Anyone know where i can ride near Southampton

L

loulou1972

New Member
Aug 10, 2006
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hampshire UK
Hi

I have finally plucked up the courage to get back on following a really bad riding accident in January 2007.

What i'm looking for is a really good riding school near Southampton that will be able to cater me with a disability. I'm not even sure if i can ride might have to get on and back off again but i must try.

I will need a big horse as i'm 5,10 and used to riding 16-17hh horses..... so that means a mounting block and i will have to use a mounting block to dismount as well...

Hope i'm doing the right thing if i can find the right school.

Lou
 
:) Hello Neighbour :)

I suspect if you ring up the schools, and explain your situation, they'd be more than happy to help. I'd suggest a lunge lesson first so you have the added 'safety blanket' of someone else being able to control the horse. Well done for being brave enough. I've yet to be at a school that does not have a mounting block :)

I think nearest to you are probably Pinkmead and Quob stables. I really would not recommend Pinkmead, I don't agree with the way the horses are treated. Have never been to Quob so can't comment.

Have you seen here? They specialise in disable children so might be more specialised and helpful for your particular situation. They look nice and friendly too, just depends how far from you they are!

There is also Crofton Manor, near Gosport which is very good and friendly.

Good luck and keep us updated :)
 
hey Palmerlover52

Thanks so much for the advise.

I have dropped an email to the Hampshire Riding Centre as they are only 10 mins away and i've never seen them before.

I know Quob very well, excellent horses and indoor school but i felt i wanted someone who might understand a bit more...

Don't really know if i'm brave or stupid but hey hum going for it anyway, might get on and think nah not for me or the bug might bite again :D

Will keep you posted...

Lou
 
Brave, definately! It's great about the Hampshire Riding Centre being so close. Presumedly the horses are 'confidence giving' types also, which would be good :D

Gurantee the bug will bite. Actually, I think it already has. Once you have horses in your system, it doesn't tend to go away....if it did, you wouldn't be on here asking for riding schools :D
 
Ditto the advice about steering clear of Pinkmead and the wonderfulness (is that even a worrd!) of Crofton - although that is quite a long way away!

Hampshire Riding Centre have a good reputation although I have never been. Quob is also well know locally as a centre of excellence.

If you get the response you want (and remember many schools although they have websites and email AREN'T very good at responding to emails!) then I would recommend you popping in for a visit. You'll get a feel for the place and the horses as well as being able to check out their mounting blocks ;)

Good luck with it and if you don't hear back sharpish from HRC then don't see this as a sign that it's not to be, give them a call or drop in :p

Oh and of course don't forget to let us know how you get on :D
 
thanks Joyscarer

Don't worry if i haven't heard by Monday I will chase it up, just hoep they have horses big enough, need a shire nowadays and block and tackle just to get on :eek:

But i'm starting to think it might now be possible.

Oh god hope i can bounce better this time LOL

Lou
 
Hi Everyone

Thought i'd better let you know, i've booked a 20 minute test drive to see if i can do it again :eek:

Spoke with a really nice lady from Hampsire Riding Centre who said if people in wheelchairs can do, then she's damn sure i can. Just going to take a little bit of bravey.

So wish me luck and i'll update everyone, how it turns out later
 
:D YAY! Well done! I can recommend Rescue Remedy or Kalms washed down with a glass of wine if you're feeling wibbly!

20 minutes is a nice time too, not overwheming. Good Luck, she sounds nice :D
 
Hi Everyone

Well I've done it today LOL

His name was Duke and he's 16.1and very very cute.

They were very good and never left my side, as my confidence grew they uncliped the lead rope AGHHHHHHHHHH:eek:

So all i managed was the usual walk and walk without stirrups and we did stretching exercises as well... standing in the stirrups to try and get my sense of balance back.

But the great news i'm going back next week for more punishment, my instructor said the real work with my bad leg will be the rise and trot, but she is going to try and build my muscles up first..

Here's a picture

airbox013.jpg


Please excuse my left leg looking like a taxi door LOL.

Thanks everyone for the support
 
Omg I'm spotting a slippery slope senario here :rolleyes:

Takes me back to when I returned to riding 3 years ago, wasn't that long before I ended up buying my favourite RS horse and now have anotherone on loan as a companion to her.

From your username I'm guessing we're about the same age :)

I'm so pleased to hear you have another one booked for next week. Feel free to PM if you want to share the fun you had. My mare used to be there about 4-5 years ago I think with a previous owner? Not sure but think so :)
 
Palmerlover52

I'm on cloud nine at the moment:D

Joyscarer

Thanks for all your support, it's great to know you have freinds in high places... on top horses !!! LOL

sorry about the fat picture, but that's another issue i'm going to have to sort out now :eek:

Will post another one next week

Lou
 
Random addition to this thread but hope all goes well with the lessons :)
Looks like you've found yourself a nice place to ride :D good luck, i'm sure everything will go great and it seems like the bug has definitely bitten!!
 
Hey Everyone

I had my 2nd lesson today and wow!!!

Firstly my new instructor who they introduced today turned out to be my old instructor from the previous school before my accident.... she left to go to a new school a couple of months before my accident. Stroke of luck i've found her again and even better she know's what i was capable of before the accident....

So she had me riding serpentines and 20 meter circles all in walk but thinking about my posture and turning my taxi door leg in... Then came the shock .... trotting only down the long side , but i did it.:eek:

Can i just say my legs back and bottom are aching now but it's a good ache..:eek:

Right now my question is

What book does everyone recommend to brush up on my dressage, so when she shouts serpentines I don't give her the dumb look..:D

Lou
 
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