When can Non-Members ride?
There is usually availability for non-Members on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 9.00 10.15, 11.30 or 2.00. At weekends, all the horses are reserved for our Members, but occasionally there are cancellations and these may be offered to non-Members who are experienced riders (levels 4-6). Ride times on Saturday and Sundays are 9.00, 10.15, 11.30 and 2.00. Weekend cancellations for non-Members are more likely during holiday periods i.e. December, April, July/August. It is worth noting that Associate Membership is just over £6 per week and enables you to get priority bookings.
Do you have to have an assessment before you can ride?
If you haven't ridden with us before, we will ask you to tell us about your riding experience by using the assessment guide at the end of this page. In the interests of safety, we usually consider it necessary to recommend either a private or a semi-private lesson for people riding with us for the first time, particularly if they are a bit rusty or perhaps a little nervous. We can then work out a suitable lesson programme for you or, if you are an experienced rider, advise which horses you are likely to enjoy riding.
Where do you teach - is there a school on the premises?
Every lesson takes place on Wimbledon Common, allowing riders to absorb the wonderful scenery even while they are learning. Beginners and novice riders are taught on the tracks, usually with a mounted Instructor, either leading them or riding beside them if they are able to ride off the lead rein. Experienced riders enjoy a short hack to one of the two all weather schooling arenas in the heart of the Common, offering the ideal opportunity to warm up for the lesson and bond with their horse. The ride home is a perfect way to cool down and relax after the workout. Riding in the open also offers fantastic opportunities to experience what real riding is all about - and the varied work makes for much happier and more content
I am a beginner - when can I ride?
We recommend private lessons for novice riders to enable them to learn the basics before joining in on group lessons. These are available on weekdays only and are £75 per hour. Our team of experienced, qualified instructors is sympathetic to those new to riding, and they take great care to ensure your safety while making learning fun. We also run a number of Short Courses, including our hugely popular weekday Learn to Ride in a Day course, and our special Introductory Course which consists of six one hour lessons taken weekly. Due to the individual attention required, we regret that we are unable to accommodate beginners at weekends.
am an experienced rider but my partner is a beginner - can we go together?
Yes, our semi-private lessons, which are very popular with couples, are the perfect solution. To make it safe and enjoyable for both riders, the lesson would be conducted at a pace suitable for the least experienced rider.
Are there any courses for non-Members wishing to improve their riding?
Yes, all the short courses are open to Non-Members (see short courses). Our wide selection ranges from courses for Beginners to courses for Advanced riders and from Dressage instruction to preparation for British Horse Society Stages One and Two.
ow can I book and what is your cancellation policy?
You can check availability or telephoning the office on 020 8946 8579 on Mondays between 9.00 and 12.30 or Tuesday-Saturday from 9.30-12.30 and 1.30-4.00. Before we can take your booking we will need to know your height, weight and riding experience (see guide below) and we also require payment in advance, which can be taken over the phone by credit/debit card.
Please note for whatever reason 24 hours notice is required to cancel weekday bookings and 48 hours notice for cancelling weekend rides otherwise the full fee is payable. Regrettably there is no exception for illness.
For weekend bookings please by the Thursday preceding the weekend you want to ride, giving your name, height, weight, riding experience and contact numbers. We will contact you if we get a cancellation
What should I wear?
We recommend that clients invest in at least the basic riding wear, which will enable them to ride in comfort. Whilst riding hats can be initially borrowed from us, once you have decided to ride regularly with us, it is important to have your own hat professionally fitted to ensure maximum protection. Footwear needs to be of a sturdy construction with a smooth sole and small heel to prevent your foot slipping through the stirrup. We are able to lend boots and chaps to those who do not yet have their own. For those without jodhpurs, full-length stretchy trousers are an adequate substitute, with long thick socks for extra protection. Take a look at the Parnabys website for riding clothes recommended by WVS or call them on 01653 693070. You can buy special WVS clothing (sweatshirts, t-shirts, jackets, etc) on-line from Emblazon.
What time should I arrive?
If you have not been to us before please arrive at least twenty minutes before your Introductory Session to enable one of our team to welcome you and assist in completing a new Rider Registration form and fit you with a hat and boots if necessary. Otherwise generally plan to arrive at least ten minutes before your riding time as we do follow a punctual timetable. Please note that mounting and dismounting is included in the duration time of each service as quoted on our Price List.
Do you still ride in bad weather or if it is raining?
As horse riding is an outdoor activity we continue in all weathers and so it is a good idea to invest in some warm and/or waterproof clothing, as appropriate. During extreme weather conditions when it may be unsafe or uncomfortable to ride outside, we supply interesting, practical on-the ground sessions as an alternative.
Can we come and look around?
Visitors are welcome to come and look around the stables but there are periods when there are few horses in the yard as all our rides and lessons take place on the Wimbledon Common. We are open from 9.30-4.30 Tuesday-Sunday. We try to discourage visitors between 12.45 and 1.45 p.m. as this is the time that the horses (and Instructors!) rest for lunch. We suggest that you phone us first so that we can make sure that someone is here to show you around, particularly if you would like to talk to a member of staff to learn more about us.
SAFETY Whilst horse riding is rightly recognised as a risk sport you can be assured that we take your safety very seriously. We have an exemplary safety record but it is important to also be aware that horses are large, sensitive animals that can behave unpredictably at any time. For your own well being and for those who ride with you, follow all guidelines we give to enjoy maximum benefit from being in the wonderful environment of horses.
