Relaxed lessons / ride outs

TKD SC

Hi,
Could anyone recommend the following in South Dublin / North Wicklow:

Basically we're looking for somewhere that does ride-outs / lessons in a relaxed way and not in an arena. We have done about 2yrs of lessons, followed by a week long horseriding safari in Botswana last year as part of our honeymoon. We learned more in that week than 2yrs of lessons, and much better tips too from some of the people there. There was a lot of fast cantering, and through deep enough water. There was no jumps.

Therefore, we want to get back into it now, especially in relation to the jumping side, as that's where we really want to improve on. However, we've been put off riding schools a bit based on various experiences of no consistency / structure, always in an arena (v boring!), and attitudes!
Therefore, some lessons preferably out in a field in a relaxed manner, cantering and going over jumps and been given tips, rather than going from A to B to C in an arena is really what we're looking for.

I've read the sticky by the way!

Hope that all makes sense, and any suggestions would be great.

Many thanks,

Simon

doctor evil

Killegar do nice relaxed ride outs, haven't been there in a while. Its a very friendly casual yard. Brennanstown do good ride outs too. To be honest if a place doesn't know you they will want to see you in an arena first. I know Killegar does a half lesson half ride out.

I've found that in good weather in group lessons you are taken out to the field for cross country. Carrickmines may bring you out for a lesson out doors but with weather like it is don't hold your breath. No place worth its salt will risk unnecessary poaching to the fields. Also, if it is too wet/dry it can increase risk of injury to the horse.

With regards to lessons they are what you make of them. YOU as the client suggest (if you demand it won't make you popular) what you want to work on. What have you done in lessons? there is loads of interesting stuff you can do with flatwork.

TKD SC

HI,
Will look into Killegar. Brennanstown were more on for me coming mid week which just doesnt suit. They seem to be fairly booked up at weekends, although there's a possibility of getting a slot if I ring up a few days beforehand. They were quite adamant on the phone that all their lessons take place in an arena. Carrickmines is where we did do our lessons. The fields were great, but half the time, even in nice weather we'd be stuck in the arena doing the same ol' stuff! Some weeks we'd be cantering and doing jumps in the field and the next week we'd be back in the arena (sometimes with a different instuctor) doing rising trot for the hour. We did try to make as much of the lesson as possible but the complete inconsistency from week to week did make it quite frustrating.
I'll look into Killegar. Bel-air seems good but again don't do lessons at weekends, only rideouts. Maybe I should give Brennanstown a go, but I got the impression from the phone call with them that all their "clients" do at least one lesson per week mid week as well as the weekend one which we may / may not be able to book into depending on numbers.

Thanks for your reply.
Simon

doctor evil wrote: »

Killegar do nice relaxed ride outs, haven't been there in a while. Its a very friendly casual yard. Brennanstown do good ride outs too. To be honest if a place doesn't know you they will want to see you in an arena first. I know Killegar does a half lesson half ride out.

I've found that in good weather in group lessons you are taken out to the field for cross country. Carrickmines may bring you out for a lesson out doors but with weather like it is don't hold your breath. No place worth its salt will risk unnecessary poaching to the fields. Also, if it is too wet/dry it can increase risk of injury to the horse.

With regards to lessons they are what you make of them. YOU as the client suggest (if you demand it won't make you popular) what you want to work on. What have you done in lessons? there is loads of interesting stuff you can do with flatwork.