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Information for Non-Members
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Wimbledon
Village Stables offers you the opportunity to go horse riding in
London in some of the most scenic parkland in the country.
Non-members can take an
escorted hack (trail ride) over the miles of
woodland trails that traverse an area of outstanding natural
beauty. Those wishing to improve their skills can join a
lesson in
the wonderful natural schooling ring carved out of a hill in the
centre of Wimbledon Common. Our location in Wimbledon Village
allows our clients to combine riding with shopping in one of the
most fashionable areas of London. The amazing shops and huge
selection of coffee shops, bars and restaurants right on our
doorstep means there is really no reason to go further a field. We
can assure you that you will always get a warm welcome, even if you
are in full riding kit! Getting here couldn’t be simpler, as we are
only a few minutes’ walk from Wimbledon Station (both Underground
and Network Rail) and on three different bus routes. |
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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 only £5 per week and enables you to get priority
bookings.
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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.
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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
horses. >
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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
£70 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.
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What
size are the group hacks?
We try to
keep the groups to four riders or fewer.
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How can
I book and what is
your cancellation policy?
You can check
availability by e-mailing
admin@wvstables.com
or telephoning the office on 020 8946 8579 between 10.00-12.30 and
1.30-4.00 Monday-Friday. 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.
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 or arrive late for a
ride. Unfortunately we cannot make exceptions.
For weekend
bookings please e-mail
admin@wvstables.com
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.
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Are
there any restrictions?
We have a
weight limit of 14 ½ stone.
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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. 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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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.
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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.
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Please
use this guide to assess your riding ability
| LEVEL 1 |
Never ridden or
only walked, not quite balanced in trot |
| LEVEL 2 |
Able to ride off
lead rein, rise to trot, learning to canter, possibly ridden on
riding holidays |
| LEVEL 3 |
Able to walk, trot
and canter but rusty or lacking experience |
| LEVEL 4 |
Confident in walk,
trot & canter out
hacking,
understand correct diagonals & canter leads. Ride
simple school movements |
| LEVEL 5 |
Experienced and
confident in all paces,
able to ride a dressage test
and/or jump a small course. |
| LEVEL 6 |
Able to ride any
horse in any situation. Competed either dressage, show jumping,
eventing. |
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.
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