Wimbledon Village Stables has been in its current ownership since 1980.
Renowned as a thriving riding school and livery yard, it was a victim of its own
success in that certain ride times were massively oversubscribed! A large
part of our client base is made of people that have ridden regularly with us for
many years, some since childhood, and it was key that we continued to attract
and cater for new clients too. So, in April 1999, a decision was made to
restructure the booking system and form a Members Club that would allow us to :
Establish an
exclusive base for regular clients who are committed to WVS and appreciate
the quality of our horses
Give priority to
these regular riders
Develop a
stronger relationship with clients and recognise their abilities, so
enabling us to offer a more effective service
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If
horses were machines, we could book them 24 hours a day - but they're not, so we
don't. We pride ourselves on very high standards of care and management,
and our main priority is to keep our horses happy and content. To this end
we strictly limit the number of hours that our horses are exercised each day,
which is why we can only accept a limited number of Members.
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As
well as benefiting from special rates on all rides and lessons, plus priority
bookings, we organise a number of activities in which Members can participate -
these are all featured on our Members'
Newsletter. Our Charity Ball takes place in March and
in June, our Summer Horse Show attracts hundreds of competitors and
thousands of spectators. In October, over 100 riders take part in our
Annual Sponsored Horse Ride which raises thousands of pounds for charity every
year.
We hold dressage
and jumping competitions, leisurely day rides for those with time of their
hands, free lectures on stable management and horse care, and also informative
free lecture demonstrations. There is also the opportunity for Members to work
towards the Wimbledon Village Stables
Achievement Awards.
We also
organise trips to major horse shows and have negotiated discounts
with two saddlery and riding clothes outlets . There are many
social events organised throughout the year and we have found over
the years that many firm friendships have been made among our
Members. Most of the local coffee shops and pubs in the
village are used to seeing groups of our riders socialising before
and after riding. > Back to top
We are open every day
except Monday. Our riding times for adult Members are at 9.00,
10.15, 11.30 and 2.00. Private
and semi-private lessons can sometimes be scheduled at other times.
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The Gold Member has an allotted ride time on a Saturday or Sunday at
either 9.00, 10.15, 11.30 or 2.00.
The Silver Member rides at off-peak times, i.e. Tuesday-Friday either
9.00, 10.15, 11.30 or 2.00. In both cases a
one hour group ride or
lessonevery week is included in the Monthly Subscription. Any
additional rides you wish to book will be subject to the special Members rates.
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Yes, but we do prefer to know in advance of your arrival if you
would like to hack or take part in a lesson so that we can effectively allocate
both instructors and horses. However, if you do change your mind on the
day we will do our best to accommodate you. > Back to
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Yes, if you
are a Gold or Silver Member there is an additional charge of £20 if you want
your weekly ride to be a private ride or lesson. Associate
Members and Gold and Silver Members wanting additional private
lessons pay the prices listed in Membership Prices.
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Firstly, please inform us immediately, even if it is last minute,
if you are unable to attend so that your slot may be offered to another Member
if necessary. If we receive a minimum of 24 hours notice, we will always do our
best (but cannot promise as this is subject to availability) to find a
replacement ride within six days of the cancelled lesson. Please note it
is not possible to refund, accrue or offset the value of missed lessons against
another service, nor is membership transferable to another person.
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We
know it is impossible to attend every
lesson which is why there is a healthy discount of nearly 40% against non-member prices as
an allowance against missed lessons.
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If you want to book extra
rides then you can take advantage of the reduced rates offered to our
Members, however, several
of our Members are able to ride more than once a week and have chosen to
take either a ‘Double Gold Membership’ or a ‘Double Silver Membership’, for
which they pay only one joining fee but twice the monthly subscription.
If you would like to ride more than twice a week, we would be happy to work
out a special rate for you. > Back to top
Then you should become an Associate Member. This way you have the
convenience of being able to make priority bookings and take advantage of
the reduced prices available to Members.
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All Memberships run from the first of the month and we must have one full
month's notice in writing if you wish to terminate your
Membership. i.e. we must be informed by the 1st of the month if you want to
cancel the following month. If you pay by Standing Order you must
notify the bank yourself to cancel the payment. If at any point in
the future you wish to rejoin then you will have to pay the joining fee again.
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We
always endeavour to provide Members with the horse of their preference, but
please bear in mind that occasionally this may not be possible for a number of
reasons; the horse may be enjoying a rest period at grass, being ridden by
the owner, or it may be competing at a show. We do encourage people to try
different horses - it's good experience to ride different types of horse and we
always aim to provide a mount commensurate with the rider's ability to help
ensure complete safety. We have a fabulous selection of horses and ponies
from which to choose and, who knows, your perfect partner could be in the stable
next door! > Back to top
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. 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? >
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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. >
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Either monthly via bank standing order or credit/debit card or by Annual
subscription (cash, cheque or credit/debit card). If selecting standing
order as method of payment, please date it to start at the 1st of the month and
pay separately for any lessons taken prior to the standing order start date.
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We
recommend that complete beginners take a few private lessons in order to learn
the basics before joining in on group lessons. Private lessons
are £70 per hour weekdays. Our team of experienced, qualified instructors are
sympathetic to those new to riding, and take great care to ensure your safety
while making learning fun.
Due to the
individual attention required, we regret that we are unable to accommodate
beginners at weekends, but would be more than happy to welcome you on
weekdays. 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. (SEE SHORT COURSES)
SAFETYWhilst 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. >
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