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Wimbledon Village Stables, London,  offers a series of Short Riding Courses for riders of all abilities.  A short course can be the perfect introduction to the challenging and rewarding world of riding or, for those who’ve ridden before, a great way to build on experience already gained.  Whether you’re a beginner, a recreational rider or an aspiring professional, Wimbledon Village Stables has a  Riding Course or Horsemanship Course  to suit you. Our team of friendly, professional instructors and quality, well-mannered horses  will make it an unforgettable equine experience.

At the bottom of the page you can see the Instructors Timetable which shows which instructors are assigned to each course

Friendly, professional riding instructors

Special Courses:  (Available Tuesday-Friday only)

Learn to Ride in a Day  
Refresher One-Day Riding Course
  

Intensive Four Day Course
Introductory_Course_Private  
Get to Know your Horse Course-- 6 week special course with 45 minutes practical and 1 hour riding
Riding Inside Out - 1 day course
Riding Inside Out - 6 week course - with Caroline Stevenson BHSI
Riding and Road Safety - 6 week course with Caroline Stevenson BHSI
Fitness and Fun - 6 week course

 

Six week courses - ONE HOUR:

 (Available Tuesday-Friday only)

Novice Course
Intermediate Course
Advanced Course
Introductory/Novice Show Jumping Course

Six week courses - TWO HOURS:

 (Available Tuesday-Friday only)

Improver Dressage Course
British Horse Society: Stage I – Riding
British Horse Society: Stage II – Riding

Learn to Ride in a Day

A golden opportunity to learn what a fun leisure activity riding can be.  We’ll help you master the basics in a single day.  Perfect for those planning a riding holiday or horseback safari, or simply for those who’d prefer a condensed start to their learning, our Learn to Ride in a Day Courses are hugely popular.  Each rider is assigned their own private instructor for the day and, through a combination of ridden instruction and demonstration, will be taught how to mount and dismount, sit correctly, increase and decrease pace, communicate direction and gain more control of their horse.  

 

Available Wednesday, Thursday or Friday Non-Member’s Price £190.00
Session 10.00am-3.00pm The lunch hour gives you time to explore the bars, restaurants & shops in Wimbledon Village.

 

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Refresher One-Day Riding Course

A perfect follow-up to the Learn to Ride in a Day Course, or ideal for those who have ridden before but would like to spend a day brushing away the cobwebs and brushing up their skills!  Each rider is assigned their own instructor for the morning session to ensure that they can focus and progress happily at their own pace. They will then join a group lesson or hack in the afternoon.  Riders should be Level 3 or above.

 

Available Wednesday, Thursday or Friday Non-Member’s Price £175.00
Session 10.00am-3.00pm The lunch hour gives you time to explore the bars, restaurants & shops in Wimbledon Village.
 

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Intensive Four Day Course

Available during half-term and holiday periods, this course has been designed for ‘intermediate’ level riders (those familiar with trot diagonals, canter leads and basic school movements) to consolidate their skills and focus on areas for improvement.  Over four half-day sessions instruction will focus on the development of balance and a deeper seat through more subtle, yet effective, use of the aids, while daily lecture/demos will illustrate and clarify points covered.

 

Available Tuesday-Friday Start Dates This course is available for a group of 4 riders, minimum of one months' notice requried
Session 9.00am-12.30pm Duration Four Days
Non-Member's Price £400.00 Member's Price (if taken as weekly ride) £245.00 Member's Price (in addition to weekly ride) £280.00

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 Introductory Course (Private)

Ideal for the complete beginner or those with a little riding experience, this one-to-one Introductory Course will, over six one-hour sessions, provide a thorough grounding in basic horsemanship.   Riders will learn the correct position, along with the control and balance needed to further their riding skills confidently and safely. Theory topics will help promote understanding of and empathy with the horse.

 

Available Tuesday-Friday
Session 10.00-11.15am or 1.45-3.00pm Duration 6 sessions to be booked in advance and taken within a 6 week period
Non-Member's Price £370.00

 

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Get To Know Your Horse Course

Desperate for an excuse to escape  work or your domestic chores?  Need some quality ‘me’ time? Tired of the gym and over yoga? - after feedback from some of our female clients, we decided to develop an idea tailored for ladies who love to have fun and spend time with like-minded people and, most importantly, love the idea of riding! 

