Guest Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Caitlin, as a reward for being an absolutely fantastic big sister to Squidger, has requested some riding lessons. I've no idea where to even start - the closest I've ever been to a horsey type thing is the donkeys at Llandudno the other summer. Advice, anyone?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 find a local stable and ask if they do taster sessions for beginners/children. You won't want to fork out on all the gear at this stage so get her to wear a head scarf to go under her hat cos she'll have to borrow a hat from the stables and you don't always know whose worn them before you! best to wear jeans and wellies. take a camera Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmandaR Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Funnily enough, we have been looking at horse riding lessons for dd too. I searched for Riding Schools on Yell.co.uk in our area and it came up with a couple. I then sent the schools an e-mail requesting information on their avaliability, prices and any kit we would need to supply. As Poet mentioned, we were told that she would only need shoes with a small heel - no trainers but wellies are okay and the school would provide a hat for her to wear. Nearly died at the prices though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Great advice Poet, esp the bit about wearing a scarf under the hat Some of the hats at the stables my DD's ride at DD2 started with walks, which is 15 mins around the block. Some schools will not do lessons until they are 5 due to insurance, that is why we did the walks. How old is Caitlin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Great advice Poet, esp the bit about wearing a scarf under the hat Some of the hats at the stables my DD's ride at that stems from my mum making us wear them when we (my sis and I) used to go riding, until I got my own hat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Its obvious really but I have never thought of doing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 The only time ED got head lice was from a riding hat, fortunately we found the adults that night and got rid of them then bought her own hat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Also worth asking about BHS accreditation for the instructors. I've seen too many riding stables that rely on unpaid schoolchildren to lead rides and lessons. The people leading the lesson/hack for young children should be minimum BHSAI qualified. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basset Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Hi How exciting - horse riding is such a fantastic hobby to get in to. The best idea is look for a BHS approved riding centre as there are many other riding schools that offer very poor quality lessons on badly cared for ponies. The website is: http://www.bhs.org.uk/ The riding school will have hats to borrow (the scarf idea is excellent) and possibly boots, but a reputatable stables will not allow you to ride in wellies as they can easily wedge stuck in the stirrups - your must wear footwear with a low heel. The main thing is to choose a centre that is friendly and that seems welcoming to you. I can't wait to hear how you get on. Good luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basset Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Also worth asking about BHS accreditation for the instructors. I've seen too many riding stables that rely on unpaid schoolchildren to lead rides and lessons. The people leading the lesson/hack for young children should be minimum BHSAI qualified. It's definately worth following this advice, many stables do rely on school child labour at the weekends and its very common to end up with a 14 year old "teaching". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Great advice Poet, esp the bit about wearing a scarf under the hat Some of the hats at the stables my DD's ride at DD2 started with walks, which is 15 mins around the block. Some schools will not do lessons until they are 5 due to insurance, that is why we did the walks. How old is Caitlin? I think she must be about 6 Paola as she started school last year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 The best idea is look for a BHS approved riding centre as there are many other riding schools that offer very poor quality lessons on badly cared for ponies. The website is: http://www.bhs.org.uk/ That's perfect, thanks for the link - it's exactly what I needed. Turns out that there is an approved riding school that does beginners lesson just five minutes drive from the house. I didn;t want to take her to some dodgy stables, where I'd be putting her at risk, so this is exactly the info I needed. (She's five going on fifteen, by the way! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 (She's five going on fifteen, by the way! ) So is she telling you how to care for the new little 'un Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 There's some good info on the new rider forum http://www.newrider.com/Starting_Out/How_To_Start/where_to_go.html not that I have used a forum outside omlet You might even find local people on the forum who could advise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 You've done the right thing going for a bhs accredited place- they may be no better but they will be insured! I've got quite a bit of second-hand kids riding gear if you want it, Pm me size/age of child and I'll have a look. @choccochick- I used to be on Newrider but the attitude there got me down, I still use it as a resource though.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
