most of her abilities. It is done in a firm manner but with a perfect harmony between trainer and horse - respect from both sides is paramount to the working partnership.

Call it what you like - it works and is beatiful to see and experience.

[Kenzie]

I take your point about how a teacher can be a good teacher without calling themselves 'Classical'. On that basis, I would be interested in anyone's recommendation of any freelance teacher in the Harrow / Watford area, and I am open to trying them to see if they and I are compatible.

I have heard good things of Julian Marczak at Suzanne's, but he had a lengthy waiting list when I applied. Also, he teaches at his own riding school, and ideally I would need someone to come to my yard and teach me on my own horse, when the happy day arrives, hopefully soon, that I have one.

I have been instructed at various places, to turn my toes out, grip with my heels, sit back and bend my leg (in the 'Farmer Giles' armchair position). I have been told "kick him, hit him" when a horse doesn't move forward, because he 'knows what's expected and is being lazy'. Now I am the first to admit that I am relatively inexperienced as a rider - only clocked up 13 months in the saddle for one hour a week - but even I know that a horse with an unbalanced rider will not be able to move forward comfortably, and I know my own particular vice is to lean forward. I refuse to blame the horse for this, and I would like a teacher who is in sympathy with Heather / Sylvia / Classical methods - call them what you will - who will sort out my riding consistently and help me to help my horse.

The Turville yard appears to come highly recommended - I must find out if they take riders such as myself for remedial teaching for a short intensive riding course.

Thanks to all who have responded!

Kenzie

[judyl]

If you want a short course, maybe you could go to Contessa Riding Centre which is in Ware I think. Tina Layton who runs it is an advanced level dressage rider and she has lessons from Charles de Kunffy and Arthur Kottas of the Spanish Riding School when they come to the TTT in Surrey. I haven't been taught by her (or them!) but I have seen some demonstrations and lessons by them in Surrey. Maybe someone else has heard more about her and her place. They have a website and Ware is in your neck of the woods isn't it?

Hope this is of help.

:D

[CT]

Hello Judy n everyone

I went to Contessa RC for a weeks intenstive riding in August while Doogie had a well earned holiday.

I was most impressed that at Contessa they are concerned to ensure that you know where they are coming from at the outset. They are open about the fact that they teach from classical principles. The week I, and my friends, spent with them was interesting and worthwhile (none of us are especially great riders and we'd all put ourselves into the novice category so don't be put off by the words 'classical' we weren't doing anything too fancy). We were taught by Tina once (very good as you'd expect) and also by her immediate junior, Dawn (double barrelled surname name which I can't remember). Dawn was very good at teaching. Both she and Tina were (to my mind) clear about what they wanted you to achieve and realistic about it. We were also taught by a very gifted and enthusiastic young teacher called Helen, again, someone interested in classical methods. The school was also very keen for us to watch other lessons taking place, although we didn't get a chance to watch Tina ride.

Contessa has some very nice horses - they have a fantastic young cob there who has the movement of a warmblood (wow!).

Having said all of this, I should also point out that (despite being impressed with Tina, Dawn and Helen) by far the best classical teacher I know is Linda Lee who Iam lucky enough to have lessons with at Lee Valley Riding School near Walthamstow, East London. Linda is also recommended by Heather. Linda, to my mind, is a truely classical teacher - someone who can read the horse/rider well, achieve tremendous things without bullying either and who does it all with maximum enthusiasm, patience and humour (she's a lot like Heather for that). What more can we want in riding instructors. Sadly (except for the lesson I have with her) Linda only takes one class at Lee Valley which is for advanced riders.

CT

[Kerry's Partner]

Hi Larri,

I was explaining in answer to the initial question that there are differences because I felt it was only fair to do so. BUT I was also applauding the differences - not challenging them - as long as, of course the context is the difference between different, present-day, "classical" trainers.


btw - can I visit when you're at ~Turville. I'd love to see how your baby is doing. It would be a great inspiration given the year Kerry and I have had.

Sandra

[judyl]

Hi there Caron - how is Dougie and you? Aren't you lucky having someone so good near you. There seems to be noone around here in Surrey/Hants. I've stopped having lessons and tend to just hack around. Mind you, my madam is 20/21 and I can't seem to get up a lot of enthusiasm for the riding around here which is pretty rubbish, and you can't ride round an arena every day! Good to hear you're doing well.

Judy

[larri]

Feel free to visit!

As I'm now working further away I only get to see her at the weekend and I generally don't know till the Friday when she's having her schooling sessions over the weekend. But the yard is open to visitors betwen 9-5 every day in the winter

I watched her being ridden on Sunday - first time I've ever seen anyone on her apart from me! Wowsers :D :D I know this will sound funny - but I could really appreciate the fact she's a well bred Lusitano as opposed to just being my scruffy neddie! Tears of pride welled up watching her !

[CT]

Hi Judy

Doogie is his usual self - full of his own greatness and absolutely adorable with it.

Nice to hear that you and your mare (Shade?) are still going strong. Given I live in the heart of London its gratifying to hear that the riding is rubbish in Surrey!

I am, as you say, very lucky to have a great instructor to give me lessons and Dougal loves her too - must be those end of lesson carrots.

