our riding centre
events
Why Choose Our Riding School Events at Chelmsford Equestrian Centre
At Chelmsford Equestrian Centre we believe that horse riding is more than just lessons – it’s a chance to build confidence, responsibility and a deep connection with horses. Our Riding School Events offer structured, safe, and fun opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities to experience more time with ponies and horses beyond weekly lessons. Whether it’s your child’s first introduction to pony-care, a 3-day “Own-A-Pony” experience, or a friendly dressage or jumping competition, our events are designed to help every rider learn, grow and enjoy the equestrian lifestyle.
Our calendar of events – from Tiny Tots pony rides to competitive jumping tests – aims to support both beginners and experienced riders. Each event emphasises horse welfare, hands-on care, and real riding experience: grooming, tack-up, riding, and responsible pony care.
Upcoming Events
what do our events look like?
Mini Own-A-Pony
Pony care basics • Lead-rein riding • Introductory grooming skills
Description:
Mini Own-A-Pony is an ideal event for children riding in lead-rein lessons. Minimum age requirement is 5 years old. Children receive 45 minutes of “on the ground” training with their pony—learning to groom—followed by a 45-minute riding lesson.
This session introduces young riders to routine pony handling, safety awareness, and confidence-building skills that support progression into regular riding lessons.
Tiny Tots Own-A-Pony
First riding experience • Sensory introduction to ponies • Beginner grooming
Description:
This is an ideal event for children riding in our Tiny Tot lessons or starting to ride (no experience required). Children spend 30 minutes “on the ground” grooming their pony, followed by a pony ride around our fields (weather permitting; indoors if needed). Suitable for children aged 4–6 years.
The session supports early-years motor skills, gentle pony interaction, and a safe introduction to the rhythm and feel of riding.
Pony Rides
Short pony experiences • Confidence building • First-time riders
Description (facts kept exact):
A fun 20-minute pony ride around our fields (weather permitting; indoors if necessary). Suitable for children aged 3 to 8 who have not previously ridden in a riding lesson (no experience required).
Ideal for families wanting a low-pressure introduction to ponies, helping children feel comfortable before joining a structured lesson programme.
Pony Rally (3-Day Experience)
Multi-day equine care • Routine stable tasks • Riding progression
Description:
Experience what it’s like to own your own pony for 3 days. Open to clients riding at CEC, J1 level and above. Riders learn pony care basics, including grooming and daily responsibilities. Each day includes riding instruction, games and activities.
Policy: A 7-day cancellation policy applies to this event.
The Pony Rally simulates full pony ownership, helping riders understand responsibility, stable management routines, and skill development over consecutive days.
Dressage Competition
Dressage tests • Riding assessment • Competitive experience
Description:
Show off your riding skills and compete against your friends—judged by an external judge. Riders may choose the Intro Test (Walk and Trot) or Prelim Tests (Walk, Trot and Canter). Open to riding school riders in J1 classes and above, as well as liveries and external competitors riding their own horses.
The competition builds test-riding experience, accuracy, and familiarity with formal dressage formats used at affiliated events.
Top Score Jumping Competition
Showjumping scoring • Rider strategy • Timed jumping format
Description:
A jumping competition where riders earn points for each jump successfully cleared.
Top Score Rules:
60 seconds to jump as many jumps as you can
No jump may be jumped more than 3 times (including Joker jump)
Jumps are not put back up (for that rider) once knocked down
On a riding school horse, a maximum of 2 rounds can be booked per event
This event teaches course strategy, decision-making under pressure, and point-maximization skills common in showjumping gamified formats.
12+ Care Session
Teen horse care • Grooming skills • Tacking up training
Description:
Suitable for children aged 12 to 16 who are not members of the Saddle Club. This two-hour session covers the basics of horse care, with a focus on grooming and tacking up.
Ideal for teens wanting hands-on learning without committing to full-time stable membership, supporting progression into volunteering or more advanced equine study.