The Get To Know Your Horse Course is suitable for women of all ages at any level of riding ability who are keen to learn how to ride or to improve their riding in a friendly, fun environment

We meet at 10.45am every Wednesday for a 45 minute session of Horse Care and Stable Management over coffee, followed by one hour’s riding. 

We have a fantastic selection of well-mannered horses and ponies on which you can learn, along with qualified, sympathetic instructors to guide you on your journey. 

Stun friends and family with your new found proficiency in all things equine! Join the Get To Know Your Horse Course and see what fun horse riding can be. 

Available Wednesdays Start Dates 9/1/08, 20/2/08, 16/04/08, 4/6/08, 10/9/08, 5/11/08
Duration 6 weeks Non Member Beginner £425.00
Non Member Experienced £325.00
Session 10.45am-12.30pm Member (if taken as weekly ride) £50.00
Member (in addition to weekly ride) £225.00

 

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Riding Inside Out

What is Riding Inside Out:
“Horses are wonderful teachers because they are sensitive and immediate in their response to us.”
The nature of the RIO workshops is one of exploration.  Through theory sessions, we will use techniques to improve mind/body co-ordination and methods of physical and mental relaxation.  We will look at how our attitudes about life, ourselves and others can affect our riding both positively and negatively. During the riding session we gain firsthand experience of how our attitudes and intentions are reflected back to us by our horse.  Thus, by using the horse almost as a mirror, we can learn a great deal about the way we inhibit or enhance the horse’s performance.  In short, to ride well we need to have a balanced mind.  This means being able to focus one’s attention by steadying one’s thoughts and emotions and freeing our bodies.  This will allow you to be supple, still and alert leading to the ultimate goal – a balanced horse who is a delight to ride.

Who is RIO suitable for?
Anyone! Because of the style of these workshops, with the emphasis being on self discovery, we can work with all levels of ability from absolute beginners to highly experienced and proficient riders.  Everyone learns from each other.

Who runs the Courses? – Caroline Chalk MSTAT  UKCP reg
Caroline is passionate about riding (and horses) and is interested in enabling people to get the very most out of their riding as sport, recreation or profession.  She is a Psychotherapist, Teacher of the Alexander Technique, trainer and horse woman (BHS Trained).   For the last 21 years she worked freelance over a range of activities, teaching in this country and abroad.  She has been running the RIO workshops for 7 years and has devised this course, which brings together her interests in riding and personal development.

 

Available Tuesday Start Dates e-mail for further information
Session 9.30am- 5.00pm Duration One Day
Non-Member's Price £205 Member's Price (if taken as weekly ride) £145 Member's Price (in addition to weekly ride) £170
 

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Riding Inside Out
with Caroline Stevenson, BHSI

Ideal for riders who want to improve their technique and confidence.  Caroline has been influenced by Mary Wanless and will be working with some of the techniques that Mary has developed.

Available Thursdays Start dates 10/1/08, 21/02/08, 17/4/08, 5/6/08, 11/9/08, 6/11/08
Duration 6 weeks Member (if taken as weekly ride) £50
Session                                                     1.30-3.00 p.m. Member (in addition to weekly ride) £225
Non-Member £325

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Riding and Road Safety
with Caroline Stevenson, BHSI

The BHS Riding and Road Safety Test is taken by over 4,000 candidates a year and helps to educate riders in road safety in order to minimise the risk involved when riding on the roads. Training is available to all riders from 12 years of age and the test is supported by the DETR.
For more information about the Exam
click here
I  Read our Road Safety Guidelines

Available Tuesdays Start dates 9/9/08
Duration 6 weeks Member (if taken as weekly ride) free
Session                                                     2.00-3.15 p.m. Member (in addition to weekly ride) £175
Non-Member £275

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Fitness & Fun Course

Keen to burn up to 400 calories an hour without going to the gym? Why slog away for hours in a gym when you can have fun whilst getting fit with your horse?  This special new course will combine exercises and stretches both on the ground and on your horse guaranteed to tone your muscles and develop your fitness levels. 
Available Wednesdays Start dates 9/1/08, 20/2/08, 16/4/08, 4/6/08, 10/9/08, 5/11/08
Duration 6 weeks Member (if taken as weekly ride) free
Session                                                     1.45-3.00 p.m. Member (in addition to weekly ride) £175
Non-Member £275

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Book now for the next series of short courses starting February 2008

The following courses are six weeks in duration, being one session per week.  The content of each course varies, but most include group discussion as well as professional demonstration and all of the ridden courses include a minimum of one hour’s riding per lesson.    These courses are free for Gold and Silver Members.  (Please note that we can arrange courses at alternative times to suit your requirements – call or e-mail Sarah Chittenden in the office for further information). 

