FAQs
Information for Beginners
Children start on a 30 minute lesson on a lead rein and progress to a 1 hour group lesson when we feel they are competent and happy trotting in the school without a lead rein - the time-scale for this depends on the individual child. The lowest age you can ride with us is five years old. Due to their popularity there is a waiting list for regular places on some children's lessons.
Adults or older teenagers start on a 30 minute private lesson (on a lunge rein) and progress to a group when happy to move up. If you can ride between 9am and 4pm, Tuesday to Friday, then it is easier to fit you in.
We ask all clients to register some details with us when learning to ride. We ask everyone to provide details of any previous experience and we need to know your height and weight so that we can match you to an appropriate horse or pony. Our upper weight limit for new clients is 12 stones (77 kilograms).
Riding is a risk sport - you may wish to take out personal accident insurance.
What to Wear
Please see our What to Wear page.
Competitions
Client’s competitions are held regularly. These are held in a spirit of fun and allow you to try your hand at competing at show-jumping, dressage, or (for kids) gymkhana games. We also hold regular competitions for our Pony Club members.
Courses
Holiday day-courses enable children to learn to ride, groom, feed and care for a pony. These are graded for your child's age, experience and ability. Our 'Day Course' consists of a 1 hour class in the morning and an hours fun ride in the afternoon (hack, games or jumping), and learning to look after your pony as well.
We occasionally run day courses for adults and have stable management courses available.
What does British Horse Society Approved mean?
The BHS is the national body for horse riding. It inspects and approves establishments that meet a high standard of teaching, using fit and healthy horses in suitable surroundings. Visit the British Horse Society website for more information. Our Centre is also licensed by the local authority.
Can I hire a horse and ride in the Park?
No. We only take out rides under supervision, for your and our horses' safety.
Can I come and watch?
Normally we'd suggest you to come to see what a riding lesson involves but we are presently only allowing our clients into the yard, to ensure we keep Covid secure, to limit the number of people gathered together.
We don't allow visitors dogs into the yard and smoking is strictly prohibited. We also ask that you do not feed the horses. Our horses are like athletes, all on a carefully balanced diet to keep them fit and healthy, so feeding them treats doesn't help, however much they might try to persuade you!
How do I get a job working with horses?
We can help tell you how to go about getting the necessary qualifications and we have apprenticeships here. Be prepared to put in the time and effort.
Can I choose which horse or pony I ride?
We will take your preferences into account but we will put you on the horse that will be best for you, bearing in mind your experience and ability. Just like people, each horse is different, so you will progress best if you ride a different horse from time to time.
Do you have manure for my garden?
We have free horse manure available for you to collect. Access to the muck heap is limited, as it is close to our riding school arena, so you must please contact us about collecting manure to organise the best time to visit.