Testimonials, Wimbledon Village Stables, London

ARTICLE IN SW MAGAZINE -In the saddle

Forget cycling, forget walking, for Lucie Greene nothing can beat the exhilaration of riding horseback over a vast and sunny Wimbledon Common

The last time I went riding I was eight and as I stood in the courtyard of Wimbledon Common Stables on a sunny summer’s morning, my inexperience was clear for everyone to see. I’d not even touched a horse yet, but my attire spoke volumes. I tried to explain to my instructor, Jenny Rudall, that my long floaty skirt was actually quite practical (and not part of some misguided romantic galloping-across-the-moors Wuthering Heights fantasy), but she good-naturedly insisted on finding me jodhpurs, chaps, boots (to replace my flip flops) and a riding hat – and my legs were extremely grateful for it later.

With the attire complete and appropriate forms filled out, I was introduced to Chloe my horse for the day. To me she looked like a race horse and it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I approached her, but everyone was very reassuring and under their extremely competent guidance, I was helped into the saddle. There followed a much-needed tutorial in every detail of how to control the horse, how to hold the reigns, and where my feet should be. Then, with Rudall on her own mare, we were off to the common.

Tucked away behind the Dog & Fox pub, Wimbledon Common Stables were originally established as the Hilcote Riding School in 1915 and then re-launched in 1980 by Carol Andrews. With Wimbledon Common covering some 1,100 acres and Richmond Park another 2,700 acres, they have a vast area to roam and run on and off-path hacks as far as Ham and Richmond for experienced riders. There are also two all-weather riding schools which have a whole mix of lessons, attracting a range of clientele from young mothers who attend their "Desperate Horse Wives" six-week course (which includes tea and cakes), to options for their more experienced riders including a show jumping course, and for exercise fanatics a Fitness and Fun course.

"We teach you all about the horse, and like people to be able to tack and un-tack. It’s a hands-on stables," Rudall explained. They also run lessons for children, and complete novices. "We like to encourage advanced horse riders at the stables also, because it gives the horses variety," she continued.

All too soon my lesson was drawing to an end and it was time to return. Jenny and I made our way back to the village, where we crossed the road at the specially-raised horse traffic lights, and clip-clopped into the stables. Even here Rudall was a resolute professional, signalling traffic when it needed to stay back, and bringing us up to the Dog & Fox pub carefully. "Sit back in your seat and pull your shoulders back. Show Chloe off!" she said, as cars, and small children watched on. And I did.

Membership to the stables starts at £275 per year, with a £25 joining fee. For more information see www.wvstables.com or call 020 8946 8579

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Darryl Does... Horse riding
by Darryl McKay

This week Darryl trots over to Wimbledon to have a canter...

When I last went horse-riding I was about nine. The lesson was supposed to start at 9am but unfortunately I was late. Jordan and me rushed up Wimbledon Hill road and got to the stables at 0910.
Wimbledon Village Stables is the oldest riding school in Britain so I knew this was going to be professional.

I was welcomed by Carol Andrews and introduced to my instructor Vickie Lodge. I really expected to be riding alongside an aged veteran, say 50 or above, not a lovely young lady in her twenties, so you can imagine how happy I was.

Looking the part

I was wearing tight jeans and my Barbour jacket, which I thought was appropriate. I sat in the office and changed footwear, from trainers to brown leather riding boots. Then put on my chaps and riding hat.

My horse was unveiled to me his name was Athos.
Now I'm 5 foot 11'inches and weigh 14stone. My horse was massive and to say he was built like a horse would be an understatement, more like an athlete, solid as a rock.

Vickie broke down the basics for me. From how to handle the reigns to how my feet should be positioned.

The instructor talked me through it step by step, like we were cooking, but I couldn't grasp what she was telling me. I was so confused and overwhelmed by the situation presented to me.

The Local Scene

The stables are located behind the Dog and Fox pub in Wimbledon village and the community are used to seeing horse riders emerge from the small side-road on a daily basis. An estate agent explained to me that it was a familiar sight that was very welcomed:

"It's what makes this village so special!".

During the tutorial I proceeded to question Vickie about horse-riding and the stigma attached to it. She admittedly agreed;

"That it's a sport for privileged people who can afford to take part in it".

For some bizarre reason I asked her "What happens to horses when they die?" she responded "That's not a very nice question!" Then mentioned something about carcasses.....

As I spotted a dog run across the field I asked "What are the most common breeds of horse?" I found out that the most popular were Thoroughbred, the Arabian and Rakehner.

Throughout the lesson I had a tendency to lean forward but was continually corrected by Vickie regarding my posture "Keep a straight back and stand tall" she shouted.

The Technique

I learnt how to make the horse walk by squeezing its sides with my legs (basically giving it a nudge). Then I got the horse to trot it's a two step procedure that has the horse moving its legs diagonally in pairs.

After the trot came the canter, which is a three beat step, one side of the legs don't mirror the actions of those on the other.

I was thrilled at the prospect of galloping but just as we started to canter the session came to an end.

I got the horse to slow down and come to a halt by pulling on the reigns slightly.

Then to turn around I pulled on the appropriate reign, left or right to make the horse turn in the desired direction, until he turned the full 180 degrees (half circle) and headed home.

At the end of the session Vickie made a call from her mobile. She didn't actually speak to anyone because the number she dialled automatically activated the special horse traffic lights.

This enabled us to get to the stables without contravening the flow of traffic as we're given a short space of time on the road.

Whilst on the road the horse became uneasy and was agitated by a rubbish truck. He started to go off track and not follow the straight line set out by Vickie's horse.

Vickie was very supportive and amazed me with her sheer strength. She stabilised Athos with the small rope that linked my horse to hers.

The end of the session

I was gutted once I got back to the stables because I wanted longer. I really wanted to get back out there and go again. The ride was exhilarating and I had a mad buzz about me; I was ecstatic and so proud of myself and the way I handled the horse.

I honestly think that Chris Eubank and Derrick from Big Brother are the only other black guys who enjoy horse riding.

Any student, especially those of you at Wimbledon or Chelsea, should visit the stables because it's been around for over one hundred years and is an integral part of the village's history.

In my opinion the facilities alone put it head and shoulders above any other riding school in London; it offers 2,700 acres of land in Richmond Park along with a schooling ring.

On a student budget it will cost a substantial amount of money. To take up the hobby with annual membership starts from £275.

One thing I did take note of was the fact that myself and Jordan were the only blokes at the stables. Maybe it was the time of day? Mind you, I can empathise with any guy who is dithered by the sheer agony of riding, considering the excruciating pain I experienced in my crotch once I started to walk. Ouch! Southern uncomfort indeed...