Horse and Pony Riding for
Children in London
| Junior Membership | Non-Members | Children's Holiday Courses | Children's Newsletter |
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Wimbledon Village Stables, London specialises in horse and pony riding lessons for children. We have chosen our ponies carefully for their quiet temperaments and their experience in developing the skills of junior riders. Our fully trained instructors ensure that the children are encouraged to learn, paying particular attention to safety, whilst maintaining an element of fun, in order to build confidence. We are a British Horse Society Approved riding and training centre - All BHS Approved Establishments are inspected at least once a year and establishments only pass if they have met the most stringent standards of instruction, safety and horse care. |
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We recommend that children between the ages of 5 and 6 years take half hour lead rein lessons where a private instructor will lead the pony and guide the child through the early stages of learning to ride. From 6 years upwards, one hour lead rein lessons can be taken and children learn to walk, trot, stop and steer with confidence and, when they have sufficient balance, they can progress to canter. |
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Children over 10 years with more riding experience (Stages 5-6 below) can take part in training hacks and lessons which take place in the schooling rings on the Common. These lessons typically have no more than 3 or 4 children in a group. We are very keen to encourage all our junior riders to learn and improve their skills, while also enjoying themselves and, to assist that process, we have designed a series of Progress Awards towards which the children can work. They also provide parents with an excellent way of monitoring their child’s improvement and are free for Members. |
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We organise regular Pony Care Sessions, which are free for Members, where children (5-10 years) can come and spend time learning more about ponies and how to look after them. They also help to prepare children for the Junior Progress Awards. Our Children’s Holiday Courses, which are discounted for Members, are hugely popular. We offer two types of courses, the first is for 5-10 year olds. The three day courses run from Wednesday-Friday from 1.45-4.15 and children enjoy a riding lesson each day along with practical activities and fun games and quizzes. These are suitable for all standards including beginners. In addition there are courses for older children 8-16 years, who can ride competently off the lead rein which are run for seven weeks over the Summer holidays. See Children's Newsletter for further information. > Back to top |
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has been specially designed for children who want to ride with us regularly. The Junior Membership includes: |
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A riding lesson every week
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The opportunity to attain the Wimbledon Village Stables Junior Members’ Progress Awards. Our series of 8 carefully constructed Awards is designed to make riding fun and encourage children to learn. Children are awarded badges as each stage is passed
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Free Pony Care Sessions held regularly during term times (see Children's Newsletter for dates)
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Discounted rates on any additional lessons
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Discounted rates on Children’s Holiday Courses (see Children's Newsletter for dates)
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Priority bookings
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Easy payment options
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A 10% discount on riding clothing at One Stop Tack Shop and Parnaby’s > Back to top
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Junior Membership Charges |
Joining Fee | Monthly Subscription |
| ½ hour lead rein lesson every week | £100 | £100 |
| 1 hour lead rein lesson every week | £180 | £180 |
| 1 hour lesson. Over 10 years, stages 5-6 | £150 | £150 |
DISCOUNTS: If you pay an Annual Membership you are entitled to one month free. > Back to top
Please use this guide to assess your child's riding ability
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STAGE 1 |
Never ridden or only walked, learning to trot |
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STAGE 2 |
Able to rise to trot, hold reins correctly, understand how to control pony |
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STAGE 3 |
Able to walk, trot and canter on lead rein with good balance and position |
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STAGE 4 |
Confident in walk, trot & canter. Become able to control pony when riding independently |
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STAGE 5 |
Show a balanced, secure seat in all paces and be able to change speed and direction and ride simple school movements. |
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STAGE 6 |
Experienced and confident in walk, trot and canter with and without stirrups. Understand trot diagonals and canter leads and perform school movements. |
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If you would like your child to become a member please telephone the office on 020 8946 8579 between 10.00 and 4.00 Monday to Friday or e-mail: admin@wvstables.com |
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Although we give priority to our Junior Members we are pleased to welcome non-members when we have availability at the rates listed below
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1/2 hour lesson |
1 hour lesson |
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£28 |
£55 |
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To make a booking please telephone the office on 020 8946 8579 between 10.00 and 4.00 Monday to Friday. In general there is usually availability on weekdays for non-members and weekend bookings are possible during holiday periods when many Members are away. We take payment at the time of booking and accept most credit/debit cards. Our cancellation policy means that you are subject to the full fee if you do not give 24 hours’ notice or fail to turn up for a ride, and unfortunately we cannot make exceptions. It is also worth remembering that we ride in all weathers. |
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Riding Attire
We recommend that you invest in at least the basic riding wear for your child, 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 for your child to have their 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. Also please remember that we ride in all weathers, so we strongly advise purchasing some good warm waterproof clothing, including gloves. Why not speak to Sue at the One Stop Tack Shop on 020 8873 1352 or John at Parnabys on 01653 693070, or visit one of the many excellent on-line saddlery shops and get yourself kitted out?
Safety
Whilst horse riding is rightly recognised as a risk sport you can be assured that we take your child's safety very seriously. We have an exemplary safety record but it is important to also be aware that ponies are sensitive animals that can behave unpredictably at times. Children must at all times follow all guidelines that we give in order to enjoy the maximum benefit from being in the wonderful environment of horses.
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| Children's Newsletter | Children's Holiday Courses | Progress Awards | Pony Care Sessions |
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