Frequently Asked Questions-

When are you open?

We open for lessons everyday except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Our office is open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

How do you book?

Please email or Facebook to book. Sorry but we don't accept bookings or cancellations over the phone. We will get back to you as soon as possible to secure your booking.

When is your booking office open?

Our booking office is open:

Mondays  9am - 6pm

Thursdays 9am -  7pm

Fridays 9am - 7pm

Saturdays 9am - 5pm

Messages received outside of these hours will be responded to as soon as possible when we reopen. We are sorry but we cannot respond to enquires outside of these hours. 

Are the instructors qualified?

We are very proud to be one of the very few riding schools in the area that is able to say that ALL of our instructors and staff are qualified and experienced. Please see our "about us" page to learn about their qualifications. All our staff qualifications are proudly displayed inside our barn.

All our staff are BHS qualified along with having First Aid qualifications, Safeguarding and DBS checks. 

Are all riding schools the same?

No! Not all centres offering riding lessons are licenced.
Any centre offering riding lessons MUST be licenced by their local authority as is illegal to offer riding lessons on a horse or pony without being licenced, even if it just one horse or pony!

If your riding school is not licenced they will not be insured, as you cannot get riding school insurance without proving you have a licence. 

You can find a list of licenced riding schools at: https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/getInvolved/where-to-ride

What does it mean if a riding school is BHS approved?

Some riding schools opt to be BHS approved, which is an additional standard, ensuring the riding schools are keeping higher standards of education and welfare, with additional checks including unannounced inspections to ensure standards are maintained.

We are proudly BHS approved, having being awarded their highest rating "highly commended" meaning we keep to the highest standards and have higher level instructors than most riding schools. You can find your local BHS approved riding school at: https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding-and-learn/find-a-riding-centre-or-livery-yard/

What age do you take children from?

We take children from age 4+ for our standard lessons, and from age 3+ for our "little tots" sessions. 

What should we wear?

Riders should wear soft trousers (leggings/joggers are fine), no shorts and skirts please. They will need a boot or wellies with a small heel (no trainers). Riding is an outdoor sport so please dress appropriately for the weather to include coats, gloves etc.

More information can be found on the BHS website at: https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding-and-learn/riding-out-hacking/what-to-wear/

Do you provide riding equipment?

We provide free hat hire for the first lesson, after this, there is a hat hire fee. All hats used at the centre must be up to current safety standards (these are included in your welcome pack). We have a limited number of riding boots to use free of charge if needed. 

Do you take adults?

Yes! We have no upper age limit for riding lessons, you are never "too old to learn" and we have riders of all ages. Whether you are a complete beginner or coming back to riding at a later age, everyone is welcome!

Do you take more advanced riders?

Yes! We take riders of all levels. Our head instructor is a BHS Stage 4 Senior Eventing Coach and a listed British Dressage trainer. We have horses for all abilities, or you can bring your own! We also do posture and position work on our mechanical horse. 

Do you do BHS training?

Yes! We are a BHS approved "where to train" and examination centre. We can offer training up to BHS Stage 4 and hold exams up to BHS Stage 3. We can also sign off Skills Records. 

Do you offer lessons for riders with additional needs?

Everyone is welcome at HEC. Our staff are qualified coaches and have years of experience teaching riders with various additional needs. Our coaches have also undertaken additional training with the National Autism Society. 

We also offer BHS "Changing lives through horses" alternative education provision which is run by our Coach Catherine, who is an ex school teacher and SENCO. 

What facilities do you have?

We have a very well drained 30x40m Martin Collins outdoor arena, smaller Equestrian Surfaces covered arena and round pen. All our arenas have flood lights so we can run in the winter months. 

We also have a mechanical horse and classroom/lecture room. 

How do we pay?

The welcome pack includes our bank details and payment can be made either via BACS (the day before the lesson) or cash on the day. I'm sorry we don't have a card reader. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is 48 hours for all bookings. Cancellations made with more than 48 hours notice will not be charged but all cancellations made with less than 48hrs notice will be payable. 

What happens if it is bad weather?

Horse riding is an outdoor sport, so we do run throughout the winter. Please ensure riders are dressed appropriately with coats / gloves etc. We do have a covered arena for some lessons, and a mechanical horse inside which is an option. We also offer stable management lessons in replacement if riders not wish to ride outside.

However, should the weather become dangerous and we make the decision to cancel we will always contact you directly if your lesson is not running. If you do not hear from us, your lesson will be going ahead. 

Do you provide leaders?

We ask, wherever possible for riders to bring an adult with them to help lead the horse/pony in the lesson (where needed). We can however, where staff are available book a staff member to help lead, but there is an additional charge for this service. 

It doesn't matter if you have never done this before, our instructors will offer help and guidance as needed. A lot of parents enjoy being part of the lesson. 

Do you provide the horses?

Yes we are licenced and accredited riding school with horses and ponies from 10.2hh to 18hh! However you can bring your own horse for lessons if you wish! 

Do you do hacking?

No, sorry we don't do hacking, we recommend you find your local trekking centre via the BHS website.

Do you have a weight limit?

Yes each of our horses has its own carefully calculated weight limit, so we must know an accurate weight for all our riders to ensure the welfare of our horses.