Novice Course

This course has been developed for those who have already progressed through walk to rising trot and canter, and would like to develop their confidence and experience.  We will help you improve your position and technique in order for you to become a more effective and sympathetic rider. Discussion time will focus on understanding how the horse moves and communication between horse and rider.

 

Available Wednesdays
Fridays
Start Dates  9/1/08, 20/2/08, 16/4/08, 4/6/08, 10/9/08, 5/11/08
11/1/08, 22/2/08, 18/4/08, 6/6/08, 11/9/08, 6/11/08
Session 2.00-3.00 Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £275.00 Member's Price (if taken as weekly ride) free Member's Price (in addition to weekly ride) £175.00

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Intermediate Course

Designed for those familiar with trot diagonals, canter leads and basic school movements, this course focuses on building experience and improving co-ordination and balance in all three gaits so giving the rider confidence to progress further. 

 

Available

Tuesdays 11.30-12.30
Wednesdays10.15-11.15
Thursdays 11.30-12.30
 Fridays 11.30-12.30

Start Dates

8/1/08, 19/2/08, 15/4/08, 3/6/08, 9/9/08, 4/11/08
 9/1/08, 20/2/08, 16/4/08, 4/6/08
, 10/9/08, 5/11/08
10/1/08, 21/2/08, 17/4/08, 5/6/08
, 11/9/08, 6/11/08
11/1/08, 22/2/08, 18/4/08, 6/6/08, 12/09/08, 7/11/08

Session see above Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £275.00 Member's Price (if taken as weekly ride) free Member's Price (in addition to weekly ride) £175.00

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Advanced Course

This course has been developed for the more experienced rider, already competent in all three paces and keen to develop the finesse to take their riding to the next level.  Goals are a deeper seat and more effective use of the aids.  The emphasis will be on the use of the half-halt, working into the bridle and the principles of lateral work.  Riders will be able to work at a more advanced level, and will have a greater understanding of how to improve the horse’s performance.

 

Available

Tuesdays 9.00 & 10.15am
Thursdays 10.15-11.15am

Fridays 9.00, 10.15, & 2.00pm

Start Dates

8/1/08, 19/2/08, 15/4/08, 3/6/08, 9/9/08, 4/11/08
10/1/08, 21/2/08, 17/4/08, 5/6/08
, 11/9/08, 6/11/08
11/1/08, 22/2/08, 18/4/08, 6/6/08, 12/9/08, 7/11/08

Session 1.45-3.00pm Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £275.00 Member's Price (if taken as weekly ride) free Member's Price (in addition to weekly ride) £175.00

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Introductory/Novice Show Jumping Course (1¼ hours)

If you’re confident in all three paces, are able to ride school movements accurately and in full control and you’ve often watched enviously as horse and rider effortlessly pop fences, this is the course for you.  Starting with simple pole work and progressing through grid work, this course aims to give you the skills and confidence needed to achieve the ultimate goal of an accurate and fluent round over a small course of fences.

 

Available

Intermediate
Thursdays 2.00-3.15pm

Start Dates

 10/1/08, 21/2/08, 17/4/08, 5/6/08, 11/9/08, 6/11/08

Session 1¼ hours Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £275.00 Member's Price (if taken as weekly ride) free Member's Price (in addition to weekly ride) £175.00

 

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  The following Courses are six weeks in duration but include two hours of riding time each week.

Improver Dressage Course

Designed for those riders at Preliminary (basic) dressage level, able to ride in a forward and balanced manner, this course will work towards achieving greater engagement and the ability to vary tempo within any gait, as well as creating and maintaining impulsion through accurate transitions.   Rein back and lengthening will also be covered, and the course will work towards riding a Novice dressage test on the final day.

