Riding Farm Equestrian Centre

Riding Lane, Hildenborough, Kent, TN11 9LN

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01732 838717

Email us:

ridingfarmoffice@aol.com

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Please note, we do not take bookings for lessons by email.
To make a booking, please phone the office on 01732 838717.

New clients can download our special offer voucher for £5 off their first lesson

Our Riding School is open every day, with outdoor lessons taking place from early morning until late evening. Tuition is provided by our BHS trained instructors. We have horses and ponies suitable for adults and children of all abilities.

We are one of only a few UK riding schools to offer lessons for children under the age of four. Please contact us to find out more about our private lead rein lessons for three year olds.

Please see our lesson prices and booking terms. Our Riding Farm gift vouchers and clothing make ideal presents for riders of all ages!

If you’re planning a social event for your colleagues or are looking for some creative team-building, a riding session at Riding Farm Equestrian Centre makes a great team activity. Find out more about corporate bookings at Riding Farm.

Our Lessons

We offer private (for one rider), semi-private (for two riders) and group lessons, of either half an hour or one hour duration. Depending on the rider’s grade, lessons can cover flatwork, jumping or a combination of both.

Grading System

We run our own bespoke grading system for Riding School and livery clients. All new clients start with a Graded Assessment as their first lesson, so that they can be assured of an appropriate ride for their ability. Complete beginners start at Grade 0 on the lead rein and work their way up, with assessments for each grade. Our top level is Grade 6, for riders who can jump a course of show jumps set at 80cm. Rosettes are awarded for all successful assessments from Grade 1 onwards, and we also offer specially-tailored events for all grades.

So we can match our riders with a horse which suits their level, all of our horses and ponies are graded according to the same system, and are regularly re-graded.

Hacking

For riders who have passed a Riding Farm Hacking Assessment, we offer escorted private, semi-private and group hacks on our 80 acres of land.

Road Hacking

Liveries are able to do road hacks once a hacking assessment has taken place. Sally offers short road hacks, long woodland hacks and the very popular group hack on a Saturday where we often stop and get an ice cream in the summer!

Show Jumping

In addition to our standard private or group show jumping lessons, we also offer specialist show jumping sessions with Sally Gosling, who holds a level 2 coaching certificate and is also a BHSAI. Sally competes nationally and in Belgium.

Stable Management

We provide stable management sessions on a private or group basis.

Essential Information

Your First Lesson

If you’re visiting us for your first riding lesson, here are a few tips to help you come prepared.

We have riding hats available for you to borrow for your first few lessons. After that, please provide your own hat that meets current safety standards; PAS 015, VG1 0.1.040, SNELL E2016 or ASTM F 1163.

Riders are requested to wear long trousers and a shoe or boot with a low, flat heel. Trainers, sandals or flip-flops are not allowed. We have a selection of riding boots that you can borrow for your lesson, but we can’t guarantee to have your size available.

Wear clothing that is suitable for the time of year and weather conditions on the day. Gloves are a good idea whatever time of the year you’re riding. Your lesson will be outside so bring a coat if it’s cold or raining.  If you’re going to be jumping then it’s sensible to wear a long-sleeved top.

Jewellery should be kept to a minimum and only stud earrings should be worn.

Remember that riding is a sport so you may get a bit sweaty and feel tired after your lesson! We grade all of our horses so that we can match you to a ride suitable for your ability, but please bear in mind that horses are living creatures and may occasionally act unpredictably.

Lead Rein Lessons

We accept children from the age of three for riding lessons. Riders aged four and up can take part in private or group lead rein lessons. Each rider must be led by a parent or guardian for the duration of the lesson. Our youngest riders, aged 3, may only book onto private lead rein lessons and must be accompanied by two adults, one to lead and one to support the rider in the saddle.

Payment and Booking Terms

Please ensure you have read our payment and booking terms before attending your lesson.

Other Information

In accordance with BHS guidelines, our staff are trained in child protection issues.