Are you an adult who wants to start riding? Did you ride as a child and would like to get back in the saddle?
We offer a few different options during the week which all support riders to help you relax and enjoy your time with horses.
Lessons are usually held in our indoor school. During better weather we sometimes use our all-weather outdoor arenas. The riding lessons are for one hour, but for those who have time and would like to, we would encourage you to come to the yard before your lesson, to help prepare your horse, and to stay afterwards to brush off and chat to the others in your group. We have found that this can be very beneficial to gaining your confidence with the horses. If you would like to brush up on your stable management and horse care skills, we also offer stable management lessons.
If you are an adult who has never ridden before, but you think you might like to, we are able to offer lessons with exceptionally gentle well trained horses and patient instructors so that you will soon feel at home. We recommend a private lesson before joining the group, just so that you can get the hang of things.
You can do it, and we are here to help you.
We offer several options to suit different people, all with the main aim of encouraging riders to develop skills and confidence, whilst improving fitness and giving the opportunity to progress within the equestrian sport of your choice.
It doesn't matter what your previous level of ability was, or even if you have never ridden, we understand that you may feel a little nervous when you start, so we are here to help you every step of the way. During the week there are fewer people on the yard than at weekends so it can feel less intimidating.
There is no obligation to attend every week, although the more often you ride, the faster you will progress and the quicker you will get to know the others in the group.
To book:
For any of the groups, or for private lessons, all you need to do is book online https://valley-farm.ecpro.co.uk/ or call the office on 01728 746916 . If you would like to visit the yard and meet the staff and the horses in person before you book, you are very welcome to do so. We are open as a visitor attraction for anybody wishing to meet our collection of animals, enjoy our riverside ramble (with or without their dogs) or a coffee and cake in our Café. There is ample free car parking. You can find more useful information for new customers on our online booking page at https://valley-farm.ecpro.co.uk/ or we will be happy to chat to you if you have any questions.
Wednesdays 11am - 12pm
If you haven't ridden for a long time, are a little nervous or would just like to take things gently then this class is for you. A small group lesson where you can relax and socialise with others while the kids are at school. This is a group to help you regain your equestrian skills and confidence while gently building your fitness.
Weekly £46.00 per session - times may vary during school holidays.
Wednesday 6pm - 7pm
A welcoming group for those riding at walk, trot and canter. Join Kate to build on your skills ride a variety of horses and develop your fitness, balance & work towards your next equestrian goal.
Weekly £46.00 per session - times may vary during school holidays.
Thursdays 12pm - 1pm Groundwork and Horse Agility
This is a non-riding group for those wishing to improve their horsemanship and ability to handle horses from the ground. Amanda, who is an accredited horse agility coach will guide you through various topics including, groundwork, in hand work, lunging and horse agility, horse psychology and biomechanics in order to help develop a better relationship between horse and handler, while improving the gymnastic capabilities of the horse. You will learn to handle horses confidently, and work through fun exercises and challenges which are of benefit to the horse and to riders, and will help develop a greater understanding of how to transfer skills learned on the ground to time in the saddle.
Weekly £25.00 per session - times may vary during school holidays.
Thursdays 2.30pm - 3.30pm
A social riding session coached by Amanda Melton BHSAI.
Group lesson with Amanda Melton, accredited professional coach. Thursday afternoons 2.30-3.30.
Weekly £46.00 per session - times may vary during school holidays.
Other Options
It is possible to book private lessons at any time where space permits to work on skills of your choice, such as horse care, BHS challenge awards, hacking, lunge lessons etc. If you would like us to open a riding group at another time please get in contact with us and we can see what we can do. If we get enough interest we will be very happy to open new groups, but we won't know unless you tell us what time suit you best. Shared private lessons are another option if you would like to ride with a friend/s. These can be booked as a one off or you can book a regular time each week.
Good to know
For those of you who enjoy the social side of riding, you are very welcome to stay and chat afterwards, or pop into the café for cake and a coffee or lunch.
For those who have to dash off back to work you will be pleased to know you can make use of our showers if you wish before you leave.
What Next?
You can continue in your chosen group for as long as you like, but as you progress in confidence and ability you may also be interested in taking part in our fun competitions at weekends, volunteering for the Riding for the Disabled club based at the centre or joining Rossie's riding club. You might like to join in with other lessons, hacks or activities. Keep an eye on our social media for clinics and events which may be of interest. Some people enjoy it so much that they end up loaning or buying a horse from us. It's up to you. Just let us know and we can help you to realise your personal goals.
updated November 2025
