Instruction in Hampshire area

[Kimbo]

To all who may be able to help

A plea from me as to any information or recommendations for riding school / instructors with horses in and around the Southampton / Portsmouth area.

I have ridden for the last year at a stable near Southampton where the instructor teaches Mary Wanless methods. These have given me a greatly improved seat and position - but I now feel I need to change to a simpler style and a wider range of horses.

I would describe myself as a 32yr old rider who learnt as an adult and who may carry some of the baggage of the older learner - having fallen quite a few times, all at canter in the school and therefore lacking some of the gung-ho confidence I would prefer to have! Generally fit and trying to be sensitive to the horse.

Well - any recommendations of instructors / schools in the areas (I work in Portsmouth and live in Southampton) who provide the mount as well and don't cost the absolute earth (it's not high level dressage we're talking here!) would be very very welcome.

Feel free to pm me if anyone does have any suggestions
Many thanks!

Kim

[Elfin]

I am answering for Paul C here! he rides at Wellington, PM him or something! Or if he notices this he can give you the site address or something!

[Yann]

Possibly a bit of trek, and not cheap by all accounts.

[Elfin]

Ok sorry!:(

[Sarah]

hello!

It is very hard to find a good riding school in Hampshire isn't it - that is why I bought my horse when I lived there!

One place I did like was Brocks Farm - it is in Stockbridge between Winchester and Romsey so a bit of a hike for you. I used to be able to have an after work private lesson there which was good. The details for the school are here http://www.newrider.com/Riding_Schools/schooldetails.php/155.html

There are a few schools that I would STRONGLY advice aganst, one of these being in Owslebury. I won't go into deatils about which one it is in that village as there are a few, but suffice it to say it certainly isn't in the NR database whereas the other ones are.

Good luck in your search.

bye!

[Nickie]

I've seen Wellington - where Elfin said Paul C goes! It is fantastic - there are a number of outdoor arenas - 2 inside schools, an international full-size dressage arena - with seating - and LOADS OF HORSES AND PONIES! I think they have a cross country course too! (Not to mention the restaurant and on site horse shop!)

It's an hour or so from Southampton near Basingstoke. I think a link was posted a while back about it - if I can find it I will post it for you!

I have no idea on prices but if I can find the website may be that will tell you more.

Nicola

[Paul C]

Like Yann says, it would be a bit difficult to make that journey regularly (it's actually about 8 miles north of Basingstoke) and it certainly isn't cheap.
If you still want to check it out have a look at www.wellington-riding.co.uk

Paul

[Dice]

Well, at any rate, you can't fault Elf's enthusiasm! :D

[Elfin]

Oh! Thank you!:D

[Yann]

Kim, I've sent you a PM

[Em 1]

I seem to have missed a chance to recommend the school where I ride. I've tried many different stables all over the place and this is the best I've ever come across. Fir Tree Farm is in Ogdens near Fordingbridge. It is in the New Rider directory and I cannot recommend them strongly enough. They charge £15 per 1/2 hour for a private lesson and £20 per hour for a semi-private hack straight out into the New Forest. They have a wide range of very well schooled horses which are all very well cared for and loved. Try it, we adore it there!