ABRS factsheet 3

HORSE RIDING IN THE U.K.

Are you thinking about a horse riding vacation or taking a course of instruction and can't make up your mind where to go?  For many people there is only one choice - the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales).

We have, in a relatively small area, a special mixture of ingredients that you will not find anywhere else in the world.  That's a very strong claim so let's spell out what we mean.  Wonderful scenery - yes, we do have our mountains, moorlands and quietly flowing rivers.  Not the biggest or the longest but very 'user friendly' - if you don't like it too hot or too cold.

For those who enjoy cross- country riding or want to learn to ride 'three day event' fences there is no better place.  Our continuing success in international competition is proof of this.  Horses for courses - if you want to enjoy the mountains and moorlands of the U.K. don't expect to be given an advanced dressage horse or something that is too excitable for safety.  But ... , if you do want to improve your dressage, increase your skill over show (stadium) jumps or jump those big solid cross country obstacles with more confidence, then ABRS approved centres have the right horses for the job.

Professional qualification - Britain's long standing system of professional qualification means that many young people come to the U.K. to acquire these same qualifications for use 'back home'.  Approved centres - there are over 3,000 riding schools or trekking centres in the U.K.  500 have sought and gained approval from the Association of British Riding Schools.

The U.K. has a long standing tradition which allows thousands of people, who do not own a horse, to ride every week in a centre near their home.  There are a number of approved larger centres throughout the U.K. which offer vacations, courses and instructor training.

The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) wishes to reassure the riding public that if they select an ABRS approved school, they should receive sound instruction on suitable horses and ponies using good, safe and well- kept saddlery.  The ABRS approval scheme covers the horses and ponies, equipment, facilities and instruction.

A free listing of ABRS member schools and their locations is available from the ABRS, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope.  All ABRS member schools are also listed on this website.