 

Available

Thursdays

 Fridays

Start Dates

10/1/08, 21/2/08, 17/4/08, 5/6/08, 11/9/08, 6/11/08

 11/1/08, 22/2/08, 18/4/08, 6/6/08, 12/9/08, 7/11/08

Session 10.15am-12.15pm Duration 6 weeks
Non-Member's Price £500.00 Member's Price (if taken as weekly ride) £175.00 Member's Price (in addition to weekly ride) £350.00

 

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British Horse Society: Stage I – Riding

Two Hour Riding Session

 This course will help prepare you for the first of the professional qualifications.  Although we do take great pride in seeing our pupils succeed under exam conditions and gain recognised qualifications, some of our clients choose not to take the exam at the end of the Course, they’re just happy with their new-found knowledge and keen to put it into practice. We run a twelve-week course divided into two six-week terms, with a one-week mid-term break. The Course will cover riding in a correct, balanced position in walk, trot and canter and riding without stirrups in walk and trot.  You will be taught to recognise correct trot diagonals and canter leads and to ride simple school movements accurately.  It will also include working over poles in jumping position in walk and trot. 

 

Available Wednesdays Start Dates  9/1/08,16/4/08, 10/9/08
Session 10.15am-12.15pm Duration 2 x 6 week terms
Non-Member’s Price £500.00 per term Member’s Price (if taken as weekly ride) £175.00 per term Member’s Price (in addition to weekly ride) £350.00 per term

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British Horse Society: Stage II – Riding

Two Hour Riding Session 

This Course will help you prepare for the second of the professional qualifications.  Again, some clients choose not to take the exam at the end of the course. We run a twelve-week course divided into two six-week terms, with a one-week mid-term break. The Course will cover riding with good posture both with and without stirrups in walk, trot and canter, applying correct aids for canter leads and school movements.  You will be taught to jump a small grid and course of fences in harmony with your horse whilst demonstrating a secure jumping position. 

 

Available

Tuesdays 10.15-12.15

Wednesdays 9.00-11.00

Start Dates  8/1/08, 15/4/08, 9/9/08

9/1/08, 16/4/08, 10/9/08

Duration 2 x 6 week terms
Non-Member’s Price £500.00 per term Member’s Price (if taken as weekly ride) £175.00 per term Member’s Price (in addition to weekly ride) £350.00 per term

See Exam Training for details of British Horse Society Stage 1 and Stage 2 Horse Knowledge and Care courses.

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  Please note that numbers are strictly limited to 4 - 6 riders on each Course (dependent on course) so do please book early to avoid disappointment.  You do not need to be a Wimbledon Village Stables Member to participate, although Members will receive priority when booking. Bookings for Non-Members will only be confirmed on receipt of a completed Booking Form accompanied by a £50.00 deposit.  (Booking forms available via e-mail or from the office.)

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE STABLES INSTRUCTORS TIMETABLE 2008

Click here to read about our Instructors 

 

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

9.00-10.00

9.00-11.00

9.00-10.00

9.00-10.00

Caroline Stevenson BHSI

One hour

Two hour

One hour

One hour

Advanced

Stage 2

Intermediate

Training Hack

Natalija

Vickie 

Fiona

Caroline

10.15-11.15

Caroline Stevenson BHSI

10.15-11.15

Caroline Stevenson BHSI

10.15-11.15

10.15-11.15

One hour

One hour

One hour

One hour

Advanced

Intermediate

Intermediate

Advanced

Caroline

Caroline

Fiona

Fiona

10.30-12.30

10.30-12.30

10.30-12.30

10.30-12.30

Two hour

Two hour

Two hour

Two hour

Stage 2

Stage 1

Dressage

Dressage

Jenny

Fiona

Jenny

Jenny

10.15-12.15

10.45-12.30

11.30-12.30

Caroline Stevenson BHSI

10.15-12.15

Two hour

1½ hour

One hour

Two hour

Park Ride

Special

Intermediate

Park Ride

Claire

Claire

Caroline

Claire

 

11.30-12.30

2.00-3.00

1.45-3.00

Caroline Stevenson BHSI

11.30-12.30

Caroline Stevenson BHSI

One Hour

One hour

1 1/4  hour

One hour

Novice

Novice/Track

Special

Intermediate

Vickie

 

Vickie

Caroline

Caroline

In addition to the lessons shown on this chart all the instructors are available at any other times for private, semi-private lessons,  private and semi-private hacks, jumping lessons  and training hacks.