Back in the saddle...so expensive!

[winniesmum]

Hi everyone. I recently started riding again after 13 years and of course i love it! Im just a bit down that i can only afford to go once a month. I pay £60 for an hour private lesson. The staff are great. Just wish i could go every week. Anybody near hampton want to let me ride their horse?!

[yani]

I'm in similar position to you. Rode for first time in 7 yrs recently, and loved it.

What I hadn't realised was the massive increase in costs, my decline in fitness levels and how frequently I could afford to go.

I kind of wished I didn't go back

[Moviestar1979]

I used to pay £6.50 for an hour's group lesson up north when I was about 12 years old. By the time I was 16 the cost had risen to £11 which I thought was super expensive back then (I only earned £6.50 per week from my paper round!). I used to muck out for free rides.

I too just returned to riding and horrified at cost of lessons - £45 per hour here. Actually thinking it would be cheaper to get my own!

[Mirage]

We found the same thing,once the dds were both having a 1 hour lesson a week,I was paying out nearly £200 a month.We now have 2 ponies and rent a private yard to keep them on and that is £100 a month,then the Chief Instructor from the Pony Club teaches them once a week and she charges £20 an hour.Of course I've got feed,shoeing,insurance,teeth ect,but they ride a lot so it is worthwhile for us.

I can't afford one for me though.

[Moviestar1979]

Mirage can't you ride your DDs' ponies?

[yani]

£50.00 an hour here for a group lesson

[willyoulistentome]

Holy Shit. I haven't had a lesson an any horse but my own for years. Not even had that for something like 8 years. I paid about £20 an hour for a private lesson on my horse then.

I didn't realise it was so much now.

[Banterpanther]

Yes it's so expensive.
I think as Mirage says if you have more than one person who rides in your family cheaper to get your own pony, assuming you have the experience and time to care for it

[Mirage]

Yes,I've ridden the 13hh,but I'm 5ft8 so look a bit odd.I daren't ride the 12hh though!

[Quilty]

£60 for a group lesson ouch! I'm in the southwest and I pay £25 for a group and £40 for hour private. And that is probably top dollar in my area at a very good quality centre. I ride ex eventers and dressage horses. Maybe I won't complain about the expense anymore!

[Quilty]

Sorry £50 not £60, still ouch though!

[tazzle22]

oooohhh flipping heck.... that is expensive for just 1 hour in the saddle.
imo I must admit if that is all you are riding its hard to progress as you dont get a chance to practice. If you got a native that could live at grass / diy livery you could almost keep one of your own and ride all you wanted !!!

When I did not have my own horse I had share or loan whenever I could and was just so grateful / happy if anyone was kind and trusting enough to let me ride / look after their equine.

Maybe a share would suit you ........ just need to find someone with a suitable neddy

That might be easier said than done as not many people trust others with their beloved ned... I have been "burnt" by having someone share my horse and she was doing stuff I had told her not to and hurt my horses back. Its only because I myself had been an honest and trustworthy sharer that I gave anyone else a chance.

The best thing you need as a new or returning rider is a good and calm yet responsive horse ( so when you get the signals right you get what you ask for) but Its catch 22 as most folk who have one like that dont want them "messed up" by less than riding fit and / or responsible riders.

Good luck in finding someone in your area ....... and hope you can find a way to ride more than once a month !