Re: Oatridge College, Edinburgh, Scotland - anyone go there/been there to study?

Hated it but I know some who liked it. I was there for 6 weeks and then left.  Sat my stages instead.   I thought it ran like an army camp and the lecturers were very patronising.  I remember once, I was helping to brush the yard and was sweeping in the opposite direction from another girl so a pile was made in the middle and I got 'what are you doing you stupid girl sweeping that way when the muck heap is in the opposite direction'.  Like what difference did it make if you have to pick up the pile anyway!  That's what made my decision to leave.  No one should be spoken to like that.  Feed time was getting shouted at for being too slow, you had to almost run to the stable to empty the bucket of feed in the trough.  The yard didnt actually run like a normal yard would.  Horses were a bit mad cos they were never out in the field to relax and when they got out for max 1 hour a week they would kick each other cos they would never had an established pecking order.  One lecturer actually said, of course as its a college you do not have to come to class but if you dont we will chap your door to make sure you are really ill.  Fair enough I understand that if its your turn to muck out etc but if its not then they shouldnt come near you if you dont want them to.

Sorry to say all these bad things about the place.  Im sure there will be plenty comments on this disagreeing with me but I couldnt wait to get away from there.  The actual class room learning and riding lessons were good.  i did learn alot in the short time I was there, I just hated the people and how they spoke to you on the yard.  Found they really spoke down to you.

Re: Oatridge College, Edinburgh, Scotland - anyone go there/been there to study?

It was 10 years ago so maybe the lecturer Im referring to isnt there anymore.  i know she still is heavily involved with exams and organising workshops etc, out with the college,so she could still do a bit there, or maybe her manner has improved over the years, I hope so.  I dont think the way the yard is run will be any different tho.  During the winter there is very limited turnout cos its situated on a working farm.  Cos of this, the 'good' stable management thats taught in the class room isnt actually put in practice.  I didnt agree with it.  Have you thought about Bishop Burton college?  Im not sure how much riding thats involved the course content tho.  I know a few that have went there and really enjoyed it.  Im sorry if Ive dampened your hopes.  Like I said im sure there is prob people who have really enjoyed it.  It might be that my personality didnt suit it and again the classroom stuff is really good and interesting.

Re: Oatridge College, Edinburgh, Scotland - anyone go there/been there to study?

Hi

Bishop burton college is in goole near hull so its miles from you but saying that you might love it were you are going as i know lots of people who have been to Bishop burton as its not to far from me and some hated it and others loved it so everyone likes different things what others hate you might love and what others love you might hate so dont worry about it you wont know what it is like until you get there you might love it so dont worry and just try it!

Good luck by the way bet you will have great fun!!

Re: Oatridge College, Edinburgh, Scotland - anyone go there/been there to study?

i went to oatridge and i loved it. i can see vik1's pojnt of view though, it's not run like a normal yard and is a bit strange in that sense, i also only went for 1 week every six through an svq course which i highly reccomend to anyone.

the horses were great, the yard i worked for, brenfield, loaned them horses every year and they were looked after fantastically, the lecturers at the time i was there (2002-2004) were fab and the lessons were fun....the early starts near killed me though, especially in winter but again if you were on duties with a good bunch of people and got stuck in, it was fine.

let me know if you do go, i'd love to see if there's still some brenfield horses there!

Re: Oatridge College, Edinburgh, Scotland - anyone go there/been there to study?

good luck at oatridge! i'm so sure you will enjoy it, the yard may not be run like you're used to but the facilities are lovely, i'm sure your horse will love it. do keep in touch and let me know how you get on! enjoy yourself!!