Bevern Bridge or Three Greys experience for beginner lessons?

[WhatToTrot]

Hi knowledgeable people.

I'm after some recent experience or knowledge of either of the two stables mentioned (or others in a similar area) for private/1:2 lessons for adults who are complete novices.

After having moved to the countryside 18 months ago my husband and I are keen to try out riding with a view to getting good enough to have very casual trots (hacks?) in the country on nice days.

As you can tell, we know nothing, so really don't know what to look for other than friendly instructors that we get on with. I wouldn't really be able to tell if the conditions/horses were good or if teaching technique was right.

Online reviews seem to favour Bevern Bridge but I'm wary of going with those completely so if anyone has first hand experience I'd really love to know what you think.

Thanks very much!

Not a local so can't comment on these particular riding schools but DH and I are in a similar situation. We used to ride and have our own horses years ago, now after 20 + years out of the saddle we are starting out again. Near us there are two riding schools, one is large and very informal, the horses are mainly black and white cobs, a retired show jumper and a few large ponies on working livery. The instructors are friendly and helpful with one in particular amazing at creating confidence. The other school has a more sophisticated set of mounts, very well schooled and with a more polished approach.
DH and I have had lessons at both of these places, and have both come to prefer the first, as you get a more horsey experience, more people about to chat to and a BHS riding club you can join which has a social side to it too.

If you are starting out riding as an adult you will need somewhere that inspires confidence, lets face it, like us you are not looking at eventing etc. ( well not in the short term).
I would suggest booking an assessment lesson at both schools, and seeing what you like about them. Ask about the quality of the hacking in the area, as if there is beautiful countryside and lots of bridle paths around that is a big plus. If one of them has a BHS riding club that is a bonus too. I was quite nervous when I started out and joining the riding club group lessons I had such a laugh with the other ladies I quite forgot my nerves.

Start out with some private lessons if you prefer but once you are established and can walk/trot/canter in the school you would probably enjoy being with the other participants in a group lesson.

Just being with horses is so lovely, hope you give it a go soon.

Thank you Higgyhog that was really helpful. I actually didn't get a response to my email enquiry from the places mentioned (second time now!) so ended up going to another local place that is quite small but based in the forest so it has lovely hacking on its doorstep.

We were taken out on a private ride for an hour and had a really lovely time and I'm keen to go back there for some lessons now. A bit like your choice, this place didn't seem super polished but the staff and helpfers were really friendly and DH and I were very comfortable the whole time.

I'm really looking forward to our next ride and learning more about how to work with these beautiful creatures - just really frustrating that with working full time and all our other life commitments it's going to be a slow process! :(

ETA - I just saw your last reply - The Forest is easier to learn to hack on, compared to the Downs as it is relatively flat. I have hacked from a small riding school near the Forest, years ago and really enjoyed it!
Do learn to ride though, not just learn to stay on during a hack, the whole experience will be much more enjoyable! Have fun..

Both are good
Bevern Bridge has a good reputation locally, I am about 3 miles away.

When you learn to ride (walk, trot and canter) then you will be able to go on a hack (amble around the countryside). Once you can ride you can go to any place for a hack, not restricted to where you are learning. I would learn at BB and hack from Three Greys, over the South Downs.
Wait until you are reasonably competent otherwise you could put yourself off