How to choose a riding school - help!

[LetLoveRule]

I haven't ventured in here before, so hello.
I am not a rider myself, I don't know the first thing about horses. However, dd age 7 is keen to learn. We have been trekking a few times (real 'follow my leader' stuff) just to see if she likes being on a horse and she loved it. So now she would like to learn properly... I don't know anyone who has kids who ride, so can't ask for personal experiences of local riding schools. So, before I ring up, what should I be looking for in a good school? What questions should I ask??
Many thanks, I feel rather out of my depth!

. marking my place to read the replies, too!
We send DD to the closest and cheapest school; I suspect that they are a bit slapdash, actually, but I think it's fine for her level.

Try here as a first port of call and obviously any word of mouth recommendations you get.

As a lay person you should feel instinctively if the animals looked well after etc. I think with Health & Safety regulations now, things aren't as "gun ho" as they used to be when I first learnt to ride 30+ years ago (eg a 14 yr old girl taking out a hack etc). I have started riding again after 15+ year break and am going to a BHS registered school and have been impressed so far.

Good luck and prepare to be poor

ask about the qualifications of the instructors (look them up on the bhs or abrs website beforehand so you know what to look for.) Ask to be shown around, whether she will have an assesment lesson and then be put into a suitable group, whether the young helpers are following a training programme as they might be leading or assisting your daughter in lessons. Ask if they will be taught some horse care, if they are a pony club centre (means they will be able to do badges etc in horse care and riding) or if they have some other progressive programme. Ask to watch a lesson and see if the instructors look and sound encouraging and approachable, the children are happy, and try to chat to some parents.
Beginner riders deserve the best instruction possible to set them off in the right direction, keep them safe and happy!
Happy searching and i hope your daughter enjoys many happy hours in the saddle wherever you choose! Who knows, you might get the bug too.

Thanks very much for your replies. Very helpful.
What about equipment? Should she buy a helmet etc?

Make sure the ponies are happy and well looked after, the yard is clean and the stables are mucked out. Badly run yards tend to be dirty and messy. The horses should be bright eyed and interested in what is going on. The school or arena should be safe with nothing sticking out or hanging down that a pony or rider could catch themselves on. The surface should have some give but not be too soft. Is there anyone you know who is horsey who could visit potential places with you?

Most riding schools will have hats your dd can borrow, but personally I would go to your local saddlers and get one properly fitted. Old hats might not stand up to a knock, especially if they have been dropped a few times.

She will need sturdy boots with a smooth sole and a heel. You can get a pair of muckers fairly cheaply. Ebay is excellent for kitting out small jockeys fairly cheaply. You should be able to pick a a pair of jodhpurs for a few ££ there too.

Gloves might be an idea if she has soft hands.

Be prepared for the expense to grow and grow as your DD gets bitten by the bug and wants her own pony, then trailer, then 2nd pony.... .

Yes, I thought hat and boots. Will have a look at gloves too. What about a body protector - or is that for more advanced riders? I am very confused!

I'd suggest you find out if they run a group lesson for children the same age as your DD -much more fun than a one-to-one and easier to start off with as the ponies play follow my leader.

If they do go and watch the next one and find out from the other mums what they got away with.

I agree with helmet, boots and some gloves (both the latter get ones she'll wear anyway in the Winter) and find out about body protectors. We'd certainly not let DD ride without one (except in the show ring).

Thanks again for all your advice. I have found a BHS approved school quite near to us. The woman I spoke to was very friendly and professional sounding. They would like us to go for a look around and a trial lesson before booking group lessons. So, dd goes on Friday afternoon - just hoping the jodhpur boots I ordered from ebay arrive in time!