Riding schools in East London/West Essex

[luvme_luvmypony]

Hey there everyone!
This site is excellent and has really encouraged me to take up riding again after a two year break, so much so I went hacking almost every day on holiday in France and have been rebitten by the horse bug!
Been looking around the site at riding schools in the West Essex/East London area, but haven't had much luck. None of the information pages seem to list what they do(but I don't know if this is my browser), how much they charge, whether they do private lessons, etc.
They say the best way to find a good riding school is through recommendations by other riders. I wonder if anyone out there could help. There are a couple of riding schools in my area, Eastminster, Havering Park, Newham and Aldborough Hall. Does/has anyone go to/been to any of these stables and what are they like. Eastminster is a potential school, my cousin goes there and loves it, but I wondered if any of the others were any good.
I would like to get in touch with the right school about booking lessons but don't know what to say! Will I have to make an appointment to look around, as is recommended?
Any help would be greatly apprieciated,
Lucy

[Nickie]

Hi Lucy!

Just to say there are a few of us from Essex or nearby on these boards! Keep your eyes out for some of these names or pm them - they may be able to suggest some schools to try out!

CT (near Wanstead or Woodford I think)
Mark MSP (Harlow)
Njal (Crouch End)
RockChick103 (Near Waltham Abbey)
SarahCol (Near Waltham Abbey)

and me - also near waltham abbey.

Erm as to riding schools there are a few near to me - but I am not sure how far you are able to travel. Havering Park is a bit far away. If travel isn't too bad then let me know I'll rattle off schools and directions. I think the going price for an hour lesson near here is about £20. (Thats why I share - I pay £20 a week and get to ride 4 times for as long as I like!)

Other than that - hope you like the site - Mike and the other moderators are always really helpful and I don't think there is a member on these boards who won't try and help you out if its a horsey issue! We all commiserate, congratulate, rant, rave and praise together on these boards and there is never a question too silly to be asked. Enjoy the site - and happy trails!

Nicola

[luvme_luvmypony]

Thanx Nicola!
Everyone of those people you mentioned is quite near me, but CT is probably the nearest. Travel is an issue for a little while, as my dad will have to drive me to the stables but I am taking my driving test soon and will be able to drive further, although it would be half an hour travelling at the most.
Thank you very much for your help and happy riding!
Lucy

[Nickie]

HI Again Lucy

If you are near CT - and could get to Chingford Station (take the 179 bus from South Woodford) you could then get the 505 hoppa bus to a riding School called Barnfields - which is just down the road from where I share my pony. Then your parents wouldn't have to worry about the travelling. Its before the pub called "Freddies", but after the "Fox and Hounds".

Barnfields is supposed to be quite nice just been taken over by new-ish managers so I heard - but as I haven't had lessons in ages myself I wouldn't know. Its worth Checking them out. Alterntively just past there is a school called High Beech - run by Gloria and Alf. Their son is one of the instructors. I learnt to ride there thats how I know.

Anyway try those schools - I know that Njal had a lesson there - maybe PM him and ask what he thought?

Alternatively I think there is someone at my yard looking for a sharer for their 15.2hh welshie called Daz. He's a lovely fwd going chap and a real confidence giver. I'll ask and check with his owner if she is still looking for a share - its also on the 505 route. Or the 215 when it goes up to the campsite!

Nicola

[luvme_luvmypony]

Hi again Nicola
Just messaged CT about a stables in Manor Park called Aldersbrook Riding School, seems really easy to get to cos I live on the Liverpool Street Line and it's only 5 mins on the train for me, so I might go there and look round.
Thanx, Lucy