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 What’s On at WVS page and details are e-mailed regularly.  Each year we hold a Charity Ball, a Summer Horse Show, a Members’ Show, an Annual Sponsored Ride, a Pub Quiz and an Awards Party. We also organise dressage and jumping competitions, free lectures on stable management and horse care, and informative free lecture demos.  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.

A Gold Member has an allotted ride time on a Saturday or Sunday at 09.00, 10.15 or 11.30.  Gold Membership is not available for beginners or novice riders.

Silver Members ride at off-peak times, i.e. Tuesday to Friday at 09.00, 10.15 or 11.30.

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.

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.

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 so that your slot may be offered to another Member if appropriate. 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.

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.

We know it’s impossible to attend every week, which is why we have built substantial discounts into our monthly charges.  Gold and Silver Members are assured of a ride every week and we make it possible for them to miss up to 18 rides every year without paying more than a non-member.   If you pay annually, the saving is even greater. (Please note you do not need to commit to one year, as the minimum membership period is three months.)

And don’t forget, membership brings with it a host of other benefits, such as the events we offer our members: free horse care lectures, dressage demos and our wonderful social events.

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.

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.

Our adorable miniature Shetland, The Fantastic Mr Fudge is available for WVS Members to walk out on the Common. It is really a delightful experience, he is such a superstar.  We bought him to help raise money for Charity and he has already raised many thousands of pounds.  If you want to become a Fudge Friend you will need to complete the Fudge Handling Course (see dates on the What’s on page)  and if you pass you can book your walk times on our booking site.

All memberships run from the first of the month and we require one full month’s notice in writing if you wish to terminate your membership, i.e. we must be informed by the first of the month if you want to cancel the following month. It is the Member’s responsibility to instruct his/her 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. In extenuating circumstances, and at the discretion of Wimbledon Village Stables, a client may be able to suspend their membership if the period of suspension exceeds four calendar months.

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 its owner, or competing at a show. We do encourage people to try a variety of 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!

Members will always have priority over Non-Members in their choice of instructor, but there may be times due to holidays or sickness when we will need to allocate a different instructor.  You can be assured however, that all our instructors are experienced, knowledgeable and enjoyable company, and will be able to provide you with a safe and rewarding experience.

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.

While horse riding is rightly recognised as a risk sport, you can be assured that we take safety very seriously. We have an exemplary safety record, but it is important also to be aware that horses are large, sensitive animals that can behave unpredictably at any time.

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.

As horse riding is an outdoor activity we continue in all weathers, so it is a good idea to invest in some warm and/or waterproof clothing. 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.

You are welcome to come and look around the stables, but there are periods when few horses are in the yard as all our rides and lessons take place on Wimbledon Common. We are open from 09.30 to 16.00 Tuesday to Sunday. We try to discourage visitors between 12.45 and 13.45 as this is when the horses (and instructors!) rest for lunch. We suggest that you phone us first so that we can make sure someone is here to show you around, particularly if you’d like to talk to a member of staff to find out more about us.  Please note there is no parking at the Stables.

How to find WVS.

No, but there are so many pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars within 100 yards of the stables, you will find it hard to choose which one to go to!

Yes we have a w.c./changing room that you can use.

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.

  1. I understand that riding at any standard has inherent risk and that all horses may react unpredictably on occasions.
  2. I may fall off and could be injured. I accept that risk.
  3. 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.
  4. I reserve the right not to ride a horse allocated to me and may request a change of instructor.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:
    a. My abilities and riding experience
    b. Any previous riding accidents
    c. Any medical condition(s) which may affect my ability to ride
  7. 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.
  8. I understand that the riding school may refuse my request to ride for safety or operational reasons.
  9. 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.