Apprenticeship Open Morning at Lavant House Stables

Lavant House Stables in Chichester, West Sussex, is holding an Apprenticeship Open Morning tomorrow for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 who are interested in having a career working with horses.

From 10am to 1pm, youngsters will be able to come to the stables, meet the horses, and the team who looks after them, as well as find out what a job working with horses entails.
The stables run a professional programme which enables those who enrol to work towards achieving NVQ levels 1 and 2 – which are equivalent to 5 GCSE's at grade C and above.
Some of the lessons will involve learning to ride the horses safely, and others will teach students stable management, providing them with valuable skills such as how to use and store horse equipment properly.

The Lavant House Stables even have horses and ponies for sale, so anyone who would like to own their very own equine might find their ideal animal.
However, if you do purchase a horse or pony, it is very important that you have a suitable stable to keep them in, a field for them to get the exercise and freedom they need to be happy, as well as the correct horse equipment with which to look after and ride them safely.
Dogwood London can help you find riding hats, saddles, boots, as well as other useful gear such as gloves, bridles, and horse rugs. Have a browse of the online store today!
Photo © will g via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence

Dusting off my riding hat

Some say, if you haven’t ridden a horse for years, it’s just like getting back on a bike. Personally, I think it’s easier.

Growing up in the New Forest, riding both a bike and a horse – not at the same time I hasten to add – were activities I participated in on a regular basis. Living within 150 square miles of ancient woodland and open heathland gave me plenty of opportunity to go cycling and riding whenever possible, breathing in the fresh outdoors and eyeing up the beautiful scenery.

Sometimes I would ride in the paddock – this was the case if it was a windy day or if I hadn’t been riding for a while and wanted to brush up on my skills or learn more advanced techniques. On one memorable occasion, I went horse riding in the paddock with my sister. After donning our riding hats and boots, we rode single file; she on her horse behind me on mine.

Enjoying our leisurely ride around the enclosure, I suddenly heard this ‘thump’ and turned back to see my sister sat on the muddy ground. Turns out, her horse bit my horse’s bum, who then retaliated by kicking him, knocking my sister off in the process. Fortunately, no-one was harmed and I found the incident highly amusing.

At the age of 18 I moved from the New Forest and, now having the ability to drive, relied on my motorised vehicle to get me from A to B. The change in lifestyle meant I didn’t have much need for horse riding or cycling, so I pretty much gave them up.

City living became my new focus as the years went by, but I’m still a country girl at heart and always end up going back to my roots. However, it was only really when I met my – now closest – friend that I gave cycling and horse riding another go – and it wasn’t what I had expected.
Getting back on a bike after ten years wasn’t like they say – it’s not that easy. Every twig, stone and branch I rode over, gave me a dreaded feeling that I was going to come tumbling down to the ground below. Fortunately, after about an hour, I soon picked it up and was ‘flying’ down hills at ridiculous speeds.

Horse riding, however, was a different matter entirely. As soon as I got back on a horse, sitting upright and proud, strolling through the countryside and taking in the scenery, I immediately felt at home.

In fact, it was choosing a secure riding hat that was the most difficult task out of the whole experience. Rummaging through a box of them, trying on every shape and size I could find, it took an age to find one which felt relatively comfortable and fitted correctly. There is no doubt in my mind that, if I took up riding again on a regular basis, I would make sure I buy a riding hat which is safe and secure, guaranteeing comfort and reassurance on every ride.

Are increasing numbers of students turning to equestrianism?

During university, I think I was quite a restrained student. Although I visited the pub on regular occasions, my alcohol consumption was always quite sensible. Instead of spending copious amounts of time at the bar, I joined societies, clubs, and other organisations.

Consequently, I think I experienced university life to the full – without drinking to excess.

Enough of the nostalgia, what does this have to do with equestrianism?

I read an article on the Guardian website recently which suggested increasing numbers of students were abandoning binge drinking and instead taking part in other pursuits. A spokesman from Leeds University said, "We've noticed in our bars and clubs that students are drinking less when they are out."

He added, "Although night-time drinking may be less popular, we have seen a significant interest in membership to our clubs and societies, so students participating in a massive range of activities with their friends from skydiving to equestrianism and everything in between."

It appears, as other universities are allegedly reporting similar trends, that increasing numbers of students could be taking up horse riding instead of hitting the town. If so, this can only be a good thing.

Having said this, I hope these students can afford proper equestrian clothing, such as riding hats and boots. After all, I can remember struggling to pay both my heating and electricity bills...

Photo © Sterling College via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Michael Schumacher - Future western riding champion?

If you are a fan of formula one racing, you will have probably heard of Michael Schumacher. The seven-time world champion has achieved quite a lot in his motoring career, but he will be retiring later this year.

However, his greatest challenge could be just around the corner...
Speaking to an Italian newspaper, Schumacher told journalists that his wife, Corinna, had suggested taking part in equestrianism.

He added, "I'm thinking of getting involved in western riding competitions…
"Corinna, who has been doing these events for years, has already chosen the right horse for me. I'll give it a try…"

The formula one legend already owns a farm in Switzerland and is a fan of cowboy shirts and boots, so it sounds like he might have the basics covered already. As well as picking out the right steed, here's hoping that Corinna has also advised her husband about proper equestrian clothing, such as riding hats and boots.

If this new challenge does not work out, then the driver reportedly has other options which he is considering. Still, I'm personally looking forward to seeing Schumacher in the saddle, especially if he handles a horse as well as he controls a car.

Photo © ph-stop via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence