FIRST TIME at COURT EQUESTRIAN?

For general information, either email us or phone - details on the "CONTACT US" page.

​

Before you ride for the first time, we need some basic information and contact details. 

To do this, register (sign up) on the Booking system - info here

Once you have "Signed Up" (and given us some initial information)  you can see when we run lessons, what slots are available, and then book lessons. You can contact us by email or phone to discuss the first lesson. We can then select a likely pony/horse etc for the first lesson; however, we have a wide range of horses & ponies, so the Instructor will check that the animal is suitable and, if necessary, will make any last minute changes. We will then know the right approach for subsequent lessons.

​

You can create a short cut on your phone to go directly to the booking system - info on the Booking page.

 

We also suggest that you read as much as possible of the information on our website. In particular, we draw your attention to the section "Be Aware of the Risks". The reason for this is: horse riding is great fun and is a wonderful way of meeting other people in the fresh air, and it generally helps most people feel better in themselves. You get a sense of achievement and satisfaction, most of the time. BUT, horses are animals, and although they can be really well-trained and well-behaved, sometimes they can get spooked by a sudden noise or unexpected movement. Most of the time, this does not cause a problem, but, just occasionally, it can. And you are the only person in the saddle!

So, we want you to be aware of the possible risks before you ride!

​

CLOTHING

Most riders will buy Riding Boots or Jodphur Boots after they have been riding a short while. Until then, wear stout shoes or boots, preferably with a smooth sole. However, riders in  Advanced Classes must always wear correct riding footwear.

​

Casual trousers/jeans will be needed. Again, most riders will buy Jodphurs after they have been riding a short while, as they are more comfortable when you are on the horse. There is now a massive range of styles and colours.

Remember, you will inevitably get grubby around horses , so wear suitable clothes.

Dress for the weather, of course. If it is raining, we normally continue, so you will get wet. If the weather is particularly bad (lots of rain, windy, icy) we will not ride out.

​

A Hard Hat MUST be worn every time you are on a horse. This is the most important piece of equipment or clothing. We have a wide selection of hats that you can borrow, but most riders will want to buy their own at some point.

We strongly recommend that riders wear body protectors. This is a sort of "armour" in a waist coat design and provides an additional degree of protection if you fall off. We have a wide range of body protectors that can be borrowed.

​

In poor light (that means at dusk, or any winter's day when it is overcast, or in heavy rain etc) we STRONGLY recommend that you wear something reflective when you ride outside the school grounds. It can be a reflective vest, or an arm or leg band etc. Just make sure you are seen at a distance by cars! We have reflective tabards that may be borrowed.

​

Before you get on the horse or pony your Instructor should check your bridle (your steering wheel), girth (the strap that holds the saddle on) and stirrups; once you are a bit more experienced you will do this yourself. Grooming and stable care (mucking out!) may also come at some point ...............

​

Riders, parents & guardians – please read carefully:

1. Riding can be dangerous and horses are unpredictable. Horses/ponies can move unexpectedly, be startled by dogs, cars, noise etc, and they may even buck unexpectedly. Riders can fall or be thrown from their animal whether walking, trotting, cantering or jumping.

 

2. You ride at your own risk. While the School has its own Insurance Cover, this will not cover personal accidents etc, so Personal insurance cover is recommended.

 

3. Safety precautions: Always wear a hard hat. You are recommended to have your own, but hats are available for loan from the school. Body protection is strongly recommended (we can loan body protectors). Have something reflective on your horse or yourself in poor light conditions, and preferably at all times Check girth & stirrup before riding and ask Instructor to re-check unless you are experienced

 

4. Drive slowly in the drive and use the car park. Be careful when parking as children are usually around.

 

5. Observe the signs around the School.

 

6. Never attempt anything about which you are not confident. Discuss it with an Instructor if in doubt.

 

7. Sensible precautions around horses include:

Avoid horses rear legs

Do not feed titbits to horses

Do not enter a stable containing a horse unless you have been authorised and are competent to handle it safely

Do not smoke in the yard area

 

8. When riding out, as you are sitting in the saddle and holding the reins, you are the only person who can directly control the horse, although the Instructor or Lead Rider will always be willing to help or advise.  So, be aware of other riders, other road users, and watch for hazards that might upset the horse (dogs, plastic blowing in the wind etc).

 

9. When joining the lane at the bottom of the drive in dull conditions, switch on the outside lights by pressing the centre button near the gate brick pier..

 

10. Two WC’s are provided with warm water and a room is provided for eating/clothes storage etc.

Please look after any valuables. 
 
ALWAYS BE CAREFUL AROUND HORSES! 

​

Horses and ponies do sometimes get loose, so we have a barrier across the main path from the drive towards the main group of stables. This barrier is normally kept down, and there is a side gate for pedestrians. Riders should raise the barrier as they approach by pressing a switch (press once only and wait - there is a short delay before operation starts) and then press the switch at the other end to close the barrier. Photo cells prevent the barrier from closing if anyone is in the way.

​

If you leave the school area to go on a hack, there is a switch at the end of our Drive. Please press this switch. This helps warn traffic coming along Lower Ferry Lane that someone is about to leave the drive.

​

IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL  a lesson, you must let us know as soon as possible - you should cancel on the Booking system. We have to get horses ready for riding, and some may be in a stable or paddock some distance away, and it takes time to collect the animal and get it ready. So, we don't want to waste our time, please.

​

Lessons should be paid on the Booking system.

​

If you are from an organisation or group, we can invoice you in advance or after the event, subject to prior agreement. Receipts can always be given at the office at the stables or emailed.