WVS has been operating under the current ownership since 1980. As we grew and developed into a thriving and renowned riding school and livery yard, we found there were new challenges to overcome in that certain ride times were massively oversubscribed. A large number of our clients have ridden regularly with us for many years, some since childhood, but it was key that we continued to attract and cater for new clients too. So in April 1999 we decided to restructure our 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
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. That’s why we strictly limit the number of hours that they are exercised each day, and why we can only accept a limited number of Members.
All Members benefit from special rates on all rides and lessons as well as priority bookings. Members are also able to participate in a number of activities that we organise – these are all featured on our Events at WVS page and details are e-mailed regularly. Each year we hold a Charity Ball, an Annual Sponsored Ride, A Summer Barbeque, Pizza evenings and Members drinks parties. We also organise dressage competitions, free lectures on stable management and horse care, and informative free lecture demos. As a member, you also have access to our Equicise studio, ideal for warming up or cooling down after rides. Members are entitled to special rates on Equicise lessons—three 30-minute sessions for £99 (usually £145)—and can book a free 15-minute self-practice session each month. Wimbledon Village Stables is a fun and sociable Club where you can be sure you will enjoy spending time with like-minded people.
If you are interested in becoming a Member, you can check availability by either calling 020 8946 8579 during our office hours (Monday 10.00 to 12.00 and Tuesday to Sunday 08.45 to 12.45) or completing the Membership Enquiry Form. We are only able to offer Memberships to adult riders who are riding levels 4-6.
Gold Members enjoy a reserved riding slot at peak times on Friday, Saturdays or Sundays, with available times at 09:00, 10:15, or 11:30. Silver and Private Members have reserved slots at off-peak times, Tuesday to Thursday, at 09:00, 10:15, or 11:30. Each membership includes a one-hour ride each week as part of the monthly subscription.
Every member’s riding slot is reserved on the same day and time each week, ensuring you always have a guaranteed space, whether you choose to attend every week or not. This flexible system allows you to ride at your convenience while maintaining the benefits of a dedicated slot.
Additional rides can be booked at special Member rates, making it easy to add extra sessions when you wish.
We regret that we are unable to accommodate beginners and inexperienced riders. We offer beginners lessons on our Horse Simulator.
We ask every potential Member to come for an assessment lesson so that we can see how well you ride and discuss with you the different riding times which are available for riders of your ability. This means we can recommend the horses most suitable for you and suggest the types of lessons or hacks that we believe you will enjoy. The cost of this ride will be deducted from the Joining Fee.
There is a one-off joining fee equivalent to one month’s Membership for all classes of Membership. The joining fee represents a commitment from you and assists with the administration costs involved with the Membership Scheme. The joining fee is non-refundable.
The minimum membership period for Gold and Silver and Private Members is three months.
The minimum membership period for Associate Members is 12 months.
Membership subscriptions are to be paid monthly in advance by internet banking. Wimbledon Village Stables (HHR Education) Sort Code 82 04 03 Account 10344301. Payments should be set up to start on the first of the month. If you join in the middle of the month, any lessons or rides taken prior to the start date are paid for separately. If you pay annually, you benefit from having one month FREE!
Yes, but we do prefer to know in advance if you would like to hack or take part in a lesson so that we can effectively allocate both instructors and horses and keep the groups small. However, if you do change your mind on the day, we will do our best to accommodate you.
Yes, if you are a Gold or Silver Member there is an additional charge of £30 if you’d like your weekly ride to be a private ride or lesson (subject to availability).
First, please inform us immediately, even if it is at the last minute, if you are unable to attend to prevent your tacked up horse waiting around unnecessarily. 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 for Silver Members within the same week of the cancellation or for Gold Members over the same weekend or on the weekdays preceding or following the cancelled ride. 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.
No, you are not required to ride every week. As a Gold, Silver, or Private Member, a horse is reserved for you each week should you wish to ride, but it’s entirely up to you how often you choose to attend. Just let us know if you won’t be joining us on a particular week.
We understand that members may have periods when they can’t ride regularly. Our membership model is designed to accommodate this. Rather than paying per ride, your membership secures your place in our community, ensuring that our horses are well-cared for and our facilities maintained, even when you’re away.
Membership at WVS is more than just access to riding; it’s about being part of a supportive community that values the well-being of our horses and the joy of equestrian life. Even during times when you’re not riding, your membership contributes to the consistent care of our horses and the vibrant atmosphere of the stables.
Additionally, members enjoy a range of benefits beyond riding, including priority booking, substantial discounts, and exclusive access to various riding and social events. This ensures that, whenever you return, you’ll find a welcoming environment ready for you.
If you’d like to book extra rides, you can take advantage of the reduced rates offered to our Members. Another option taken by several of our Members who are able to ride more than once a week is to take either a ‘Double Gold Membership’ or a ‘Double Silver Membership’ or ‘Double Private 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.
You don’t have to ride every week if you are a Gold or Silver Member but at least you know there is always a horse waiting for you if you do and don’t forget all the other Members’ perks. Alternatively you could become an Associate Member. This way you have the convenience of being able to make priority bookings (and be top of the waiting list for weekend bookings) and take advantage of the reduced prices available to Members and you can also take advantage of all the other benefits that Membership brings such as free educational workshops and social events.
