Riding schools in/near Ilford

[Bay Mare]

Hi :) First of all I know that I'd probably get more replies in Cafe Area or General but I'd prefer to hear from adults (as I'm an adult, well, supposed to be) and their recommendations as viewpoints will probably differ from the teenagers/kids!

I'm possibly going to be working in Ilford for the month of August and will probably have some time on my hands so am looking into getting some riding in while I'm there. I'm preferably looking for lessons rather than hacking. I prefer to do dressage and, if possible, would like to go somewhere that has horses who can do lateral work. I doubt that I'll be driving down (let the train take the strain) so can't travel too far.

Thanks

x

[RachelEvent]

I believe there is riding around Epping forest, which isn't all that far north of Ilford. I'm staying in/comuting from Walthamstow next week, I know that the people I am boarding with are occasional riders, will check out details of their riding school - may even check it out myself if I have a spare afternoon!

Does this mean that you will have to leave Saffy for the month? :(

[ajhainey]

http://www.eastminster.co.uk/ might be do-able on the train from there? I've never been due to distance but my instructor always spoke highly of them (keeps his horses there) and I was impressed on the phone when I rang about 3 years ago!

Thats the only public transport one I can think of...

Maybe aldersbrook (see BHS site) but I'm not sure what the horses are like there as I only ever rode the stable dobbin! The teaching seemed good to me back then but it was one of my very first lessons...

aj xx

[cazrider]

There's Runningwell near me, which is fairly close to Wickford station on the same line as Ilford. May mean a short taxi to finish off the journey, or a sympathetic person to pick you up and take you over there. (Happy to oblige.. it would be good to meet you ;) ). You would be welcome to come and meet Sennie, but I doubt he'd fit your needs as a dressage horse :D

http://www.runningwell.co.uk/rw_lessons.asp

[Bay Mare]

Thank you :)

I'm still getting info but I'm looking to do 3 days a week and then have 4 days with the Saff monster. It may or may not be doable. It depends how much they pay and which days they want me ... and if I win the lottery before then :)

I'd be at the King George's hospital if that helps!

[sophie33]

There is a place called Aldborough Hall which is actually in Ilford. I've never been though so can't tell you what its like. I go to High Beech Riding School in Epping Forest. It has the advantage to having good hacking nearby (I know that isn't important to you) and I think might have lessons to suit you. I can't be certain (I'm too much of a novice to judge) but all the horses seem well trained and I think some can do lateral work. It is certainly true that quite a few advanced adults have lessons. It is not too far from Loughton tube (which is on the Central tube line, the same one as you will be on at King George). Anyway, if you want to check them out the number is 8508 8866

[Bay Mare]

Thanks Sophie :)

[larri]

I'm not a million miles away - would you like to come and ride the other Saffmonster - she can certainly do lateral work, although I haven't done any teaching (other than my daughter) for about 10 years. :eek:

If you can get to Bishops Stortford on the train I can pick you up from there :D

[shirley]

Aldborough Hall is the place in the area if you want dressage Baymare. I think it is about £20 plus per hour for a group lesson, but they do do private lessons as well. It is a dressage based yard. BHS approved etc. Has a good reputation within the surrounding area. They do hold unaffliated and affliated dressage comps there as well. Lots of facilities, indoor school, outdoor arenas sand and grass / jumping paddock, do have cross country, but not sure how good. Nearest underground in Newbury Park Station, then a bus to the traffic lights heading towards Romford 66, 296 or 396, get off bus by school on the left. Then unfortunately have to walk about 10 mins or so up to the place.
If you want hacking not to great, but do have small country park you can get to very easily. For better hacking can hire hacks from Havering Riding School, right next to a large forest with miles of bridle ways, natural jumps etc. If you want those details e-mail me and I will get them for you. If you let me know where you are staying I can give details of buses up there as well.
Where are you working in Ilford and what doing?

[Bay Mare]

Thanks guys :D That's a lovely offer, Larri, thank you :)

Nothing's confirmed yet but if it works out I could be working at the King George's hospital in the Cardiology Department there (probably in the Catheter Lab doing cardiac catheters, pacemakers etc). As far as I'm aware it's just for August to cover holidays.