I've found it!

[maya-m]

Shangrila! I have found a 'GOOD' riding school! and it is nearish to where I live.

I started out on this forum knowing nada, then asking lots of questions about riding schools and instructors, and wondering 'if it was me'.

Today I had a superb, 1hr lesson - no-one told me I was good, no-one said I had potential - BUT, I learned about the horse I was on, I learned some of my own riding weaknesses, the instructor TALKED about why they teach the way they do, gave me EXERCISES to try to counteract my mistakes, asked me QUESTIONS (ie, What's the horse doing different now? Why do you think that is?) Getting me to THINK about what I was doing and what effect it had on the horse! and answered my questions after the lesson! wow!

And what a horse - he was one of the slower ones, and he had so much energy. I've had so much difficulty getting a school horse to maintain a good walk, and most schools have told me I am too soft with the leg. I've had lessons being told all through that I am not 'positive' enough with the leg - here, I had to consciously lay off the leg. What this meant was that I was able to really concentrate on my balance, as he wasn't stopping all the time, and needing more heavy legging-on to get him going again.

I'm so excited to finally find somewhere I really feel I can improve my riding. I'm so grateful to get analytical, constructive criticism, and to find a place where there is such obvious positive energy in the horses, AND the people. The student instructors and other hands were not slouching round the yard scouling as I have found so commonplace at riding schools so far. They were bright and responsive, and motivated when they spoke to me, they answered my questions. I am flabbergasted. I can sleep!

The point of all this for others reading, I guess is: I feel so VINDICATED for having looked around at several schools, for having doubted, when I felt things were not quite 'right', even though I couldn't pinpoint why. Even as a beginner, you KNOW when you find a good school or instructor. I know I will get somewhere now. And THAT is such a buzz, and such a relief.

Through NR, I've managed to build up my confidence to ask questions, and my ability to network in the horsey world, it's coming together, and it's thanks to the generosity and encouragement of all NR members. So hearty thanks, all you clever people!
xxx Maya

:D :D

[katieB]

YAY! :D Im really pleased for you, its great that you have found somewhere thats not just there to take the money run. Its so much better to find a place where you really feel like you are learning something during each lesson. Do you think you will be able to stay after your lesson and learn a bit about horse care too? Its always good if you can stay afterwards. I helped at a stables for years before I worked at one and I learnt absolutely loads! I think imight have missed one of your earlier posts, where are you up to with your riding?

[galadriel]

Hey, terrific :)

[nat17]

Excellent news Maya-m, so glad you have found the right school, and you never know you may find the right share soon too!;)

Let me know if you are ever near me, you could come and visit!:D

[sallym]

maya-m

That's a lovely post! I'm so pleased that you've found the right place and huge congratulations on trusting your instincts.

Best wishes

Sally

[Bertie]

Maya-M - I'm so gald you've found somewhere good and near by. I was only thinking today how you were getting on :p

I yhope everything continues well with you lessons and I second what Nat17 said in that I hope you get a good share soon as well.

Congratulations again and keep enjoying yourself!!!:p :)

[Scarlett 001]

That is great news! :D

[maya-m]

Ooooh, what a load of lovely people!

Yes that is another reason I thought it was a good place to go to, as they do several different levels of horse care / stable management courses. As I get to know them, they might let help out on a bit more of an informal basis, but that's to see.

I'm planning on doing their four-day (1hr per day) basic course, not too expensive, which should cover all the basics of caring for the horse, and see how to go on from there - bearing in mind I have put on a bridle and saddle ONCE!

I feel more relaxed about finding a horse to share now, as I feel the money I am spending on lessons will actually show results here. So when I finally come to share, I expect to feel much more confident about what I can contribute to it, and I will get so much more out of it. So I'm going to give it, say, 6 months before seriously looking again. :) :)

For you Manchester / Cheshire people, I see there is a place called the Equestrian Centre Hotel near Wrexham, which does instructional breaks. I am planning on doing a riding course there sometime, too. I figured an intensive course could be quite fun and productive. Sounds good. Have you heard of it?

Hope you are all doing fine with your riding too - x Maya:cool:

[Bertie]

maya-m Sounds liek you've found a really good place keep us informed of how you get on.

You mnetioned the EC in Wrexham, there have been many mixed responses of the facilities, tecahing and horses their. I asked peoples opinions on it several weeks ago but now can't find th thread to tell you where it is.

But if you want to PM me I will tell you some of the comments I've received.

[Ginger Thing]

Maya-m and Bertie,
I have just come back from a 3 day course at Wrexham - it was absolutely brilliant and I can't wait to go again!
I took my green horse on the 'Build your confidence jumping' course - he bucked me off in the first lesson! The instructors were fantastic, they encouraged me without forcing, and by the end of the 3 days we were happily (and calmly!) cantering grids.

In the flatwork lessons, there was myself and OH, who compete at prelim and novice dressage, with some less experienced riders who ride weekly at riding schools. The instructors managed to teach the whole group to everyone's different levels.

The beginners were cantering off the lunge by the time we left on Wednesday! All the instructors we had were excellent, and I would recommend it, even if you're nervous (like me!)

Good luck with your lessons! Sounds like a great school.

[kedwards]

It's so great to hear that you found a good school! It makes such a difference.

[kyanya]

Maya-m, that's absolutely brilliant news. I'm so happy for you. If everybody could find places such as you have, the world would be a better place.

Would you mind sharing the name of the place with us? I'd be interested to know the name of the people. Do you know if the instructor has had any special training, or is just a brilliant person!

[LynneAC]

Originally posted by Ginger Thing
Maya-m and Bertie,
I have just come back from a 3 day course at Wrexham - it was absolutely brilliant and I can't wait to go again!

I've just come back from the same course as Ginger Thing but I did the 5 days. I went there feeling fairly demoralised but came away going into canter happily (even doing a canter 3-loop serpentine) AND jumping up to 2'.

This may not seem much to some of you but I went there having trouble getting the canter as I was riding a 5 and 6 year old on a regular basis, both of whom are stil fairly uneducated. The FIRST DAY I had all three horses cantering from my first leg aid, one horse even went into canter when I put my outside leg back, I didn't even NEED to squeeze! With regards to the jumping, I broke my ribs 5 months ago when I came off on my second lesson! Jumping 2' in five days is a MIRACLE!

The instructors there (I had mainly Holly and Vicki) were very reassuring, knew how far to push you and when to ease off. I had complete confidence in them even though I was jumping a 17.2hh who I am convinced was a steeplechaser in a previous life ;) I rode a variety of horses and even the 'slowest' was pretty responsive compared to some riding school horses.

The hotel was nice, warm, clean and comfortable and the food was simple but good and plentiful.

I am already looking to rebook in April for the dressage course!

Lx