HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST STABLEYARD

Text | Rhiannon Cecil

FOR YOU AND YOUR HORSE

Whether you have your own pony or you’re looking for a new riding school, there are so many options out there that it can be completely overwhelming. Regardless of what your goals are for your riding career, there is a place out there that suits you perfectly. You just have to find it.

HQ Pony Mag takes you through some tips for choosing your next stable yard.

1. Go and visit

When you’re looking for a new stable, go and visit as many different yards as you can. That way, you get to see things for yourself and get an idea of the vibe of the place. For instance, if you are looking for somewhere very competitive, you don’t want to choose a stableyard that prefers not to be at shows every weekend. Also, notice who takes the time to show you around when you make an appointment. Is there someone there to answer your questions, or are you just left to wander around on your own? We spend a lot of time at our stable yards and want to feel included and important. You should be treated like that from the moment you walk through the door.

2. Decide what you want

Most stableyards and riding schools have a focus; some focus on showjumping, some on dressage, and others on simply riding and getting the basics in place. Ask yourself where you want to go in your riding career and what your passions are. If you want to take part in a wide range of disciplines, you aren’t likely to be completely happy at a stable that focuses solely on dressage. Make sure any stables or schools you’re looking at meet your needs so that you can achieve your goals there.

3. Ponies come first

None of us wants to be part of a stable where ponies aren’t treated well. For example, when you visit, look out for ponies who are underweight. How good is the fly control? Do the ponies have big enough paddocks with enough grazing and clean water? Are there fresh, clean shavings in the stables? Are the bits clean? Think about all the things you would want your pony to have if he was stabled there. If you don’t think he would get what he needs, the yard isn’t for you.

4. Get a good idea of what the lessons are like

No matter what you’ve heard about the stable, make sure you get a chance to watch a lesson and ride in one. Most stableyards offer trial lessons, so you can get an idea of what the coaching is like. Your relationship with your coach is an essential part of your riding, and you need to be absolutely sure you get along with them and that you like their style. Some people prefer strict coaches that push them, and others prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. You can find plenty of coaches if you look, and each one has their own approach to teaching. Just make sure the approach at any yard you’re looking at is in line with your goals.

5. Check out the coaches and make sure they are qualified

Make sure that the yards you’re looking at have qualified and experienced instructors with valid basic first aid certificates. You’re trusting them with your safety, so you need to be absolutely sure they’re up to the task. There is nothing wrong with asking around about them, as past or current riders may have valuable input for you about your potential coach - just make sure you don’t get involved in nasty gossip and stick to the facts.

6. Results speak for themselves

If you’re looking for a competitive stableyard, pay attention to the results your potential yard is getting in the show ring. Are the riders organised? Are their coaches with them to walk courses and warm up? Even more importantly, do the riders support each other? A stableyard is like a family for most people, and all the riders should take pride in the successes of the other members of the team. Jealousy and nasty yard politics can take all the joy out of competing, and yards with this atmosphere should be avoided at all costs.

7. Compare prices

It’s up to your parents, but helping them by researching the cost of stabling, lessons and leases will go a long way. Make sure that you ask about hidden costs like extra grass charges and that everything your parents will be charged for is explained to them in detail.

8. Think about the future

Though a yard may seem perfect for you right this moment, you need to remember your goals for the future. Take a moment to think about whether or not the stable you’re looking at fits in with those goals. If your goal is to jump in the higher grades in the next few years and the stable doesn’t have a jumping coach at that level, the yard may not be a perfect fit after all. Remember, moving stables is traumatic for both horse and rider, and you want to avoid doing so too frequently. Even if a yard seems a bit overwhelming in the beginning, keep thinking of the long term, and you’ll find you get into the groove in no time.

9. Cruelty is a deal breaker

There is absolutely no excuse for using cruelty to get results. The well-being of the pony always comes first, and if your coach or anyone at your yard suggests hurting a pony as a form of training, you’ve hit a massive red flag. Causing pain is never a way of schooling a horse. Keep an eye out for metal jumping poles - designed to hurt your pony’s legs, so he doesn’t knock in the show ring, and nasty bits. If anything in your new or current yard makes you uncomfortable, please tell an adult you can trust immediately.

10. Trust your gut and do what’s best for you

What do you do if all your friends are moving to a specific stable, but it doesn’t feel right for you? If you move with them, you get to stay with your friends, but may not get the best out of your pony, but if you go somewhere else, you don’t get the chance to ride with your friends every day. Choices like this are never easy, but do what feels right for you, your pony and your goals. True friendships don’t end just because you don’t see each other every day, and what works for one rider doesn’t work for another. Put yourself first and trust your intuition.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE YOUR MIND

When you make a big change, like moving stables, you are obviously invested in making sure it works out. Sometimes things just aren’t what we expect them to be, and if your safety, your pony’s safety or your mentalhealth are at risk, please, don’t be scared to talk to your coach or your parents about exploring other options.

Always remember, we ride because we love it, and we love our horses and ponies. No one wants you to be unhappy or uncomfortable at the stables, as it’s supposed to be your happy place. You’ll know when you’re in the place that’s right for you and your pony, and then you can settle in and just enjoy being an equestrian.