Like many fathers, Charles’ first experience of horses came when watching his daughter taking weekly lessons at the local riding school. One particularly cold winter when the temperature fell below freezing, he was chilled to the bone and came to the conclusion that it might be better to join in the lessons and learn to ride. At least he would keep warm.
He loved the experience and progressed to owning a series of horses including Houdini whose speciality, as his name suggests, was letting himself out of his box. Sadly Charles had to abandon his riding when work commitments at Rolls-Royce began up take up too much of his time.
Getting back into riding
Fast forward twenty years, Charles had retired but continued to think his riding days were over. One day, when walking the dogs, he spotted Lavant Equestrian. “It looked very professional with nice horses clearly enjoying themselves and, on the spur of the moment, I booked a trial lesson.”
“After such a long break, that first lesson with Lizzie was certainly eventful. Because I had not ridden for so long, I was unfit and at the end of the lesson, I didn’t have the flexibility to dismount properly. But Lizzie reminded me that there was something called muscle memory and that things would improve. She was right.”
New disciplines and experience
Two years later Charles is riding every week and has rediscovered his passion for riding. “What I had particularly missed was the discipline of flat work and the thrill you get when you and your horse are working well together as a team. With Lizzie’s help and encouragement, we’ve completed a dressage test, worked our way through the scales of training and improved my position in the saddle.”
Why horses are so important
“ What is wonderful about riding is that for 45 minutes it is impossible to think of anything else other than you and the horse. There are no external distractions or pressures and certainly no time to doomscroll on your mobile. So I wouldn’t underestimate the psychological benefits of riding.
But for me the biggest attraction has always been the horses. The two horses I ride at Lavant couldn’t be more different. Winston is a gentle soul who after a few months recognises you and says hello. He is the perfect schoolmaster. Harry is much younger and behaves like an enthusiastic teenager who gives his best but only if you are well balanced and precise with your aids. The two of them, Winston and Harry, are the perfect combination.”
Why not take the plunge?
Charles believes that Lavant Equestrian is ideal for anyone thinking of taking up riding for the first time or those to returning to it after a long break: “All the trainers are very knowledgeable and passionate about horses and want to share that enthusiasm with those they teach. The horses are all very carefully chosen and, because they live out, are far more chilled and content than the usual riding school horse. I’d have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Lavant Equestrian if you are searching for the perfect place to ride.”
There’s no better time to start.
Call us on 01243 530460 or email us at riding@lavantequestrian.co.uk to book your first lesson.
Photo of Charles & Earl