Stirrup club allows members to put their knowledge in to practice.
At The Chestnut Stables, the Stirrup Club is an educational program focused on basic horse care, handling horses, and assisting other riders. This program is designed for young horse enthusiasts who want to learn how to care for horses, help with daily tasks at the yard, and gain valuable experience by supporting others. Members will gain practical experience in activities such as grooming, feeding, preparing horses for lessons, and helping other riders—both in and out of lessons.
By participating in the ABRS Equestrian Care Awards (ECA), members will track their progress and work toward nationally recognized certifications, gaining valuable skills that go beyond basic care.
Learn Basic Horse Care & Handle Horses Safely: Gain hands-on experience in grooming, feeding, tacking up, and safely handling horses in various situations.
Assist Other Riders & Observe Lessons: Help other members get their horses ready for lessons, assist during lessons, and observe different teaching methods to enhance your knowledge.
Mental Health, Well-being, & Confidence Boost: Spend time with horses to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and boost your confidence in a supportive environment.
Social Skills, Teamwork, & Life Skills Development: Build essential skills like communication, teamwork, responsibility, time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking through group activities and lesson participation.
Work Toward ABRS Certification: Track your progress through the ECA logbook and earn nationally recognized qualifications.
Flexible Booking & Recognition: Choose from a range of sessions that fit your schedule and receive certificates for your hard work and achievements.
Supportive Community: Join a friendly, encouraging community where you can learn, grow, and help one another.
The Stirrup Club runs in 4-week blocks. Sessions are scheduled to give members flexibility while ensuring they gain experience with horse care, handling, and helping others. Bookings close one week before the start of each block to ensure everything is in place.
Session Times:
Tuesday: 4 PM – 7 PM
Wednesday: 4 PM – 7 PM
Thursday: 4 PM – 7 PM
Saturday Morning: 8 AM – 1 PM
Saturday Afternoon: 1 PM – 4 PM
Saturday All Day: 8 AM – 4 PM
Please note: Not all sessions are available to PAYG members. Please check the system for available sessions.
Subscription Option: £10 per week – Attend 1 to 3 sessions per week and automatically gain access to the ABRS Equestrian Care Awards. After subscribing, you’ll need to book your sessions via our booking system.
Eligibility: 10 years and older to join on a subscription. Complete ABRS Equitation Test 2 or ABRS Horse Care Test 1, or have attended at least 16 PAYG Stirrup Club sessions or 16 Young Rider Pony Care session.
Pay as You Go (PAYG): £12 per session – Sessions can be booked individually via the booking system.
Eligibility: 9 years and older and ABRS Equitation Test 1
Entry Level: Minimum age 10
Intermediate Level: Minimum age 12 and must have completed Entry Level
Senior Level: Minimum age 14
There is no time limit to complete the logbook, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
As a Stirrup Club member, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
Chance to earn ridden rewards.
A 10% discount on riding equipment and accessories (excluding Chestnut Stables clothing).
Enrollment in NSPCC safeguarding courses (for members aged 16+).
Invitations to external events and activities based on eligibility.
Your hard work and positive attitude will be recognized both on the yard and in the saddle!