What riding lessons
are offered at Chelmsford Equestrian Centre?

Discover the Right Lessons for You — From Tiny Tots to Advanced Riders

Chelmsford Equestrian Centre offers a full range of riding lessons for children and adults — from “Tiny Tots” pony rides for the youngest riders to structured group and private lessons for experienced riders. Lessons cover basic riding through to advanced training, including exam preparation.

What types of lessons are available (private, group, assessment, exam training)?

The centre offers private lessons, group lessons, assessment lessons for riders joining groups, and specialised training for exam candidates (BHS riding and care exams).

  • Private lessons for individual instruction and skill-building.
  • Group lessons for juniors or adults, organised by riding level.
  • For experienced riders or those returning, a private assessment lesson is required before joining a group.
  • Training for formal riding and care exams (BHS Stage 1, 2 & 3) is offered via scheduled group sessions.

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.

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.

How are the lesson levels structured for children and juniors?

Junior riders progress from lead‑rein classes (LR1 and LR2) through five levels of group lessons (J1 to J5). Each level reflects increasing skill, from early walk/trot/canter under leader supervision up to independent cantering and more advanced riding.

  • Lead‑rein classes (LR1, LR2) — initial 30‑minute lessons for beginners with leader assistance.

  • Junior Group Lessons: J1 (pre‑novice), J2, J3, J4 (intermediate), J5 (advanced).

  • J1 lessons are 45 minutes; higher levels are 60 minutes.

  • For small group sizes: if only two riders, lesson becomes 45‑minute semi‑private; if one rider, 30‑minute private.

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:
    Thursday at 5pm, Fridays at 4.15pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm

Adult group lessons

Running three groups per week - contact reception for times

  • Beginner Lessons / Pre-Novice Lessons (S1)
  • Novice/Improver lessons (S2)  
  • Intermediate lessons (S3)

What BHS exam and additional training options are available

Running in 2026 - contact reception for more information

Beyond regular lessons, the centre offers training for formal riding and horse‑care exams — specifically BHS Stage 1, 2 & 3. Group sessions for exam candidates are scheduled on specific weekdays for focused training.

  • For riders preparing for British Horse Society riding or care exams, the centre provides dedicated training sessions.

  • Lesson slots for exam training are typically scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the exam level.

  • Riders seeking exam training are invited to contact the reception for details and to discuss suitability.

amazing instructors and horses

What are the safety and dress code requirements for riders?

All riders must wear safety‑approved riding hats, boots, gloves, and suitable clothing (covered legs, no strappy tops or open footwear). Body protectors are recommended and required for certain activities. Spare hats and boots are available for hire.

  • Hat, boots, and gloves required; body protectors are advised and mandatory for cross‑country training.

  • Legs must be covered; no jeans recommended; no open-toed shoes.

  • Long hair must be tied back; no jewellery allowed.

  • For convenience, hats and boots can be hired for a small fee (£2 each) if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are we easy to get to?

Absolutely!   We’re easily accessed by car and public transport.   Many of our clients are local, but we also have people coming from :

Do I need previous riding experience to start?

No — many of our riders join us as complete beginners. Children generally begin in pony sessions or Lead-Rein lessons; adults often start with a private lesson.

What age can children start riding?

We accept children from around age 4 (pony sessions during holidays) and typically from age 4 for regular riding lessons.

Do I need my own equipment?

Not initially – we provide helmets and boots (for a hire fee). Once you decide to ride regularly, investing in your own gear is often more comfortable and convenient.

Can adults take lessons too?

Yes – we offer private lessons to adults, and group lessons once assessed. Beginners, returning riders or those seeking a gentle introduction are all welcome.

How do you ensure safety and horse welfare?

We are accredited by BHS and ABRS, our instructors are qualified, and our horses are carefully matched to rider level. All lessons follow welfare and safety guidelines.