Why Learn To Ride?

Find out what hundreds of thousands of men women and children of all ages and backgrounds are already enjoying. The thrill, excitement and pure pleasure of forming a working relationship with a horse or pony. Whether you want to quietly potter on a safe,schoolmaster, or want the thrill and challenge of riding in competitions there is something for everybody at Drakes Farm.

How to Start

Visitors to the school are always welcome.

Booking Your First Lesson - please call us on 01460 929766 or 07764 532832. Alternatively email us, email@drakesfarm.co.uk

What You Will Learn?
• Learn correctly and safely at a British Horse Society (BHS) approved school.
• Learn to understand the importance of the correct position of the rider to be in balance and harmony with the horse.
• Know how to use the correct aids for full control of the horse in all paces.
• Be able to maintain correct balance and co-ordination when in walk, trot, canter and when jumping.
• Understand the meaning of trotting on the correct diagonal and cantering on the correct leading leg.
• Have a good knowledge of the tack and equipment used for the horse and to know when this fits correctly.
• Learn the basic "points of the horse" and the different parts of the saddle and bridle. Learn how to put on a head-collar and lead a horse in hand.
• Learn the importance and reasons for grooming a horse and learn how to pick out a horse's feet.
• Learn how and when to use all the tools in a grooming kit.
• Learn how to ride several different horses and how to recognise difference in temperament and suitability for beginners, novices or more advanced riders.
• Understand the physiology of a horse, the symptoms of a sick horse and know when to call the vet.

Benefits of Learning to Ride
• Stimulates mental co-ordination.
• Increases the rider's mobility and suppleness of body.
• Teaches an awareness of the needs of animals and their relationships with people.
• Strengthens muscles and improves posture.
• Improves fitness and self confidence of the rider.
• Teaches control of the rider's hands, seat, back and legs.
• Encourages the rider to look forward to their riding lessons and their time spent in a different environment.

Tuition

Tuition is provided by a team of skilled instructors with many years of experience in a range of disciplines, both competition, classical and leisure riding. Tuition can be given in private or groups lessons and the lessons can be tailored to the individual requirements. Tuition is offered to people of all ages from 4yrs. to 75 yrs. old,beginners, nervous and experienced riders. All beginners or inexperienced riders can be led, until they ask to be let free (we typically require parents to lead their own children).

If you would like to bring your own horse or require special tuition please contact Chris Matravers

 

2009 Prices: (as of Sept 2009)

	1/2 Hour	Hour	Numbers
Group	£13	£19	4 - 8 (more at w/e)
Private	£18	£24 £30	upto 4 1 to 1
Assessment Lesson	£18

**Use of riding equipment (Hats & Back protectors) is included in the charges above, and all items are to the latest safety standards. Any equipment brought by riders must comply with safety standards.

Tuition Days

We offer a mixture of Group and private lessons during the week as shown in the table below. Group Lessons at the weekend are typically very popular so available spaces are limited, please call for availability.

Day	AM (9am to 12)	PM (3pm -6pm)	Evening 6.30
Monday	Private Lessons
Tuesday	Group & Private Lessons	After School kids Lessons	Evening Group Lesson
Wednesday	RDA, Private & Group Lessons	After School kids Lessons	Evening Group Lesson
Thursday	Group & Private Lessons	Private Lessons	Closed
Friday	Group & Private Lessons	After School kids Lessons	Evening Group Lesson
Saturday	Group Lessons	Group Lessons	Closed
Sunday	Group Lessons	Group & Private Lessons

Pony Days - ***NEW***

Own a Pony Days / Half Days

Our activity days provide the ideal opportunity to “experience” the practical side of owning your own pony. More than just riding, pony days are an opportunity for the children to learn to handle the pony in the stable, on the ground, to lead them, groom them and even to muck out. The emphasis is on fun and on building confidence and skills.

Pony days are either half days or full days. The programme is carried out under supervision and includes grooming, other aspects of horsemanship, riding tuition, mounted gymkhana games, quizzes and other fun activities.
Pony days are packed with fun, the children ride, learn how to care for the pony, in a safe environment.

There is also the opportunity of working towards nationally recognised badges and safety certificates. Please let us know if you would like to know more about the Progressive Rider Tests and Riding & Road Safety Test.

Similar days can be organised for adults who feel they missed out.

PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES - Clients age, weight, height & level of experience is required at time of booking. For ages 5 to 16years. The Half Day is recommended for children 8yrs and under.

WEATHER - If weather is bad then you will remain within the school.

DURATION - Full day. 10.00am - 4pm. (Please bring a packed lunch)
Half Day 10.00am – 1:00pm

COST Full Day £48
Half Day £28

DRESS CODE - Riding hats and boots are included in the price. Suitable clothes for wet weather also recommended

For further information or special requirements please contact Chris Matravers to discuss details.

Hacking

Drakes Farm Riding Centre is situated on the edge of the Somerset levels which allows access to a network of quiet country lanes (99% road work). All hacks are accompanied by an experienced rider as guide. All horses used for hacking have good road manners. However riding out on the public roads is a risk activity, other road users cannot be accounted for.

£22 per hour (or multiples depending on length of ride requested)

**Unfortunately we do not offer horses for hire, all hacks are accompanied as specified above.