Help on joining new riding school?!?

Question

I'm looking to move to a new riding school nearer to where I live in England, but I am not sure if it is the right one. Though I have been searching and this comes out the best, I wanted to see what other people think.
I would like to hack out and progress more with my jumping, and I also would like to go up on a weekly basis to just generally help out.
Also I am not sure how to start, and which way to approach it. Weather to start this year or next year, to start off with a lesson or help around the yard.
I don't know so I am leaving it up to you guys! =)
Thanks alot xx

Answer 1

Only you can tell what the riding school is like. Start by going to have a look. A generally clean and tidy yard, with tools hung up properly, out of the reach of horses, well swept, is a good indicator as to what the whole place is like.



Have a look over a few stable doors (watch out for your nose tho! Check the horse's ears and facial expression before you look too close!) Do the horses look comfortable and generally well? Is there a good bed on the floor to lie on? Is there water?



Then see if you can watch a lesson and watch how that is conducted. Are the pupils seemingly happy and learning something? Does it look safe? Are all the riders wearing correctly fitting hats?



If you are a child, ie under 16 I would take your parents with you. They should ask, among other things if the staff are all CRB checked and have undergone a child protection course. Also check that the school is ABRS and or BHS approved. There should be plaques up to show if this is the case.



Start of with some lessons until you get to know the staff and horses. Remember alot of preparation for jumping is groundwork! Then you could listen out for how other helpers got started and take it from there if you are still happy with the yard.

Answer 2

Start out with a lesson, as that way you will get an idea of how they teach. If it is the kind of teaching you like, then it will allow you to be more positive towards the stables.

I would go for a day, when ever you are next free. A tester day, see how you like it, and the consider going back if you do.

Answer 3

There is Middleton where they teach well and you have your own teacher to begin with. Ask at the office or ring up and ask when it would be appropriate to join because sometimes they have waiting lists. Wishaw taught my friend, but she didnt get taught how to jump. They taught her the jumping position for 2 years and never got round to jumping.

Hope this helps

xxx