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.

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.  

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.

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. (£130 Members, £170 Non-Members).   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. 

Dates for 2010:

20th/21st/22nd October

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Junior Membership

has been specially designed for children who want to ride with us regularly. 

The  Junior Membership includes:

• A riding lesson every week

• 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

•  Free Pony Care Sessions held regularly during term times  

•  Discounted rates on any additional lessons

•  Discounted rates on Children’s Holiday Courses

•  Priority bookings and easy payment options

•  A 10% discount on riding clothing at  Parnaby’s > Back to top

Junior Membership Charges

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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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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