The Plunge

I've got in contact with a riding school here in the city. Of the two on main bus routes, this one at least at has some positive feedback and, to be fair, some of the negative reviews are clearly written by teenagers. I know how fickle the teens at my current yard are, so I've taken it with a pinch of salt. With so many mixed messages though, I figured I need to see for myself in order to make any kind of informed choice.

I emailed the local RS and they're happy for me to drop in as a visitor any time and take in a lesson from the viewing gallery. What really excites me is that they have XC schooling facilities (I've never been XC but always wanted to) and lots of hacking. I love hacking but haven't been since I was on holiday in Portstewart circa 1994! (Been out on 20min rides as a teen, but they weren't long enough or far enough to truly count).

So, let's see wat the local place has to offer and what my current RI does to rectify the problems. All of a sudden moving yards doesn't seen so unattractive or scary a  prospect...

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UPDATE: got this message back from my RI when she got home last night.

"Hi debs i'll have a good look in the book tomorrow and sort something out for you, miss having around your companys always welcome. Half term is manic lol but with the help of a few of my little friends i get by lol. I'll be in touch soon xxx".

So, if things can be repaired at my current yard then I'll stay for the meantime. Once my degree's over though and I don't need to head so far from the city, that could be when I leave (end of Feb is the current prediction). In the long term however, I do need to know that riding and livery in the city is doable, and I think the hacking and XC at the new yard would do me a world of good before buying a horse. So, whether I visit in the next fortnight or leave until the new year I don't know, but I'll definitely pursue the new yard as a longer term option at least.  For all its faults, I love the community of people where I am now. Here's hoping the the best of both worlds!