Frequently Asked Questions

We have tried to answer the questions that we are asked most frequently here. If you have any other questions please send us an email or telephone us and we will respond to you as quickly as we can.

What are your opening days/hours?

We are open 7 days a week, usually from 9am until 5pm but times can vary depending on the season. In the summer months we can offer lessons and activities later as the daylight allows us too.

Do we provide lessons for children and adults?

We offer private lessons to children from 4 years old ranging all the way up to adults, from beginner to advanced.

Do we offer hacking?

We can provide hack lessons, please book the correct lesson type on our website. If you are looking to book a group hack lesson please call us to check for availability. We have some amazing hacking routes right on our doorstep.

What can you offer for an adult beginner?

We can offer private lessons. These are either 30 minutes or 45 minutes. We would recommend that you initially start with 30 minutes. Beginner riders generally start on a lead rein in the arena and as they progress the sessions will change with them.

Do you have a weight limit?

Yes we have a weight limit of 13 stone.

How do I book?

Please complete the registration form on our website, this will then allow you to access the calendar and to book a lesson. The registration form asks for information such as height, weight, age, any previous riding experience – this is to allow us to match you to the most appropriate horse or pony. Please complete this for each intended rider, you will need to create a different login for each rider.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive ten minutes before your allotted lesson time, unfortunately we cannot extend the lesson for late arrivals.

How do I pay?

Payment for lessons is through the website and you pay at the time of booking.

Do you have hats to borrow?

Yes we do have a small selection of hats although we would advise that where possible you provide your own which is up to the current British standard.

What do I need to wear?

Comfortable clothes for example leggings or joggers and a t-shirt with at least short sleeves (no vest tops) you will also need to wear boots with a flat sole & small heel or wellies.

For safety reasons trainers are not suitable. As you improve, you will find that purpose designed riding boots and jodhpurs/breeches will help you to progress.

Please remember this is an outdoor activity and you may need to wear waterproof clothing.

Use of a Riding Hat is compulsory. We provide loan hats to the latest safety standard for all riders. If you bring your own it must meet current safety standards – please check with us for details.

Do you have an indoor school?

No we have a floodlit all weather outdoor arena and we ride in all weathers unless we risk assess it to be too dangerous. In the case of extreme bad weather we will post on our Facebook page.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

We require at least 48 hours cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise you will be charged a cancellation fee of 100% of your total amount of bookings. Unless we have to cancel the lessons due to safety.

Do I need Insurance?

Riding is a risk sport, you may wish to take out your own personal accident rider insurance however as a registered riding school we do have extensive cover for you whilst on our yard and riding with us

Can I just come and watch?

You are welcome to pop down and see what is involved in a lesson but we don’t encourage an audience.

Can I feed the horses?

We ask that you do not feed the horses without prior consent. Our horses are like athletes, all on a carefully balanced diet to keep them fit and healthy, so feeding them treats doesn’t help, however much they might try to persuade you!

Can I smoke?

Smoking and vaping is not permitted anywhere in the yard.

Can I choose which horse or pony I ride?

We will take your preferences into account, but we will put you on the horse that will be best for you, bearing in mind your experience and ability. Just like people, each horse is different, so you will progress best if you ride a different horse from time to time.

Can I bring my dog with me?

Unfortunately no you can't we have a number of our own dogs on site.

Do you have manure available for my garden?

We have horse manure available for you to collect. Access to the muck heap is limited, as it is close to our riding school arena, so you please contact us in advance about collecting manure to organise the best time to visit!

Can I just come for the day and learn about horses first?

Yes! Our Own a Pony day courses enable children to learn to ride, groom, feed and care for a pony. We occasionally run day courses for adults and have stable management courses available too.

For more information on either of these courses, please contact us.

Complaints Policy

The purpose of this complaint policy is to enable clients or staff to be fully informed upon the process by which any complaints received by the Centre will be managed. It aims to ensure that all complaints received are responded to in a manner which reassures the person making the complaint that complaints are managed in an appropriate and timely manner.

It is recognised that complaints may provide a business with a valuable opportunity to identify any short comings in the service provided to both clients and staff.

How to make a complaint?

Complaints may be made directly in person, by telephone, by email or in writing and this policy outlines the procedure to be followed if a complaint is received.

Who do I complain to?

Any complaint should be made to either of the following personnel:

The Centre Manger Louisa Gaunt

If a complaint relates to allegation of ill treatment of a child or adult at risk, then the Centres (or BHS) Safeguarding Policy will be followed. This will include reporting the concern to the BHS Safeguarding Team.

When a complaint is received

The following details of a complaint are recorded:

• Name of complainant and contact details

• Date of receipt

• Nature of complaint

Complaint details will only be circulated to those with direct need to be informed upon the complaint. Complainant details will be deleted from the complaint when the complaint is closed, prior to the complaint being logged.

Responding to a complaint

The Centre Manager will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 2 working days

Depending upon the nature of the complaint, the Centre Manager may choose either of the following options;

• to telephone/meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint before initiating any investigation

• initiate an investigation to ascertain the facts

• respond to the complainant upon the outcome of the complaint, e.g. upheld or not within 5 working days.

In situations whereby the complaint may require further time allowance to enable further investigation then the Centre Manager will inform the complainant.

Upon closure of investigation, the Centre Manager will initiate appropriate action in response to the complaint.

Details of the investigation and any resulting outcome will be recorded in the complaints log