Riding Lessons
Horse Riding at Equine Learning
In line with our values and horse-first approach, we believe that learning to ride is about much more than simply being in the saddle. Our approach is gentle, unhurried and focused on developing a partnership with the horse, rather than on riding as a competitive sport.
We particularly welcome beginners and novice riders, people returning to horses after time away, and anyone who simply loves horses and wants the opportunity to learn more about them. For many of our riders, success is about becoming more confident, developing their skills and understanding, enjoying time with horses and learning to communicate with them more effectively.
There is no pressure to progress at a particular speed. We encourage riders to take the time to develop secure foundations, confidence and feel, while getting to know the individual horses they work with.
Our sessions offer an all-round approach to riding and horsemanship and can include horse care, grooming and tacking up, groundwork, equine behaviour and training as well as ridden work. Depending on the individual rider and their goals, riding may take place in our arena or round pen, or out around the beautiful off-road tracks of the Wootton Park estate.
Individual Riding Sessions
We offer individual and semi-private riding sessions for children and adults, providing a supportive and personalised approach to learning.
New riders begin with an initial assessment session, giving us the opportunity to get to know you, understand your previous experience and find out what you would like to achieve. From there, we can create an individual learning plan based around your own goals and interests.
Our individual approach can be particularly helpful for riders who are anxious, neurodivergent, have additional needs, are returning to riding after a difficult experience, or simply feel more comfortable learning without the pressure of a traditional group lesson.
Holos – Our Riding & Horsemanship Programme
Our approach to riding is brought together through Holos, Equine Learning’s progressive riding and horsemanship programme.
Holos recognises that becoming a good horseperson involves much more than developing technical riding skills. It combines riding with groundwork, horse care, equine behaviour, training and theory, helping riders develop the knowledge, confidence, feel and understanding needed to build a genuine partnership with the horse.
Riders can progress through eight Holos levels, developing their skills at their own pace and, for suitable riders, progressing towards greater independence and our Holos membership programme.
Riding for Children & Young People
Alongside individual and semi-private sessions, we offer small-group opportunities for children and young people, including Pony Club sessions during term time and Pony Activity Days in the holidays.
Our children’s sessions share the same philosophy: we want children to become knowledgeable, thoughtful horse people rather than simply learning how to ride. Time spent caring for, handling and understanding the ponies is an important part of their learning.
For families who may find the full cost of taking part a barrier, subsidised places on some of our programmes may be available through Inspiring Riders.
A 5-Star Licensed Riding Establishment
Equine Learning is a 5-star licensed and fully insured riding establishment.
Riding establishments are inspected and licensed by the local authority, with standards covering areas including horse welfare and management, the suitability of horses for the work they undertake, staff competence, safety and record keeping.
For our clients, this provides additional reassurance that the horses they ride and the environment in which they learn are managed to recognised standards – something we believe is particularly important when choosing somewhere to learn to ride.
Please see our price list for current session options and prices, or contact us if you would like help choosing the most appropriate starting point.