Riding Lessons

Contact: stables@strathorn.com

We have been working with horses at Strathorn since 1939, passing on our knowledge of riding, driving, horse care and stable management.

Our depth of experience is our strength.  Our teaching technique has been developed and refined over generations. Combining traditional knowledge with modern teaching has helped us improve the skills of thousands of people.

It has been a learning experience for us too, and having taught so many people over such a long time has shown us what works and what doesn’t.  Our methods are not static, we know that some people learn in different ways and we adapt our lessons accordingly. Our instructors are skilled at recognising your strengths and your weaknesses. We know that everyone learns in different ways and we have developed hundreds of different techniques to teach you the fundamental skills you need to get the most out of your riding and driving.  

There is not much we haven’t seen and nothing we can’t help you with – we always have a different way of explaining something ready to get you to the next level!

UNDER 18s Group lessons.

TIME AND PRICE

(NEW PRICES Jan 2023)

  • Private Assessment/Intro lesson 15 min – £20
  • Beginners 30 min lead rein – £26
  • Beginners 30 min off lead rein – £23
  • Intermediate 45 min – £27
  • Advanced 60 min – £30

Group lessons for Children

After an introductory lesson we will match you with a group of your ability.  

For children’s lessons, we match them to an instructor they are comfortable with and we learn each child’s individual needs – we then ensure they are in a lesson where they feel confident and which will bring out the best of their abilities.

Mastering fundamental skills is the key to progression, and having clear targets and defined levels is the best way to improve.

Our structured training program has well defined goals, with the skills you need to progress clearly identified. The skills are the building blocks you need to perform at the next level – once you master one set you will quickly see how they can be combined and transferred to more complex riding techniques.   This keeps you progressing at a pace you are comfortable with and helps you get the most enjoyment out of your riding.  

Class sizes are small – it not a “Bums on Saddles” ethos at Strathorn. For beginners, it’s a maximum of 5 so we can give you the attention you need until you have mastered the basics.  Once you can control the horse, you can move up to our groups of 7. Our experienced riders are also in groups of 7 which offer a great opportunity to learn from each other.

This allows you enough space to learn for yourself and from each other.  We encourage you to discuss your progress with your group members before and after lessons – it’s a great way to get the most out of it, and also to get to know your fellow riders.

Our instructors get to know you personally and constantly monitor your progress. Our lessons are structured but with flexibility to work on specific skills when necessary. Our instructors also discuss each rider with each other to ensure they are in a lesson at the right level. 

Please note that for insurance reasons, we can only work with children over 5 years old

Booking lessons:

  • Please create an account with us on Hopoti by clicking on the booking button below
  • After you have created an account and added rider(s) we will need to grade them, which will give you access to lessons that are similar to your riding ability. We will only be able to give you a grade once you have been in for an assessment lesson with us. Book an 15 assessment lesson or 30 minute private lesson on HOPOTI
  • Email stables@stathorn.com if you need any help with your account
  • Due to high demand, we might need to place your child on a waiting list until there is an available spot for them to join.

Cancelling lessons:

  • Please cancel your lesson 24h in advance. Cancelling less than 24hrs before your lesson leads to a full charge
  • No shows pay the full price of the lesson.

Group lessons for Adults

Start with an introductory lesson to find you level, then we will match you with a group of your ability.

INTRO LESSON

 FOR NEW RIDERS.      15 MINUTES    £20

PRIVATE LESSON    

 ALL RIDERS.      30 MINUTES    £37

ALL RIDERS.      40 MINUTES    £47

GROUP LESSON

45 Min. £30 Adult beginner group

1 hour. £33 Adult experienced group for a max of 7 students. 

Riding Lessons Update Jan 2023

  • We currently run adult lessons on evenings Mon-Fri, and one advanced group on Sundays.
  • In order to join an adult group lesson, you will first require an assessment lesson. You can also book a 30 min private.
  • Assessment/Intro lesson 15 min – £20
  • 30 minute private lesson – £37

Booking lessons:

  • Please create an account with us on HOPOTI by clicking on the button below
  • After you have created an account and added rider(s) we will need to grade them which will give you access to lessons that are similar to your riding ability. We will only be able to give you a grade once you have been in for an assessment lesson with us. Book an assessment lesson or Private lesson on HOPOTI
  • Email stables@stathorn.com if you need any help with your account
  • Due to high demand, we might need to put you on a waiting list until there is an available spot for them to join.

Cancelling lessons:

  • Please cancel your lesson 24h in advance on HOPOTI
  • No shows or cancellations with less than 24hr notice pay the full price of the lesson.

Mastering fundamental skills is the key to progression, and having clear targets and defined levels is the best way to improve.

Our structured training program has well defined goals, with the skills you need to progress clearly identified. The skills are the building blocks you need to perform at the next level – once you master one set you will quickly see how they can be combined and transferred to more complex riding techniques.   This keeps you progressing at a pace you are comfortable with and helps you get the most enjoyment out of your riding.  

Class sizes are matched to your ability to give you the amount of attention and space you need. They are normally for 4-6 people but we can run groups of 7 for our experienced riders. We encourage you to discuss your progress with your group members before and after lessons – it’s a great way to get the most out of it, and also to get to know your fellow riders.

Our instructors get to know you personally and constantly monitor your progress. Our lessons are structured but with flexibility to work on specific skills when necessary. Our instructors also discuss each rider with each other to ensure they are in a lesson at the right level. 

Our Horses

We have hand-picked all our horses and ponies. They are all regularly schooled & hacked by staff and students. 

Our horses get individual care and attention – they receive the best of everything and their routine is suited to their needs. They all have daily/overnight turnout and 5 weeks holiday a year! Our horses are all individuals with their own characters and minds of their own. They aren’t trekking ponies and are trained to listen to their riders so you have-to learn to control them.

Their workload is closely monitored so our horses are not overworked. They have a day off every week and we give them a variety of schooling, hacking & jumping.