FAQs

• Why establish a Members Club?
  

  "Life is good - a horse makes it better!" Anon

• Why is Membership Limited?
• What other benefits are there for Club Members?
• When are you open and what are your ride times?
• Is there a minimum Membership period – do I need to commit to one year?
• What is the difference between Gold and Silver Membership?
• Can I choose whether I want a ride or a lesson?
• Is it possible for Members to have Private Lessons?
• What if I cannot ride at my usual time or want to cancel a ride?
• If I am a Gold or Silver Member do I have to ride every week?
• What happens if I go away for several weeks – won’t I lose out?
• What if I want to ride more than once a week?
• What if I only want to ride occasionally?
• What if I want to cancel my membership?
• Can I choose the horse that I ride?
• What equipment will I need?
• Do you still ride in bad weather or if it is raining?
• How can I pay?
• Is Membership readily available and how can I become a Member?
• I have never ridden before – where do I start?
• Can we come and look around?
• Safety notice

"Horses lend us the wings we lack". Anonymous

Why establish a Member’s Club?
WVS 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.
–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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Why is Membership Limited?
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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The horse lends you his strength, speed and grace. Lucy Rees

What Other Benefits are there for Club Members?
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 What’s On at WVS page. Our Charity Ball takes place in March and in June, our Summer Horse Show attracts hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators. In October, our Annual Sponsored Horse Ride takes place over two days and raises thousands of pounds for charity every year. (See Photos of Members’ Events). 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.

We also organise trips to major horse shows and have negotiated discounts with Parnaby’s saddlery, a riding clothes outlet . 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.

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When are you open and what are your ride times?
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.

Is there a minimum Membership period – do I need to commit to one year?
The minimum Membership period for Gold and Silver Members is 3 months and for Associate Members it is 12 months.

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What is the difference between Gold and Silver Membership? 
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 lesson every week is included in the Monthly Subscription. Any additional rides you wish to book will be subject to the special Members rates.

Can I choose whether I want a Ride or a Lesson?
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.

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Is it possible for Members to have Private Lessons?
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.

What if I cannot ride at my usual time or want to cancel a ride?
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 five 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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If I am a Gold or Silver Member do I have to ride every week?
No, you can choose to ride whenever you want to.  The Membership scheme ensures that a horse is available for you every week if you want to ride.  Please just remember to let us know if you are not able to come.

What happens if I go away for several weeks? Won’t I lose out?
We know it is impossible to attend every lesson which is why there is a healthy discount of nearly 30% against non-member prices as an allowance against missed lessons.

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What if I want to ride more than once a week?
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.

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What if I only want to ride occasionally?
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 and Social Membership has been specially designed for those who are unable to ride but want to keep in touch with all that is happening at the Stables.

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What if I want to cancel my Membership?
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. It is the member’s responsibility to instruct their bank to terminate the monthly standing order after the last payment. No refund of payments will be due. 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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Can I choose the horse that I ride?
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!

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"A fine man on a fine horse is the noblest bodily object in the world." GK Chesterton

What equipment will I need?
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. Take a look at our Shop page for details of all the nearest riding clothes and equipment retailers. You can buy special WVS clothing (sweatshirts, t-shirts, jackets, etc) on-line from Emblazon.

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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.

How can I pay?
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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Is Membership readily available and how can I become a Member?
If you are interested in joining please complete the Membership Enquiry Form and return it to us. We can then discuss Membership options and availability with you. Or you can telephone Claire Mallett, our Membership Secretary, 020 8946 8579 between 10.15-12.15 Tuesday-Friday.

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FOR THOSE NEW TO RIDING

I have never ridden before. Where do I start?
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 £75 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. For an informal introduction to the Stables come to one of our New Rider Open Mornings.
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 Riding 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.

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Can we come and look around?
Visitors are welcome to come and look around the stables but there are periods when there are few horses in the yard as all our rides and lessons take place on the Wimbledon Common. We are open from 9.30-4.30 Tuesday-Sunday. We try to discourage visitors between 12.45 and 1.45 p.m. as this is the time that the horses (and Instructors!) rest for lunch. We suggest that you phone us first so that we can make sure that someone is here to show you around, particularly if you would like to talk to a member of staff to learn more about us.  Please note there is no parking at the Stables.  How to find WVS.

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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.
*Read our recent ‘Health and Safety’ Inspection report

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