looking to start lessons

[MichelleMc]

i am thinking of starting riding lessons this year. any tips on where to look and what to look for?

[LinzCos]

Are you in the UK? If so then the BHS website has a list of approved riding schools. The regulations to gain and keep approval are pretty strict so you should get a good standard. They will have hats for hire too. Because the rules are so strict these approved schools can seem a bit stuffy at times but it is worth it especially if you are a complete beginner.

[Bay Mare]

If you're happy to say which area you're in maybe someone on here will be able to recommend a school to you. Unfortunately not all BHS approved establishments are good, some are, some aren't.

It's difficult when you're new to the game but I would advise going along to a school for a look around, watch a couple of lessons, see the horses. Do the instructors interact well with the clients? How do the horses look? Do they seem happy and content or do they look miserable and downtrodden?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. One question that I would specifically ask now (after being bitten in the past) is if you're offered a 'Student' instructor (usually costs less) is how much experience they have and what qualifications. I know that qualifications can mean zip but I used to go to a school where 'students' were teaching who were significantly less experienced than me.

In the end I refused point blank to have lessons with the students as I just wasn't learning anything. That is NOT to say that all students are bad, there are some very good ones out there, unfortunately you need to suss out which is which.

I am of the firm belief that when you are beginning is when you need the best instruction. Bad habits picked up now only amplify the problems later on. If you get good foundations from the start then it will make the more advanced stuff easier.

Schools should insist on basic safety precautions. Boots of shoes with a small heel and a riding hat. You should also make sure that you wear something that covers your shoulders. Some schools won't allow you to ride with earrings in either (my old YO used to fine us £1 a time for each piercing!).

You will probably be expected to fill in a questionnaire on your first day. Things like contact numbers, GP, health problems, height, weight and previous experience.

It also depends on what you want but I also liked to go to schools who will give some instruction or at least guidance on horse care and stable management. For me it is the whole package, I don't want to just go in, grab my already tacked up horse, have my lesson, put my horse back in the stable and go. Some people are happy with that but I like to learn about all aspects of horses not just the 'fun' bits.

I'm sure that there's lots more .....

Anyway, don't forget to ask questions on here too and good luck in finding a good school.


x

[MichelleMc]

well there is one in havering and one near me (think its upminster not sure)

[eventerbabe]

First stop should be the BHS website. go have a look at any potential schools. have a look at the horses, do they look happy? are they in good condition? speak to people there aswell. have you any friends who have riding lessons? ask them if they can reccomend somewhere. check out the qualifications of the instructor (registerd instructors should be listed also on the BHS website) good luck!

[toohorsemad]

Lessons are the best way to learn horse-riding cause my friend learn't on her own and her position is really bad!

[KayJay]

I have been going to my riding school http://www.newfarm-equestrian.co.uk/ for four months now, having only previously hacked out at trekking centres or with friends.

I never appreciated the difference between sitting on a horse and thinking you're in some kind of control, and actually being able to ride correctly.

I still have a huge amount of improvement to make, but all the people who have seen me ride in the past have noticed a massive difference in how I work with the horses. I have too. If anything, I love it more even though it is harder work to get things right.

I found New Farm through one of my music students, but I had previously made enquiries at another school. I found them to be quite rude and not interested in my custom at all! Must be nice to run a business where potential clients don't matter!

Good luck with it all anyway. I'm sure you'll love it!

[Daisy555]

first,If you never rode a horse,make sure you wan't to do it for sure,when you first get up on the horse or your about to get on you may feel nevous,it is ok, but try your best not to nevous be because the horse knows it if your nevouse,and he or she may get nevous to.Second off your cell phone because it may spook a horse ,you should also tell your instructor if you feel uncomfortable and slow down or just sit on the horse for a while until you are comfortable.Don't worry you will not be put on a advanced horse,you will probly be on a gentle horse.Remeber to just relax .And you should take my advise today was my first lesson:p ;) :)

[shirley]

Hi there,
Look at Eastminster Riding School, in Rainham, they are very good. Havering Park (on the Green next to St. Johns church) is quite good too. However my daughter had lessons at Aldborough Hall Riding School, Aldborough Road, Aldborourgh Hatch (go up the A12 towards London, come to lights by Barley Lane the next ones are the Aldborourgh Rd lights, turn left into Aldborough Rd North and past the **** Turpin up to a right hand bend and it is the group of buildings on the left). Runningwell Equestrian Centre is very good too. All of these will do lessons for complete beginners whether adult or child. The adult ones are more in the week day evenings, childrens ones normally at weekends. Vary in price, depending on how long the lesson is. Some do shorter lessons for younger children, most do hourly lessons.
Good luck and just enjoy!!!