professional schooling query!!!

[Steph.]

Hi,
Please could people give me their opions on having your horse professionally schooled.
I have a 5 year old which was imported from holland and i hope to compete her and do quite well in the future.
I am experienced but i work full time and she isnt at all advanced for her age.
Do you think the cost of having her done professionally is worth it?
Thanks

[CityLights]

If i could afford I would have one of mine in training with my trainer and have regular lessons with her as well, especially if i had a young horse with a lot of potential that i perhaps couldnt bring out as well by myself, that way the horse is making good progess correct and properly and i can learn along with the horse so that the horse is always kept a little ahead of myself, i perhaps wouldnt have a horse is proper full training livery but would maybe have her ride one twice a week give me a lesson once a week and me ride it the rest of the time

[Steph.]

Thank you - I have thought that exactly. It's just hard to make a decision.
Do you know of any places in the north west you have heard are great for this?
Thanks

[Emm]

Personally, if i could afford it, and i wanted fantastic results, that i was unsure i could achieve myself due to time and commitment, then yes i would pay to have someone school for me.
I paid for my young pony to be backed for me. He is 4 now, and i have to say it was the best thing i ever did. Well worth the money.
I didnt have the time or confidence and it ensured i got the best possible pony he could be at the end of it. The outcome was way beyond what i could have hoped for.
I then got lessons from the people that trained him, so i could continue their methods on him. Certainly worth it if within your budget

[CityLights]

Originally Posted by Steph.

Thank you - I have thought that exactly. It's just hard to make a decision.
Do you know of any places in the north west you have heard are great for this?
Thanks

where abouts in the North West are you? Are you looking for dressage training more than anything?
I have a friend in Cumbria who produces alot of dutch horses for the young horse classes, one was 3rd at the nationals last year, she calls herself LittleTree Dressage
if your more Lancashire area i really recommend Sarah Turner, she teaches me quite often and is a very good trainer, the yard is also lovely, you can find her details on her website

[amandaco]

i would have some lessons with the trainer first to make sure you both have the same ideas about training...
would get get them to come to your normal yard or be based at theirs? make sure the yard is how you want it too.
if thats all ok, then yes i would. 5 is plenty mature enough to start 'serious' work so if you can find a place and trainer you want to train the horse then go for it!
i would also have regular lessons with the trainer so you get upto date with how the horse is progressing

[Rhi bee]

I livried with my RI on her yard for a summer when my boy was 4, She schooled him everyday while I worked or went on holiday and I continued my lessons and hacking as normal, me and my boy both improved. He is 8 now and I still every now and then take him back to her yard for a few weeks, if we need to concentrate on something. ... the best thing I have ever done. x