I agree regarding who is good and who is not so good. It's amazing the stories that you hear !

I am near to a couple of Western Trainers but as I previously mentioned they can only teach you on your own horse. It is very frustrating, it is not so bad for me because I am an experienced rider and I could wait until my youngster is backed and has his further training, the big problem is what to do with someone like my husband who needs to learn to ride. He absolutely refuses point blank to learn English style riding so it is very difficult.

We are thinking about resorting to a holiday (hopefully in this country.....can anyone help ???) where we can get intensive instruction although we ill still have nowhere to 'hone' our skills when we get back.

Dear oh dear !!!!!!

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

I deeply sympathise and agree with qhrider with the difficultys of insurance costs for riding schools. I remember some years ago my mum scouring the internet trying to find western riding schools!

An other vote for good old admin to get the ball rolling!

Sorry for a late reply... One dead computer on Thursday :'( and a frantic search for a replacement without breaking the bank.

Now up and connected... Just got to reinstall all my software as my backups were on XP and you can't buy a new PC with XP, they're all Vista now :o Oh Joy!!

I have planned a new site dedicated to trainers which would include a mapping service (thank you Google maps). I have talked to a number of trainers recently and with the comments here it seems that training is an area that really needs to be tackled so I will be switching priority to this project.

Fortunately/unfortunately, I have a lot of 'paying work' at the moment so it may be a little while before it will be available but I will do my best.

If you have any more suggestions on the subject please let me know.

I had the exact same problem when i wanted to start Western & didn't have a suitable horse.

However i found Lauren Jolly. She is in Cossall, Nottingham, luckily only 1 hour away from me. Lauren has a western trained horse that she gives lessons on (as well as teaching people on their own horses).

Good luck with trying to find somewhere near you!

Hi I am also new to western and had problems searching for a quarter horse to buy, and lessons etc.  I live in Surrey on Hamps border.  Found Bob and Chrissie Mayhew Wye Oak, Dumpford, Trotton Nr Petersfield in Hampshire who breed youngsters, and train.  Found this on AQHA site I have now bought a youngster aged 3 who is in training for next 3 mths.  Next step where to find an instructor as mentioned unless you have your own horse difficult.  Found on WES site David Lloyd who is the Chairman he is giving me lessons on his mare he is in Yately it takes me 45 mins to get there but not too bad.  Now I am trying to find a saddle, and cheap horse box yes, did I say cheap no such thing exploring the net but not having much luck as so many things to consider.  When I get my mare here back home I dont have anyone to ride out with and am now searching for company like minded people who live in Surrey, so hoping this site might help me....Once you decide to go Western you find it almost impossible to start.....I am having trouble with lessons too knowing too much in English so feel rather alone and confused at moment, but hope I get there eventually.  Look at the map and see how far Trotton is from you nearest town Midhurst to Bobs place he sells youngsters, then look at map for Yately hope this helps you!!!!