Bradbourne Riding and Training Centre

Riding Lessons

Riding tuition is available for complete beginners up to experienced riders and takes place in small groups of mixed ability.  Most lessons are one hour duration, and during the winter months take place in the well lit indoor school.  During the summer months, weather permitting, rides take place either outside in the sand school, or hacking through the picturesque acres of fields, lakes and woodland around the riding centre. You may even catch sight of a heron doing a spot of fishing!

Adult Lessons are normally 1 hour duration and must be pre-booked.  For Prices see the bottom of this page.

Children's lessons are very popular and there is normally a waiting list.  Please call to find out the latest situation.  

Our children's lessons begin at 6 years old and are either half hour or one hour sessions. 
All riders are initially assessed on a half hour ride, then depending on their experience, we suggest which ride will be most suitable.
Half hours lessons are for beginners and novices. 
Hour rides are for more experienced riders who can walk, trot, canter and jump small jumps, inside & outside, with confidence!

Holiday Lessons.  If you have made the decision to take a holiday that involves riding and would like some lessons beforehand so that you know which side to get on - we can help!  Here are some first hand accounts from our regular riders....

A few years ago on holiday I saw a string of horse riders making their way up a hillside in the evening Mediterranean sun.  It was a magical sight and I decided I'd love to be able to ride.  Back home doubts arose about my age and associated lack of suppleness and slower reactions than when I was younger.  But despite this I phoned Bradbourne Riding School.

"Can a 58 year old learn to ride?"  I quavered down the phone.

"We can teach anyone up to about the age of 70 to ride" replied the friendly confident voice at the other end."

I was soon up on a steady old horse having my first lesson and have progressed slowly over the last three years.  The instruction is friendly, calm and amusing.  One is only allowed to do what the instructor knows is the next step along the learning route.  When younger more experienced riders are doing intrepid exercises, it is a relief to be told "I'm not asking you to do this - yet!"

The first time I rode three circuits of the school jumping over an, admittedly low jump, was one of the most exhilarating times of my life - luckily the instructor and horse knew what they were up to!

To anyone older wanting a new interest, and are considering riding, I would say come to Bradbourne and give it a try.

Helen Harper

Dear Peter

I am writing to thank you for my six riding lessons which you gave me before my rashly booked Spanish riding holiday.  I did think my age and bulk (64 and 14 stone) might make it difficult to find a horse for me, but Harry was so large, gentle and steady that he was ideal for a rank beginner.  Your experience was shown in the last lesson when you said we should try a canter - just in case.  On the last day of my holiday my horse gathered up speed to jump over a small stream and thanks to the lesson on cantering, I realised what was happening and was able to sit tight.  Having the lessons really helped make the holiday much more enjoyable.

Yours Stephen

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