|
Riding Schools
Choosing and finding a riding school can be difficult, especially if you are just starting out. To help riders identify yards that meet standards two organisations the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools have developed quality standard schemes. Riders should look out for riding schools that are approved by one or both of these organisations. These riding schools are inspected every year so you should check the approval is current. Approved riding schools employ staff trained through the BHS or ABRS examinations. The level of qualifications staff and instructors hold at a riding school can vary, however you should be provided with a qualified instructor that is able to teach your level of riding ability. Therefore you need to make sure you inform the riding school of your level of experience when you book your lesson. Please visit the information section on rider safety as riding is a dangerous sport, click here to find out more. Even at an approved school and with a well qualified instructor horse riding can be dangerous. Therefore it is important the riding school’s staff have had first aid training and the centre holds a current first aid certificate.
It is worth visiting a few local riding schools to check out their facilities and watch a lesson being taught. See if you receive a warm welcome and check out the horses and ponies (do they look healthy? If you are not sure what to look out for click here to visit the Horse Care section then check out the information on The Healthy Horse). You can expect riding schools to offer a variety of lessons from private, to semi-private where two or three people are taught in the same lesson, to group lessons where larger groups of people are taught in the same lesson by one instructor. It is worth checking out the prices. A good riding school will ask you questions when you book your lesson they will need to know your height, weight and riding experience to ensure you are given a suitable horse.
To find out more about the BHS and to find a local BHS approved riding school please click here.
To find out more about the ABRS and to find a local ABRS approved riding school please click here.
Click here to return to the Rider section of the website
Click here to tell your friend about this website
| 
