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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- At what age would my child transfer to adult lessons?
- The short answer to this is when both they and their instructor think they are ready. Generally however we find that this occurs around about the age of 11 - but this will of course vary dependent upon size and ability.
- Do you have a cancellation policy?
- Yes we do. We expect that if you need to cancel a lesson or hack you will do so before 4 pm on the preceding day. If you do not cancel in this time frame then we will request that you pay the full cost of the lesson/hack.
- Do you offer Livery Services?
- 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.
- I am a beginner coming for my first lesson what should I expect?
- 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.
- I am coming for my first lesson and have never ridden before how should I dress and what should I bring?
- 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!)
- I do not have lessons at your Riding School but would like to go hacking is this possible?
- Yes it is - but please don’t be offended if we assess you before we allow you out. Our horses are forward going and we need to ensure that you have the ability to control them. (Please also don’t be offended if after assessment we say no!)
- I have not ridden or have ridden very little can I hack out?
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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.
- What is the youngest age at which you begin children’s lessons?
Our minimum age for children is 6 years.
- Will I fall off?
- 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.
