Riding lessons

At Silvermere Equestrian Centre we cater for all rider levels going from complete beginner to advanced rider and exam candidates.

We have an age restriction meaning that we can only take riders from 4 years onwards, but there is no upper limit. However, due to being closed through COVID we are currently working through a waiting list for our younger riders, and have not yet started lessons for under 6's. please get in touch if you would like to go on the waiting list for these lessons.

Aside of group lessons we can tailor the content to focus on particular areas and set progressive goals so you have something to really work on if that’s your thing.  That said you can also just come along and join with other horse lovers and simply ride and enjoy.

Weight limit:

We have temporarily lowered our weight limit to 80kg for new clients, whilst we have a couple of our bigger horses off work. If you are between 80-88kg please get in touch to be added to a weight list for when we can start these lessons again. 

Loving the experience of jumping a horse is amazing at any level.

So what do we offer

New riders who have ridden before

All riders must have an assessment lesson before we can allocate a space with existing groups. This is for your own safety and as such we cannot alter the requirement for anyone.

Private lessons – aimed at those who either want to focus on certain parts of their riding or prefer to ride alone in their lesson. 

Semi private – is a lesson where 2 riders will share the arena and instructors time, often working well for exam training or friends riding together.

Group lessons – with a maximum of 6 riders in the group this lesson type is our most popular and we aim to get all beginners into a group to help further their experience.

Lead rein – getting your little kids on board in the very early stages, letting us be in control of their experiences.

Hacking – this is the ultimate aim for many. A chance to relax and ride out and enjoy the countryside and your horse for a couple of hours.

We’re really lucky to have Wisley & Ockham Common on our doorstep and firmly believe that riding out is as good for our horses as it is for you to keep things feeling alive.

Cross country riding – you may be dreaming of riding at Badminton one day or jumping huge logs, so why not get started on our own cross country course.

Protective clothing must be worn as well as a jockey skull cap to current British Safety Standards, back protector and long sleeve top.

Stable management sessions – knowing the horse is as much part of riding as cantering is.  Bettering your understanding of a horse will help you to understand them a bit better.

How do we break down our groups into rider levels?

Lead rein lessons – for beginner children new to riding. In these lessons’ children learn some new skills and learn how to rise to the trot and how to steer in walk and trot. These lessons aim to be a fun introduction to riding.

Walk and trot groups (WT) – these groups aim to develop rider skills and gain their independence riding. Children practice steering in walk and trot and learn to ride different school movements. These lessons are 45min. In these groups’ children get ready to learn to canter.

Walk, Trot, Canter groups (WTC) – In these groups, children continue to learn to canter. And then develop confidence in canter. These lessons are in the indoor school and are 45min. Children then learn about jump position and start to go over poles more, as well as learning more school movements and improving their position.

WTCJ1 – in these groups riders start to learn how to jump. These groups are in the outdoor school. Jumping is not done every week, and riders continue to develop their flat work.

WTCJ2 – these groups are for children who have done a little more jumping, and are confident working their pony individually in open order.

WTCJ3 – these groups continue to develop jumping and flat work skills, riders in these groups are often working towards pony club and BHS exams.

Adult 2 – these groups are normally flat work lessons. For adults confident in canter and able to ride in open order. These lessons will often incorporate pole work as well.

Adult 3 – in this group adults will also be working towards jumping, and developing their flat work skills. These groups are open to riders who are not interested in jumping, we can let you know which weeks will jump.

Advanced – These groups alternate flat and jump lessons. Lots of these riders are working towards BHS exams.

Weekday special – these lessons are available weekday mornings only. They are normally flat lessons and riders need to be cantering before they can join these groups.

Hacking – Hacks are available both weekday mornings and at the weekend. Riders need to be confident in canter and have had an assessment lesson to be able to hack with us. Private hacks are also available on request. 

We just love seeing the achievements of all of our clients and staff with our horses.

Group lessons