riding lessons with qualified instructors
what lessons do
we teach
We have a structured lesson plan that works really well, for everyone from complete beginner to advancing riders.
riding lessons
We offer a full range of private and group lessons for all – from Tiny Tots to advanced riders. Our minimum age is 4 years, and we provide private and group lessons. We usually provide pony riding sessions for children as young as 3, during the school holidays.
If you are an experienced rider, or a rider returning to the saddle, we do require that you have a private assessment lesson before joining any of our Groups.
starting to ride
For young riders, we recommend that they join Group lessons to develop and build up the skills to ride confidently in the presence of other horses. This is a basic skill needed if you ever want to participate in riding activities involving other riders such as events or hacking. Group lessons allow riders to watch others doing excercises and they also often establish strong friendships between riders which give support.
Younger beginners typically join the Lead Rein classes (LR1 and LR2), which include walk, trot and canter with a leader for assistance. Lead rein lessons are 30 minutes long. Once they have developed the skills and independence in their riding, they progress to join the Junior Group Lessons (J1 to J5). Parents may choose to supplement their children’s riding lessons with private riding lessons which can improve specific skills as required.
Adults start typically with private lessons and can progress into Group lessons as required.
Riding is a physical and tiring sport and our experience is that absolute novices or very young riders often do not have the strength or stamina for long lessons.The youngest riders need to do shorter lessons to start with if they are going to enjoy their riding experiences.
Progress takes time and for confidence to develop, it is vital that you do not rush yourself or your child through the basic levels.
Our programmes and horses are chosen by the instructors to meet the skills of each rider.
group lessons
Our junior and adult group lessons and are divided into set levels reflecting the experience and capabilities of the riders. Lessons are 45 to 60 minutes long.
Experienced riders will need to have a private assessment lesson before joining a Group Lesson. Please note that if only two people are in a group lesson, it will be converted into a 45-minute semi-private lesson, and if only 1 person is in a group lesson, it will be converted into a 30-minute private lesson.
beginner riding lessons
Young riders aged 4 to 6 years typically join the Tiny Tots Lead Rein classes (20 minutes). At age 5 and above, dependent upon their confidence and riding ability, they join the 30-minute Lead Rein classes (LR1 and LR2). These are small, friendly groups where confidence can be built by riding with a leader for assistance.
Adults and older children will learn best by starting with private lessons, after which they can move on into suitable group lessons if they prefer.
- Schedule for Tiny Tots Rides:
Please contact reception - Schedule for LR1 classes:
Please contact reception - Schedule for LR2 classes:
Please contact reception
Schedule for Junior Group Lessons:
Our Junior Group Lessons are divided into five levels, which reflect the experience and capabilities of the riders. Riders are continuously assessed and are able to progress through the levels over time. In order to join a Group Lesson, you must be able to canter independently without the help of a leader. (A 30-minute assessment is required for new riders who are joining the riding school.)
The 45-minute J1 lessons are designed for riders who are just starting to canter independently.
All other group lessons are 60 minutes long.
Please note that if only two people are in a group lesson, it will be converted into a 45-minute semi-private lesson, and if only 1 person is in a group lesson, it will be converted into a 30-minute private lesson.
- J1 (Pre-Novice) lessons are held weekly at the following times:
Please contact reception - J2 (Novice) lessons are held weekly at the following times:
Please contact reception - J3 (Novice Plus) lessons are held weekly at the following times:
Please contact reception - J4 (Intermediate) lessons are held weekly at the following times:
Please contact reception - J5 (Advanced) lessons are held weekly at the following times:
Please contact reception
adult group lessons - Not currently available
- Beginner Lessons / Pre-Novice Lessons (S1)
- Novice/Improver lessons (S2) are held at the following times:
- Intermediate lessons (S3) are held at the following times:
bhs exam training
We offer training for the BHS Stage 1, 2 & 3 riding and care exams.
There is a 1-hour group riding lesson on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday (the time is dependent upon what exam you are training for). Please call the office to discuss your exam training requirements, or for details of our stable management courses.
dress code
All riders must wear riding hats to the current safety standards, riding boots and gloves to ride. We also advise riders to wear correctly fitted body-protectors; these are compulsory for certain events, such as Cross-Country Training.
Shoulders must be covered please, so no strappy tops; short-sleeved t-shirts are fine. Your legs must be fully covered whilst riding, so we recommend jodhpurs, leggings, jeggings or tracksuit bottoms. We don’t advise jeans.
When the weather is cold please take off scarves to ride and no hoodies please.
Long hair must be tied back, and no jewellery please.
Even if you are a spectator, you are required to wear suitable footwear whilst on the yard. No flip-flops or open-toe shows, please.
Feel free to call us if you want to chat about what to wear, but don’t worry, to get you going quickly, we have hats and boots available for a fee of £2.00 each.