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Information for Non-Members

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.

 
When can non-members ride?
Do you have to have an assessment before you can ride?
Where do you teach?
I am a beginner - when can I ride?
I am an experienced rider but my partner is a beginner - can we go together?
Are there any riding or horse care courses for non-members?
How many people are there in a group hack?
How can I book and what is your cancellation policy?
Are there any restrictions?
What should I wear?
Do you still ride if it is raining?
What time should I arrive?

Safety notice
Horse riding on Wimbledon Common
Horse Riding on Wimbledon Common

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.  > Back to top

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. > Back to top

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.  > Back to top

Horse Riding Lesson in schooling ring on Wimbledon Common

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.   > Back to top

Private Riding lessons in London
Riding lessons in London at Wimbledon Village Stables

I am an experienced rider but my partner is a beginner – can we go together?

Yes, our semi-private lessons, which are very popular with couples, are the perfect solution. To make it safe and enjoyable for both riders, the lesson would be conducted at a pace suitable for the least experienced rider.  > Back to top

Are there any courses for non-Members wishing to improve their riding?

Yes, all the short courses are open to Non-Members (see short courses). Our wide selection ranges from courses for Beginners to courses for Advanced riders and from Dressage instruction to preparation for British Horse Society Stages One and Two.  > Back to top

What size are the group hacks?

We try to keep the groups to four riders or fewer.   > Back to top

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.
> Back to top

Are there any restrictions?

We have a weight limit of 14 ½ stone.   > Back to top

Horse Riding on Wimbledon Common in London
Riding on Wimbledon Common with Wimbledon Village Stables

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?   > Back to top

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.  > Back to top

We ride in all weathers! Foggy day on the Common

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.  > Back to top

 

 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.    > Back to top

Horse Riding in London at Wimbledon Village Stables

Riding for adults and children at Wimbledon Village Stables

Horse Riding London

Riding lessons for children at Wimbledon Village Stables, London

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