What happens in a 3 hour lesson?

Our 3 hour sessions are suitable for most riders. On your first arrival you will be aske to fill out a form. The riders will then join in the group with our instructors. While with us the riders will participate in many activities. Every rider will join a group lesson which could be in the school or a hack. The riders will also learn new skills each session a few examples are grooming, tacking up, mucking out, plaiting, bandaging and tack cleaning. 

Riders will be placed into suitable groups for both riding and stable management (these may be different for different activities), to help support individuals learning. 

Can I stay with my child during the session?

Unfortunately for safety we cannot allow and parents, guardians or friends to stay with the riders. Should we have any worries or concerns we will call you immediately. 

How long will it take me to learn how to ride?

That really depends on how often you have lessons and the goals you wish to achieve. Those who are confident and fit will initially find it easier. Adults and teen riders generally progress faster than very young children, most people master rising trot in just 4 or 5 lessons. Our aim is to encourage all riders to be independent as soon as they are safe.

I am a beginner what lesson should I book?

This depends on your age and what you hope to achieve from your riding. If you are 5 or under we recommend a tots lesson. If you are a young person under 16 the either a 30min private lesson or 30min group lesson would be the perfect place to start beginner riders can also attend our 3 hour pony sessions. All of our adult riders begin with 30min private lessons or a hack unless they have a small group of friends that would like to start together.

How many lessons do I need before I can go hacking/trekking?

We have very safe horses and ponies so we are able to take you out hacking from the very first lesson. If you are very small, young or nervous we will begin by walking along side of you. Then building up to riding out with you.

What do I need to wear?

You do not need to buy any special clothing to begin horse riding. If you are having a trial lesson all you need to wear is sensible clothing. All riders MUST have long trousers (legs must be covered when on the horse so long socks should be worn with the trousers. Leggings or tracksuit bottoms are perfect as they are comfortable and stretchy. Riders should Always have their shoulders covered, no halter or strappy tops permitted, long hair should be tied back, no jewellery (a medical bracelet/necklace is permitted) and hard soled closed toed shoes should always be worn, sandals, open toed shoes and high heels are NOT permitted. Wellies would be perfect.

Once you are in regular lessons all riders are required to purchase the correct safety wear. Riders should wear correct riding hat up to the latest European safety standards. A body protector, gloves, jodhpurs and correct footwear. Riders should also have long hair tied back and no jewellery.

What happens if I arrive for my lesson in the wrong clothing?

We cannot take you off lead rein without the correct safety ware. We can hire you riding hats and body protectors but if you arrive in unsafe clothing we will have to charge you 100% of your lesson fee but you will be unable to ride.

How old do I have to be to learn to ride?

As long as you are happy for your child to be looked after by our experienced staff members then you are old enough to ride. There is no upper age limit. Please note parents are NOT allowed to walk along side of their children.

I’ve been riding and jumping at another riding school can I book a jumping lesson with you?

Before we can book you in for a jumping lesson we would have to see you ride. A 30min private assessment lesson would be perfect so we can check that you are safe.

I am an experienced rider but my friend is a nervous novice rider can we ride together?

Yes, there is no problem riding together but please be aware that the lesson would have to ride at the pace of the least experienced rider for your safety.

What days do you teach?

During term time we run private lessons on Thursday, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays and group lessons at weekends, Tuesdays, Thursday and Friday evenings. During holidays we run all sorts of activities on most days, please keep an eye on our website for updates on activities.

Do you cater for riders with disabilities?

We are a registered RDA centre but do not have special equipment. We can cater for minor disabilities if the rider is able to get on and off the horse and stay in balance (with additional support). A communicator is allowed if they are confident with horses as they will be required to walk with the rider. In most cases these will be private lessons. We can also offer stable management lessons to help with knowledge and confidence. As every rider is different please ring to discuss. Please note, we are registered through Warfield RDA. Warfield RDA support riders from local schools but are unfortunately unable to accept new clients.

What sort of horse will I get?

We will match the horse with the rider in terms of size and ability. On a first visit we will usually give even an experienced rider a slower paced horse until they have been assessed. Bigger does not always mean better and smaller does not always mean slower.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes! We are fully licensed by our local council and have always received a full 5star rating (the highest standard of care) to see our current licensed click here.

How long until I can book my first lesson/activity?

We are currently running a waiting list for all our lessons and activities. We usually add those waiting to a WhatsApp group so we can offer any spaces/cancellations quickly, easily and in a fair order. Sadly at this time, due to such  large numbers we are unable to contact each person individually. Once you are in a regular group or have been assessed we add all clients to a regular WhatsApp group for all updates and activities to be booked through our app.

How can I book?

You can book by email at info@landesendequestriancentre.com  (please make an appointment to go to the yard as we are not always free to accommodate walk-ins).