Questions we get
asked most

Comfortable trousers that stretch — leggings or jeans without a thick inside seam are ideal — and a boot with a small heel so your foot cannot slide through the stirrup. Wellies or walking boots are fine to start. We provide and fit a helmet, and we have boots to borrow in most sizes. Bring gloves if you have them, and avoid scarves or anything loose.

No, and most of our riders never buy one. We have a string of school horses chosen for their patience, and we match you to one based on your height, confidence and experience. If you do own a horse, you are welcome to bring it to lessons once we have met you both.

Riding carries real risk, and we treat it that way rather than pretending otherwise. Children ride in small groups on ponies chosen for temperament, in fitted helmets we check every lesson, led until their seat is secure. Beginners start in the enclosed indoor school. Parents are welcome to stay and watch throughout, and we would rather you did.

Honestly, it varies more than anyone likes to hear. Many riders canter somewhere between their eighth and fifteenth lesson, but that assumes riding weekly and a secure rising trot first. We will not rush you there to hit a milestone — a canter before your seat is ready is how people frighten themselves out of the sport. You will know, and so will your instructor.

Give us at least 24 hours notice and we will move your lesson to another time at no cost. Inside 24 hours the lesson is charged, because the horse has been prepared and the slot cannot be filled. If we cancel — usually for weather or a lame horse — you are never charged and we will find you another time.