Can anyone recommend riding lessons around Watford/Rickmansworth area ?

[shivanjali]

My daughter has had a few private lessons at the local, very small stables which she really enjoys. However, we have never filled in any paperwork, they don't do any pony club activities and there is no formal path of progression. I wasn't sure if this is how it is everywhere or just at this place as I have no experience of horseriding whatsoever.

Bumping for you, I would also like to know

You should have filled in a form with details, medical info etc. I'd be surprised if their insurance is valid without that information. They'd also be pretty seriously liable in the event of an accident without having a record of your daughter's details, including an assessment of her riding ability. I think you need to tackle this with some urgency. I'd also check that they are registered with the appropriate bodies. (I can't remember what they are called, but someone else will)

Re formal progression, if she's having private lessons with the same instructor then I don't think this is too much of an issue as the instructor should know where she's at and how quickly she's progressing. Does she keep doing the same things, or is she doing a bit more? You'd need her to have quite a few lessons before you can tell though, as getting the basics right is important and does involve repetition and practice

There are lots of different set ups, from the small local stables you describe to big equestrian centres with lots of pony club activities etc. It's really 'horses for courses' There is also a big difference in price between different set-ups.

If your daughter is enjoying her lessons, learning the basics and making progress then a small local yard may be just right for now, and you could think about moving on if there's a need later (bigger range of ponies, more structure, better facilities etc). They do tend to cost more thogh

However, you do need to consider whether the yard is well run and the horses well cared for and happy in their work. They may just be a bit sloppy with paperwork, or it might be a symptom of a poorly run yard. Do you know anyone horsey who could come with you for a look?

Thanks Olderyetwider. I don't know anyone horsey enough although have seen the local GP and the local school headteacher riding there. I was concerned at the lack of paperwork for medical reasons more than anything else, as you say. They don't have anything written down other than my phone number from when I booked first lesson. If I wasn't there and something happened, not sure what they would do.

I will ask them next time I go, only two people running the yard, so not always easy to get hold of them.

Thanks.

Oooh, I used to work at Kings Langley Riding School 14 years ago (OMG - 14 yrs!). I believe it has changed hands since so I can't really comment on what it is like but I would definitely recommend if she wants a good hack, as there are fab bridlepaths around Chipperfield common.

Greinan in Bovingdon is very good, we used to go to Evening jumping their - the facilities were brill.

Rose Hall in Sarrat was also well regarded when I was in that area, and Patchetts was the most serious RS, although I think they may have stopped lessons at Patchetts.

There is also Lincolnsfield in Bushey - which is in a kind of outdoor activity centre. Quite a few of the liveries at Kings Langley had come from there and rode well, but again, no idea what it is like now.

I also went out on a few hacks at Woodley in Hemel, and did my school work experience there, when they only had 3 stables and it was very basic, but I know they built a whole new stable block and so that may well have improved.

I moved from the area 10 years ago, so much has probably changed, but I hope that gives you an idea. I really miss the area for having horses, I am in Devon now and bizarrely there were far more good hacking places around Hemel/Watford!

Is it BHS etc approved? Also, where do you stand re insurance if she has an accident. You can insure her yourself but the stables/instructor would, I think (?) have to be registered/insured? That probably sounds a bit OTT but is probably worth checking. Having said that my daughters have ridden at numerous friends' yards/informal riding stables and at one point insurance wasn't even on my radar. Lovely she's enjoying the riding.