Yes, we’re happy to give priority to members who would like to bring a guest riding, provided the guest is capable of riding at Levels 4 to 6. Guests will be charged at our non-member rates.
Members are entitled to special rates on Equicise lessons—three 30-minute sessions for £99 (usually £145) . All Memberships include a free 15 minute Practice session on the Equine Simulator every month. You will need to log on to the Equicise booking site and create an account, unless you already have one. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirming that the FREE session has been added to your account. You can then make the booking on line by selecting the MEMBERS’ PRACTICE option. If you need any help with logging in or setting up your account, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
All Memberships include a free 15 minute Practice session on the Equine Simulator every month. You will need to log on to the Equicise booking site and create an account, unless you already have one. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirming that the FREE session has been added to your account. You can then make the booking on line by selecting the MEMBERS’ PRACTICE option. If you need any help with logging in or setting up your account, please do not hesitate to contact the office. Members are entitled to special rates on Equicise lessons—three 30-minute sessions for £99 (usually £145)
To cancel your membership, we require one calendar months’ notice. Cancellations must be submitted by email or letter. Verbal notice or messages passed to staff in person will not be accepted
Members who choose to pay by standing order are responsible for managing their payments directly with their bank. Wimbledon Village Stables is not able to cancel or amend standing orders on behalf of members.
Please note that standing order payments are treated as ongoing membership support, regardless of riding activity. It is the member’s responsibility to cancel the standing order if they no longer wish to contribute. Retrospective refunds will not be issued for payments not cancelled in time.
In exceptional cases, we may allow a suspension of four months or more, though we cannot guarantee your regular slot will remain available
That’s totally fine – some people keep their standing order going just to support the stables. But if you no longer wish to do that, please cancel it via your bank, as we can’t cancel or refund standing orders from our end.
All riders must wear approved riding hats, jodhpurs and riding boots. We recommend wearing chaps and gloves. Please take a look at TOWNFIELDS SADDLERY website as they stock a wide range of riding equipment. WVS Members benefit from a 10% discount using WVSTABLE10 at checkout. You can also buy our very reasonably priced special WVS clothing (sweatshirts, t-shirts, jackets, etc) on-line from TEAMRIDER.
We have a weight limit of 13.5 stone/85 kilos.
We are open every day except Monday. Our ride times are: 09.00, 10.15 and 11.30.
You can telephone the office on 020 8946 8579 from 8.45-12.45 Tuesday through to Sunday.
On the second Saturday of every month we hold Open Afternoons and visitors are invited to explore the yard between 2 and 3, meet the horses, and see how everything runs behind the scenes. It’s a great opportunity to learn about membership options, and see the Equicise horse simulator, designed for all ages and abilities. Plus children will love meeting Mr Fudge, the friendly Shetland pony!
If you want to come another time 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.
There is no parking at the stables. There is FREE parking on weekday mornings on Westside, West Place, North View and Camp Road – from there is is about 5 minute walk to the Stables. At weekends you can also park FREE on the Causeway. The nearest, cheapest pay and display bays are on the Causeway. Pay & Display also on Lancaster Gardens, Marryat Road, The Green and The Grange. There is pay and display on Wimbledon High Street but it is one hour maximum.
Wimbledon Village Stables is very easily accessible from London by public transport. We are close to Wimbledon Station which is served by the District Line London Underground and British Rail Trains. We are on three bus routes the 93, 200 and 493.
It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk from the station (less to walk back because it is downhill!). As you leave the station turn right and walk up Wimbledon Hill. When you arrive at the top of the hill you are in the Village and a short way along on the left hand side is the Dog & Fox pub which we are tucked away behind. If you are running late there are always black cabs at the station or alternatively you can take any of the buses, for one stop only, from the opposite side of the road.
I understand that riding at any standard has inherent risk and that all horses may react unpredictably on occasions.
I may fall off and could be injured. I accept that risk.
I understand that instructions are given for my safety and I agree to follow instructions given to me by staff and instructors at the riding school.
I reserve the right not to ride a horse allocated to me and may request a change of instructor.
I understand that wearing an appropriate riding hat and body protector may reduce the severity of an injury should an accident happen and agree that I will always wear a riding hat that meets current British Standard whilst riding, leading and grooming horses at the riding school. I understand it is my choice whether or not to wear a body protector.
I understand that the riding school will make decisions based on the information I give them and agree to always be honest and volunteer information about:
My abilities and riding experience
Any previous riding accidents
Any medical condition(s) which may affect my ability to ride
I understand that children are at particular risk around horses and agree that I will keep children that I am responsible for, under close supervision when they are not being instructed by the riding school.
I understand that the riding school may refuse my request to ride for safety or operational reasons.
I understand that competing carries enhanced risk over and above the general riding and agree that if I choose to participate in any competition or event, it is up to me to ensure that I have the experience and ability to ride the course including any jumps which may form part of it. If I am in any doubt, I will use my judgement and experience and not enter.