Willington Hall Riding Centre Openning Frequently Asked Questions Lessons Hacks Dressage Show Jumping Gymkhanas Rallies Vaulting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The list below contains some of the questions we are asked on a regular basis. If you have any questions that are not answered below, please call us or send us an email via our Contacts Page.

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24 hours notice must be given for any cancellation of individual lessons or hacks. Bookings cancelled with less than 24 hours notice must be paid for in full or no further bookings will be accepted.

Bookings by individuals or parties of multiple lessons/hacks must be paid for 2 weeks in advance and are non refundable in the event of cancellation.

Yes we do have a limited number of horses on Full Livery at the Riding Centre. We do not offer working, part or DIY livery.

If you are total beginner we normally recommend that you take a series of half hour one to one sessions so that you become used to the movement of the horse or pony, learn how to steer and how to sit and rise in trot. Once you have this down we would then seek to identify a 1 hour group lesson for you in which you would be taught along with others of similar ability.

A pair of track suit bottoms and sensible shoes with a small heel will do for your first lesson. (DO NOT WEAR TRAINERS THEY ARE NOT SUITABLE AND WE CAN’T ALLOW YOU TO RIDE IN THEM ). Also do not wear jeans or trousers with inside seams as you will find they rub painfully against the side of the saddle – jogging bottoms are your best bet . We can provide you with a safety hat. As you get further on you can decide what riding clothes and additional safety equipment you may wish to acquire. (Your own hat is usually a good start!)

Perhaps – if that helps ( which it may not!) . We are not a trekking centre so we are a little reluctant to provide hacking for people  we do not know and have not had tuition with us. Our horses are forward going and we need to be confident that the rider(s) are comfortable and competent in all three paces. But we are quite happy to discuss this on an individual basis if you want to get in touch. Please not that we cannot provide hacking for children below the age of 14

I’m afraid not. All riders must be able to stop, steer, rise to trot and preferably be comfortable in canter before we allow them out.

Generally our minimum age for children commencing tuition with us is 12 years. Subject to capacity there may be some flex on this dependent upon height, experience level and the seriousness of approach of the individual young rider.  However our focus is not generally speaking upon young children and we are unable to accept any new rider below the age of 10 years we do not have ponies suitable.

Riding is a risk sport and at some point particularly as you become more ambitious in your riding you may take a tumble. We do all we can to minimise risk by ensuring that appropriate safety equipment is worn, that you ride a horse suitable for your level, that saddlery and tack is regularly checked and that you are not asked to do anything your instructor considers is beyond your ability – however there are times when despite all this (and remember there are two brains operating when you ride – yours and the horse’s) something goes wrong and off you come. There is little that can be done about this – if this is major concern for you or if you are of a nervous disposition we suggest you do not ride.