Freelance Instructor?

[Bebe]

Hi

I unfortunately had to stop taking lessons with a fantastic instructor when I got my horse (due to money issues). I'm now in a position to be able to take them again but would like to have them on my own horse, however, I'm having trouble locating instructors. I have a list of BHS qualified instructors in my area but would prefer to try someone who comes recommended.

Can anyone help? I'm in Sheffield. I don't have transport for my horse so the instructor would need to come to me. I have use of an outdoor arena.

I'm specifically looking for a dressage instructor. My horse is very green (and it's the first horse I've attempted to train myself so so am I!) and I'm just looking to consolidate the basics (Rhythm, balance, impulsion, relaxation, etc) at the moment.

Any help would be appreciated.
Amanda

[KarlR]

The nearest FL instructor that I know to you is Notttingham which is a bit far. My instructor is Worksop based, but I'm not sure whether he would take anyone else on. Where in Sheffield are you? I'll happily ask him, but he's an eventer (albeit quite keen on Dressage).

I would be tempted to check with local tack shops to see if they know anyone.

It's possible that local riding schools could send someone out, but in my experience these tend to be expensive and not very good.

You could also try phoning the BHS to see if they have anyone listed.

[Bebe]

Karl

Thanks for your response.

My horse is kept near Dronfield, which is where the lesson would need to take place (I hire an arena there). Bit of a trek from Worksop though.

I don't mind if the instructor isn't particularly dressage oriented as long as they teach good basics and are geared towards the well being of the horse, it's just that dressage is my preference. My mare is very green so we aren't doing anything fancy.


Hadn't even thought of trying tackshops, will ask next time I visit.

Many thanks

[KarlR]

That is probably a little far. About a 40 mile/1.5 hour round trip. What a shame.

I certainly approve of starting gently and getting help. So many people just blunder on (and often succeed because horses are so forgiving!), but subtle training early on can IMHO save a lot of force later.

My instructor is very keen on pushing horses forward with the leg until they find a natural balance with light rein pressure - a method that has worked well for my horse who's paces are now much better. The technique that's often seen with "traditional" instructors of hauling the horse in is quite abhorrent to me.

As far as finding out local information goes, I often talk to tack shop owners/feed merchants who are often horse owners and almost always a mine of information.

Also, consider phoning the secretary of your local riding club, or putting a tack shop advert up with a phone number - but in this case, be especially careful. As always, vet potential instructors carefully and go and see them work before you let them loose with your horse: any half-decent instructor would welcome you watching a lesson with another of their clients.

In any case, do let me know how you get on!

Also, if you ever get find yourself over this way let me know and you can pop in and admire our horses. I'm sorry, but copious admiration would be compulsory :). Also, I'd need you to promise not to tell my wife (CarolineR) that her horse was the most handsome ;)

[Bebe]

Thanks for the suggestions Karl, very helpful.

Actually, we (hubby and I plus menagerie of pets) are planning on moving back "home" sometime next year, Killamarsh to be precise, so I'll probably be searching for an instructor then (doubt anyone that does this side of Sheff will travel out that way). It isn't all that far from Worksop/Nottingham so maybe your instructor would be viable then.

Agree with you on the hauling into an outline - definitely not a technique for me. I had a fantastic instructor at a riding school before I got Bebe and she sounds in line with your instructor, very much riding from the leg forward into the hand and doing as little as necessary with the reins. Definitely made me a better rider but I'm not skilled enough to continue this with my v.green and sensitive (in that she goes into herself when upset/worried rather than freaks out) mare without having someone watching over me, at least whilst we get the basics down to a decent degree anyway.

Anyway, I'll keep looking and let you know how I get on. I may have a couple of leads, an event rider (seen one of his pupils and liked how he rode) and a recently qualified BHS instructor who used to ride a friends horse. Will see what happens.

I might hold you to that offer of meeting your horses (oh, and you and your wife too :o) I'm very tactful and diplomatic so I'm sure I can gush about how handsome both horses are without stepping on anyone's toes!

Best wishes
Amanda

[KarlR]

Hi Amanda,

Killamarsh is certainly closer. Drop me a private message if you want me to ask Mark at any point.

Glad to hear that you have some prospects anyway. Depending on where they are I would have thought they would move with you to Killamarsh. Most instructors are usually willing travel a few extra miles for a nice client that they get along with in my experience.

If you fancy meeting up, drop me a line an we'll sort out arrangements. I'm in contact with Yann and his lovely daughter too so we could always have a mini-NR-get together! :)

Karl R

P.S. I looked at your web site, but I'm guessing BeBe is a different horse? Very nice though!

[Bebe]

Hi Karl

Was the website address that you looked at http://www.afidler.homestead.com/Bebe.htm (or something similar)? If so, that's Bebe. For some reason the pictures are taking ages to load, they didn't when I first put them up, I have a feeling homestead have done something because I won't pay for the extra services they have started to provide.

The instructor you use isn't Mark Cavell (may be Cavelli) by any chance? Just seems a coincidence that the instructor I want to contact (when I can get hold of his pupil) is an event instructor called Mark also.

I've "spoken" with Yann by PM. I never realised this site had so many people in the local area. Much better than most sites which seem to have a strong US contingent. Not that I have anything against that but it's nice when you can imagine where the people you are talking to are based.

A mini NR get together sounds like fun. I'll send you a PM when my schedule is a bit saner.

Best wishes
Amanda

[KarlR]

Amanda,

This is a quick reply because I typed a really long one and then when I posted it, it said "too many images" - I presume this was the 5 smilies that I used. :mad:

Yes - the address in your profile. It seemed to load okay to me, but I don't always wait: I go and do something else instead.

Yes - my instructor IS Mark Cavell! :eek: A small world isn't it? He's very well known locally and is based at the Osberton Estate outside of Worksop. If you want to call me (see PM) I'll happily chat about his good and bad points?! ;) In any case, seeing a lesson or getting in touch with him isn't a problem! Which one of his pupils did you know? I've met some of them.

I know what you mean about schedules. We're going to Burghley on Saturday; The Clumber Show on Sunday; Winkburn next Saturday and then off for a week from next Sunday onwards! It's a hard life! :D Seriously though the w/c 17/9 is good for us, since we're off work but just catching up on riding, etc. but drop me a line anytime and we'll arrange something.

Karl R