Here at Oakridge we pride ourselves on offering first class training for horse and rider. Our resident trainer is Lee Rutter a WES qualified instructor and NRCHA judge. Lee regularly travels to train with World and European Champions, proving his commitment to providing excellent tuition and knowledge for his clients. Lee has ridden western all of his life winning a gold medal for Great Britain and qualified horses for the World Show, register of merits, AQHA Supreme Champion and produced numerous horses and riders to all around title wins.
Lee uses sympathetic and kind methods of starting young stock and training older horses and will train your horse to suit your own individual requirements, for instance showing in particular disciplines i.e. pleasure / reining, or simply just leisure riding.
Training
Whilst at Oakridge your horse will enjoy the best possible care and management by skilled staff. With daily turnout in individual paddocks as part of our training practise, night checks, CCTV, roomy boxes with rubber mats, shaving beds and quality feedstuffs; your horse could not have better management. Our back up team is also excellent with equine vets on call and a specialist remedial farrier carrying out our routine work. We can also arrange for the best of professionals to treat your horse should it require physio, dental or any other specialist work. We take the responsibility of the trust you have placed in us as most important and offer honest feedback with regular training appraisals and video footage. Horses are worked 6 days per week with one rest day. Monthly training invoices are payable in advance with any extra costs incurred, i.e. shoeing, vet, billed in the following month. We ask that clients provide their own supplements if required but mineral licks are provided in each stable. We are of course fully insured for care, custody and control but do like our clients where possible to provide their own insurance details. Transport can also be arranged if required, by a tried and trusted haulier. Rugs can be provided at minimal rent but we prefer that your horses arrives with 3 rugs, 1 turnout and 2 stable (one for wear and one in wash), head collar and rope. All vaccinations should be up to date and horses should be free of disease, regularly wormed and not been in contact with any infectious animals in the previous month. Passports must be left with your horse. Years of experience and knowledge give us the ability to provide a quality service which we feel is second to none.
Lessons
Private lessons can be taken with Lee on your own horse only. With such an experienced instructor Lee can help out with all disciplines and also give help with show tune ups, ring etiquette and show preparation for you and your horse. Shared lessons can also be booked at a reduced hourly rate. For people travelling long distance, it can be of benefit to stay locally in a bed and breakfast and make a weekend or overnight stay, having a morning and afternoon session.
Clinics
Clinics are a great way of socializing your horse providing them with a mini show experience. We hold both one and two day clinics, and hold general and specialist discipline formats i.e. trail or reining. We can provide stabling and turn out for your horse and our round pen, wash racks and facilities are available for your use. Clinic days are structured into two training sessions morning and afternoon with refreshment breaks, and lunches are usually provided (see individual booking forms) Our two day clinics usually include a barbeque on one evening and often also include a classroom session. It is also a great way to meet like minded people and enjoy the social aspect of riding in a group. Our clinics generally book up very quickly so you are advised to reserve your place early.
Shows
A new development for Oakridge has been our open unaffiliated shows, held in local indoor arenas during 2007 and then at Oakridge’s own indoor from 2008. Excellent judges, stewards and friendly and helpful staff ensure a great day is enjoyed by all participants. This is also a great training exercise for young horses and nervous exhibitors and provides a show environment where help and advice is readily at hand proving a great springboard for larger affiliated shows. Excellent prize money, sponsorship and high point awards also make the shows worthwhile for exhibitors of all standards.