Let me know if you manage to get to Contessa for a lesson with Tina or anyone else. I'd be interested to hear what you think about it. I saw in H&H today that in their list of things to do b4 U die (or something like that) one was to experience flying changes on an advanced schoolmaster. Contessa was recommended.

Bye

Caron

[Casey76]

I had a weeks intensive tuition at Contessa at the end of September which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Although I didn't have a lesson with Tina (my riding skills are too pitiful to really warrant a top notch tracher yet :rolleyes: :D) , I watched her teach on numerous occasions, which was really excellent.

I came away from that week (well apart from a sore behind - from riding 3x per day) with a much improved leg position and a more stable seat - all together more balanced.

I agree about the horses, they do have some gorgeous horses there.

I really do feel that I benefitted (is that a word?) from my week there - so much so I'm planning to go back at Easter-timeish for another week!

[CT]

My friends and I were just lucky that Tina was able to give us a lesson one morning before she nipped off to teach in Scotland.

Know exactly what you mean about the sore bum. We did that intensive weak and by the end of day 3 we were walking very very slowly (aka John Wayne!).

As you say, enjoyable and useful - save that my friend got dumped by a beautiful but rather spooky mare that they have there.

Did you get to ride the lovely young cob, Conor? I'm thinking about going back just so I can ride him again. What a horse!

CT

[Casey76]

Hi CT,

Sorry for the delay! I didn't ride Connor, but I watched a few lessons in which he was taking part.

Over the week I rode Anni, Tia, Joker, and once on Charmer. My favourite was Anni (even if she didn't have any left bend:rolleyes: ). Because of my 'large bones' and my beginner status I didn't ride any of the warmbloods, but it was great to see the 'dressage team' have a lesson. I keep practicing though, and hopefully one of the years I might be able to do a prelim test!

[CT]

Hello Casey 76

Sorry not to have replied to you sooner - I've been too busy to log on - how sad is that!

I remember those horses. My friend rode Charmer for jumping but the others weren't on our lessons. They looked very sweet tho'.

I didn't know they had a dressage team - that must have been interesting to watch. Did Tina ride on it?

CT

[Casey76]

Hi CT,

No Tina didn't ride, she was instructing. It was very dood to watch. It's not really an official 'team' but a goup who have regular lessons I think on a Thursday evening. They are all pretty good at dressage. One exercise they were practicing was spiraling in from a 15m circle then trot to halt (with no steps of walk). To me this is pretty good!:o :D They were also practicing parts of a dressage test whilst being videoed, then later we went and watched the video to get feedback - oh and all the trot was sitting.

It was a really interesting week, and I'm planning on going back next year for some more intensive training.

[CT]

Hi Casey

I remember someone mentioning that there was an advanced group. Lucky you to watch it. All that ST sounds tiring - for the horse and the rider!

Let me know if you decide to go again next year. My friends and I might be going again since the pain of 5 days intensive riding has now subsided.

CT

[tessa]

i must add though that i went to contessa before a couple of times....2nd time as 1st was assessment...thought the horses should have beena better standard...and was very disppointed!!!
please confirm what you are getting for your money before you go...i thought i had...

[CT]

Tessa

I'm not sure I know what you mean about the horses being of a better standard.

The only thing that we found difficult was that the horses were not 'push button' type school rides. This meant that we spent a few days getting back to some very basic basics to even get them moving let alone getting them working well. One of the horses could have tried the patience of a saint but goodness when we went well he really was fab.

CT

[tessa]

i went to contessa considering that I would get a good standard of horse in order that I could learn more in which to apply this on my youngster....
however I'm afraid I was sorely disappointed....IMO some of the horses I saw were very poor...I'm afraid I was out of pocket for my experience...however I tried it...and will never go back...a lesson learned on my behalf....
I must add though that the instructor Dawn was very good...
However the horses would never attract me back....even as I youngster I was taught on the continent and the standard was very poor in comparison...
It was an upsetting experience for me as I thought I could learn and benefit...
as I said before....please make sure you know what you are getting before you go...I would hate for somebody to be as disappointed as I was

[CT]

Hi Tessa

That's a shame.

I know they have a mixture of horses, some cobs, some warmbloods etc but overall I thought that the selection was quite good. There were certainly some that I didn't think should used for lessons but other than that I thought there were some very nice horses there. Hey ho, horses for courses as they say....

CT

[LynneAC]

Originally posted by judyl
If you want a short course, maybe you could go to Contessa Riding Centre which is in Ware I think. Tina Layton who runs it is an advanced level dressage rider and she has lessons from Charles de Kunffy and Arthur Kottas of the Spanish Riding School when they come to the TTT in Surrey. I haven't been taught by her (or them!) but I have seen some demonstrations and lessons by them in Surrey. Maybe someone else has heard more about her and her place. They have a website and Ware is in your neck of the woods isn't it?

Hope this is of help.

:D

Hope you don't mind me butting in! The Contessa website is http://www.contessa-riding.co.uk/

Dawn Elliott-Moulden is an BHSII and competitive dressage rider, there is also another II there, Sarah Ganney, who does both dressage and is a competitive showjumper.

They have a wide range of horses there from ponies, cobs, beginners horses and arabs right up to Grand Prix level. If you have a 'problem' with any of the horses (and don't forget that you're likely to be given a 'safer' horse to start with) I'm sure that your instructor will be happy to sort it out for you, they're all very friendly there.