🐎 Adult Riding at The Chestnut Stables

Whether you’re a total beginner, returning after time away, or working towards specific goals β€” we offer a calm, supportive space for adults aged 18+ to build confidence, skills, and enjoyment with horses.

Our experienced staff and kind horses help create a relaxed and welcoming environment for every rider.


πŸ“ Assessment & Induction

All new adult riders must complete an Assessment and Induction before joining a group or booking a hack.
These sessions ensure you’re paired with the right horse and guided toward the most suitable sessions for your needs.

πŸ” What to Expect:

🧭 Assessment Lesson (for returning or experienced riders)
We’ll check your confidence, balance, control, and understanding to:

  • Match you with an appropriate horse

  • Place you in a suitable group or recommend private options

  • Approve you for hacking if appropriate

πŸͺœ Induction Session (for beginners or nervous riders)
We’ll introduce you to the basics of handling and riding in a calm, unpressured setting.
You’ll learn:

  • How to mount and dismount

  • Basic position and balance

  • Starting, stopping, and steering at walk (and trot if ready)

Following your session, your instructor will work with you to create a tailored riding plan that suits your confidence, availability, and personal goals.

πŸ‘‰ Book your assessment or induction


πŸ§β€β™€οΈ Private Lessons

Our private sessions are available in 30- or 45-minute formats and are ideal for:

  • Riders who prefer one-to-one support

  • Adults returning after a long break

  • Beginners building confidence gradually

  • Riders working on specific skills like flatwork, polework, groundwork, or theory

πŸ‘‰ Explore our private lesson types


πŸ‘― Group Lessons – Mixed Ability (1 Hour)

After your assessment and induction, you may be invited to join a 1-hour adult group session. These are friendly, social, and focused on steady skill development.

In these sessions, you’ll work on:

  • Riding position and rhythm

  • Transitions and steering accuracy

  • School figures and exercises

  • Polework (where appropriate)

πŸ“Œ All new adult riders must complete an assessment and induction before joining a group.


🌳 Hacking (Private or Semi-Private)

Riders who have completed a hack assessment may be invited to enjoy guided rides outside the arena.

Benefits of hacking:

  • Builds rider confidence in open spaces

  • Encourages balance and adaptability

  • Offers a relaxed, scenic riding experience

πŸ“Œ Hack assessments are required for all new riders before booking a hack.


πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ Off-Horse Sessions

We also offer a variety of unmounted options to support your progress:

  • Rider Alignment Sessions – Improve posture, balance, and body awareness through simulated riding

  • Theory Lessons – Learn about aids, paces, tack, school figures, and horse behaviour without pressure

  • Horse Care Sessions – Develop confidence and skill around grooming, tacking up, feeding, and more

These sessions are great for those who want to deepen their understanding or who benefit from off-horse learning.


πŸ•’ Flexible Booking Options

Adult sessions are available during the day, in the evening, and at weekends β€” perfect for parents, professionals, shift workers, and retirees.


βœ… Ready to Get Started?

πŸ‘‰ Register and book your adult assessment
πŸ‘‰ What to wear to your lesson
πŸ‘‰ Explore private sessions

Have questions? Get in touch β€” we’re happy to help you plan your return to the saddle.