Looking for a Riding School

[Very new]

Hi, I am new to the Forum and fairly new to riding. I have moved to the Surrey/Hampshire border (UK). Does anyone know of a good riding school in the area that can help a fairly nervous beginner? I phone a few on the BHS list but they all seem to have closed and turned into Livery Stables.

[Wally]

The only way, when's all said and done, is to go and try a few out. Take into consideration how well they listen to you and any fears you have. Whether or not you are treated like the paying client you are or whether you are generally ignored and treated without consideration.

Look at the horses, do they get adequate time out at grass or are they cooped up all day and night in a stable? Most of all, are the horses pleased to see you? or do they walk to the back of their stables and turn their bum on you? Are they quiet and easy to handle? Does the instructor take good care of thier clients and the horses they use.

If you are all all unsure of any methods you see, or not happy that your opinion on anything has not been taken into consideration then go with your gut instinct. Otherwise ask anyone on this site about anything you are not sure of. Good luck

[Maire]

Hi,
I used to live in the area and rode at Wishanger, which now does livery only. I ended up travelling to Wellington riding school (they have their own website which can be found on the newrider site) which is past Farnham, near Hook. It was worth the drive as I found the tuition very good. They also have a saddle club which is fun for competitions. It is frustrating to realise how many riding schools have closed and an indication of how expensive it must be to run a riding school. I have heard that the tax on having an indoor school is enormous.

Good luck with your search,
Maire.

[msp]

Hi Maire, I'm not local, so can't be of direct help, but quizing the local tack shop worked very well for me. They knew all the local places, and which ones had good reputations and suitable horses for my size and ability.

Good Luck
Mark

[Paul C]

Hi Very New,

I've just started riding, at Wellington. Before taking the plunge I went up there three times with a friend of mine who takes lessons (she's a lapsed rider returning) to get a feel for the place. They're very friendly up there - I'd suggest you take a visit up there, watch a lesson or two, wander round and look at the horses, conditions etc and see if it looks ok.

Good luck! :)

Paul

[Very new]

Thanks very much everyone - I am off to visit Wellington tomorrow and have a look around.

[snuggly_elf]

isn't wellington where the chatterhappy ponies live?

[Paul C]

Hi Snugs,

Have I missed something here? I don't understand what you mean....

[Kerry's Partner!!]

I'm perplexed!! Can you explain what your quote means and who wrote it - in English. Just for those of us who don't understand the language!!

[Paul C]

"While we are speaking, envious time is fleeing; seize today, place very little trust in tomorrow"

Or to paraphrase (very clumsily) make every day count.
Another similar quote I love is "Fill your years with life, not your life with years" Not sure who this is attributed to.

Horatius was a Roman poet, philosopher and satirist; one of the great classical literary figures. Have a look at http://kirjasto.sci.fi/horatius.htm for a brief biography.

Paul

[Wally]

I always liked the latin quote
"Valenti non fit enduria" (Spelling may be a bit awry.) It is a good one to remember when dealing with horses. Roughly translated it means, he who opts for a thick ear cannot complain when he gets one!

[snuggly_elf]

Paul- the chatterhappy ponies was a kids program that was on itv a year ago or so. I was sure that the pony stars lived in Wellington riding stables. But I might be wrong.

[Elfin]

Hey Chatterhappy Ponies??? In school in one of the careers mags there was one on working with animals so I had a look and the stables was called .................... OMG I can't remember but it was all about them and I was like I know them!! hee hee hee!! :D
I will have to find out!!!