We are able to offer rides to non-members subject to availability, which is generally on weekday mornings only. Our one hour rides are at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 and are open to experienced riders only (Levels 4 to 6). Private rides and lessons are available to riders Levels 3-6. If you are interested in booking a ride, please complete the Ride Enquiry Form, and we will be happy to check availability for you.
In the interest of safety, we usually ask new riders to book a one hour private assessment for their first visit. This is not a test, but simply a way for us to ensure you are confident and comfortable riding one of our horses.
However, if your riding history clearly demonstrates that you are an experienced rider, it may be possible to go straight onto a one-hour ride without a private assessment.
We ask riders to rate their experience level based on the chart below.
| EXPERIENCE LEVELS | |
|---|---|
| LEVEL 1 | Never ridden or very little experience |
| LEVEL 2 | Able to ride independently, rise to trot, learning canter |
| LEVEL 3 | Able to trot and canter but rusty or lacking experience |
| LEVEL 4 | Confident in all paces in arena and on tracks |
| LEVEL 5 | Experienced and proficient horse rider |
| LEVEL 6 | Professional qualifications or competition experience |
Non-members who want to improve their skills can book one-to-one private rides, which take place on the tracks of Wimbledon Common with a mounted instructor riding alongside. These rides are available to riders only (Levels 3 to 6). There is an Arena on Wimbledon Common but lessons there are reserved for WVS Members only.
Yes, experienced non-members can book a one-hour group hack on Wimbledon Common, available Tuesday to Friday. Each ride is led by a knowledgeable instructor, allowing you to explore the scenic tracks of Wimbledon Common. Group sizes are kept small, with no more than four riders, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
To participate, riders must be at Riding Levels 4 to 6. In some cases, a private assessment lesson may be required before joining a group hack to ensure safety and appropriate group placement.
We are afraid we are unable to offer horse riding to children, adult beginners or novice riders.
However, we do have a state-of-the-art horse simulator, which is a safe and highly effective way to learn the basics of riding and improve your technique. Simulator lessons are available seven days a week. See the The Equicise page of our website.
We’re afraid we are unable to offer horse riding lessons to children under the age of 16.
However, we do have a state-of-the-art horse simulator which children from the age of five can use. It’s a safe and highly effective way to introduce young riders to the basics of riding, helping them develop a secure, balanced seat. It’s especially beneficial for children learning to canter for the first time, and can really support their confidence and technique when they begin riding real horses. See The Equicise
If you would like to book a ride with us, please fill in the RIDE ENQUIRY FORM. If you would like to speak to someone the office you can telephone (020 8946 8579) during our office hours which are Tuesday to Sunday 08.45 to 12.30.
When we have confirmed availability we will require the full payment for the ride in advance as confirmation of the booking.
Please note that regardless of the reason, 48 hours’ notice for cancelling rides is required otherwise the full fee is payable. Regrettably there is no exception for illness.
We will always try and accommodate the wishes of Non-Members, but our Members will have priority in booking specific instructors. However, all our instructors are experienced and will be able to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
We have a weight limit of 13.5 stone/85 kilos.
We recommend investing in basic riding gear for comfort and safety. While we can lend you a helmet, boots, and chaps initially, it’s important to have your own professionally fitted riding hat for optimal protection.
As we ride in all weather conditions, having warm, waterproof clothing is advisable for cold and wet days.
If you have not been to us before, please arrive at least 20 minutes before your Introductory Session to enable one of our team to welcome you, assist in completing a new Rider Registration form and fit you with a hat and boots if necessary. (In the interest of the horse’s welfare it is essential that you are completely honest about your weight and for your safety, please assess your riding ability accurately).
Otherwise, it is a good idea generally to plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your riding time as we do follow a punctual timetable. If you arrive late you will miss your ride and may not be offered an alternative. Please note that mounting and dismounting is included in the duration time of each service as quoted on our Price List.
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 email 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.
We also hold a variety of horse care workshops and evening courses (see Horse Care Courses) which Non-Members are welcome to take part in, subject to availability. It is also possible to book private horse care sessions. A one hour session is £40.
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.
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.
Anyone who loves riding will appreciate a Wimbledon Village Stables’ Horse Riding Gift Voucher. We can only supply vouchers for a Membership, subject to availability and horse care courses.
Vouchers are valid for six months from the date of purchase.
While horse riding is 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 also important to be aware that horses are large, sensitive animals that can behave unpredictably at any time.
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 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 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 events, 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.