The club welcomes riders from all backgrounds, with lessons suitable for everyone. To ensure riders get the most out of their lessons and are safe, the following guidelines will help you to sign up for the right ability. If you are unsure whether you are a beginner or pre-novice/novice and would like some advice, please contact the Springhill or Hilltop rep.

Riding standards for Springhill

Beginner– from never having sat on a horse to ability to walk trot canter and steer independently. There is more flexibility in the beginner lessons to adapt to individual needs. If in doubt, sign up for beginner and wait for Fiona to tell you to try the novice lessons.

Pre-novice– ability to walk, trot, canter and steer independently, suitable for those lacking in confidence and/or those wishing to see if novice lessons are more suitable.

Novice– Confident in walk, trot, and canter and steering independently, with an without stirrups (sometimes even without reins!) Some knowledge of, or desire to learn, lateral movements like leg yield and shoulder in.

Poles/jumping– Knowledge of jumping position and confidence over poles and small jumps. If in doubt ask Fiona at a beginners lesson if you should try the novice lessons.

Riding Standards For Hilltop

Transitional: riders moving up from Spring Hill or who are less experienced/know the basics but not more advanced skills like lateral work. Should be able to transition up and down, rise and sit the trot with stirrups, canter large and in a circle. May be staring leg yields or polework.

Intermediate: These are riders who are working on more complex transitions (e.g. walk to canter), school movements like serpentines, know their diagonals and correct legs, might be ready to start jumping and more challenging lateral work. Can probably go without stirrups

Advanced intermediate: this is our highest level. Riders are ready to jump or are jumping, have practiced shoulder in at trot, could take a stab at an Elementary dressage test, and be comfortable with anything asked in a lesson. No stirrups, no problem.

You must speak to your instructor before booking a jumping lesson.

Please try to book your lesson with others of similar riding abilities. If no other riders of the same ability have booked lessons for the week, you are welcome to contact others in your desired lesson to confirm they are happy to ride with you.