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View Full Version : Visit to BHS approved (instructors) riding school


suesue
27th Jul 2004, 12:36 PM
As I was telling you all last week, I am considering taking riding lessons again. I asked for advice about a BHS registered (instructors) riding school and received helpful feedback.

On Sunday I went to have a realy good look at the place and had arranged to watch the 2.00 lesson, taken by Louise. Louise looked quite young, probably in her early 20's, but I watched her with an open mind, remembering that when I was 12 I was intially taught by Di who can't have been more than 18 and she was excellent! The class consisted of five children, all beginners, ranging from about 5 years of age to about 12. The real beginners were led by handlers. Louise wandered about in the middle of the school. The horses/ponies walked around the outside of the ring and in turn trotted round to the back of the ride, trying to do rising trot. Louise was very good and shouted encouragement to al of them in turn, praising them if they did well or calling advice if necessary. The horses were all quiet, except for one small pony which was ridden by a very keen little girl who wanted to canter before she could trot!

I was impressed with what I saw, so booked myself to have a lesson next weekend. Ideally I would have liked to have a private lesson, but at the weekend it doesn't seem to be possible. I shall have a group lesson and see how I get on. After the half hour lesson, they were taken out for a half hour hack, which I think is a lovely idea. They get some instruction, then have abit of freedom by going out into the countryside.

So I shall be having my lesson next Saturday at 2.00, so please send me lots of positive and encouraging thoughts to help me through it. I will let you know what happens.
:eek:

lady ridealot
27th Jul 2004, 07:07 PM
Hello, good luck with your lesson!

I have been to the Isle of White before and it is quite a small island isn't it?! Are there many riding centres!?

Showjumper
27th Jul 2004, 07:44 PM
Sounds like a good school - good luck for your lesson! :)

Bay Mare
27th Jul 2004, 08:06 PM
That sounds like a nice place to ride. Good luck with your lessons and let us know how you get on.


x

suesue
28th Jul 2004, 09:38 AM
I am hopeful about this one. Also I had asked the instructor whether they would be happy to let me progress at my own speed - I told her about my previous experience. she said they would. Also I made a point of telling her that I would be nervous on Saturday, so she knows what to expect.

The Isle of Wight is approximately 20 miles across and about 15 miles down (it is lop sided diamond shaped). It is a lovely place with beaches and rolling countryside, perfect for riding horses in. There are several riding stables. The most famous one is Brickfields, which is also BHS registered, but has the reputation of being rather above itself. There are some rather ramshackle ones at the other end of the scale. There are about 8 in all I think. There is one riding stables close to where I live, but they take all the riders out on a hack, following the same route every time. so I don't think you can really learn to control your horse because they always trot in the same place and then back to walk int he same place, so they are automatic. also they take total beginners straight out onto the road (often holiday makers) and as soon as they are all on the road, they start trotting to reach the bridle path further along. I think this could be rather frightening for beginners who will feel unsteady.

*MiRi*
30th Jul 2004, 09:57 AM
well i hope everything goes well for you suesue!

i ride at a BHS approved riding stables and a lot of the instruscotrs there are aged from 18 - to about 25. They are all really good at what they do and i have at all of them teaching me at least once!!

good luck on saturday at 2!

xox

suesue
30th Jul 2004, 03:06 PM
Thank you Miri.

*MiRi*
30th Jul 2004, 06:30 PM
your welcome :)