Lessons

Please note the following for bookings:

*Please note that we can only accept children aged 5 and up*

Bookings must now be made through widbrook-ec.ecpro.co.uk Click here to book.

We are unable to accept telephone, email, FB PM or face to face bookings anymore.  This is because the office will not be manned – it just provides us with access to the tack room.

Bookings always have been on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and will continue as such.

We accept upto 8 riders in a group lesson.

Please remember that the weather can be unpredictable so wherever necessary please dress and prepare for wet weather riding!

Firstly you need to make an account and register each rider. This will then add them to our waiting list. When a space then becomes available your registration will be processed and then you can book online. 

Beginners are only eligible for 45 minute private lessons, so that is all the system will offer you. We don’t run group lessons for beginners. Children may start from 5yrs of age.

We can loan hats if you need us to - £4.00 per lesson, cash please on the day. Hats worn MUST conform to the current safety standard.

Once on the waiting list you will be notified by email when your registration has been processed and then you are given access to the online booking system. It all depends when your account is processed and then what availability is remaining. We have to wait for current riders to move up to make spaces.

When you have had your registration processed, then please note our lessons are only loaded to the end of the next month.  When lessons load at the start of each month, for the next month, they go very quickly and so it is a ‘first come, first served’ basis. 

You will find much more information here on our website too which will be useful, so I do advise you to take a look - particularly ‘What to Wear’.  This is very important along with our Cancellation Policy as we have a No Refund Policy.

You can either book multiple lessons in one booking or just one and as often or as infrequent as you wish. Please note though when booking we have a No Refund Policy - even if you purchase a token package and do not use it all.  When you can book just depends on what there is available when you are looking.

To do this go into Make a Booking, click the calendar, choose a date then Show Availability and follow to payment.

*** All contact is via email or FB messenger***

NB: The system will only offer you what the rider is eligible for and what space there is, I can’t emphasise this enough!  This includes activities such as Pony Mornings and Competitions.

General points to be aware of though when you can book:

• Bookings close 24hrs beforehand.
• Lessons are only loaded to the end of the next month.
• The system will only allow you to book what you are eligible for.
• Once a lesson is purchased we do not give refunds just credit to your account only if cancelled in time.
  (Please see our Cancellation Policy on our website).
• Correct riding gear MUST be worn for safety.
  (If not a ride may be refused and will not be refunded).  (Please read ‘What to Wear’ also on our website).
• We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• We have a weight limit of 80kg.
• We close at 6pm Weds - Sun. 

Thank you in advance for your support and understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to Widbrook Equestrian Centre.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Please note:A minimum of 24hrs notice is required for lessons to be cancelled or changed to another date.  In this instance a credit will be applied to your ECPro account  - we do NOT give refunds.  Cancellations within the 24hr period will be subject to a FULL cancellation fee

LESSON POLICY:

All instructors are B.H.S. qualified or N.V.Q or are training
To maintain continuity we aim to keep the same instructor to classes but occasionally this isn’t possible due to holidays or sick leave
We aim to keep to a maximum of 8 riders in the 1hr group class and 6 riders in the beginners’ lesson
We have a wide range of horses and ponies chosen for their suitability and temperament
Occasionally it is necessary to move an individual into a different class to maintain a level in a group
Generally, adults, teenagers, children and tiny tots are divided into different groups
We aim to give riding lessons in a relaxed, fun and friendly yet professional manner

WHAT TO WEAR:

• When starting it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on expensive gear but it is still important to be as safe as possible until you feel you can invest in your own riding equipment. With this in mind, we are able to loan you a riding hat, this is the most important piece of equipment. As soon as possible it is worth getting your own and having it professionally fitted by a reputable tack shop. (Please see links below).
  Customers must wear an approved current safety standard riding helmet at all times whilst mounted and when handling horses/ponies.

• This would be followed by footwear. Safe footwear is compulsory. Please comply or you will be unable to ride for your own safety. Long riding boots or jodhpur boots with chaps are preferred but the new rider may wear any sturdy shoe that has a small, broad heel with a smooth sole or Wellington boot.  Unfortunately we are not able to supply footwear for you to borrow.

• Jodhpurs are preferred and recommended but any stretch trouser (ie, leggings) will suffice to start with. Jeans are not great as they will chafe and do not give.

• Riding gloves are recommended also to avoid chafing – and in the winter for obvious reasons but they do need to be designed for riding as otherwise can be too bulky or too slippery.

• Body protectors are currently optional but we do recommend new riders start wearing them as soon as possible and the more experienced rider wears them for jumping lessons. Again they need to be of the current approved safety standard and should be fitted by a reputable tack shop.

• Necklaces, dangly ear-rings, bracelets and protruding rings must not be worn as could cause injury.

• Any long hair MUST be tied back or secured in a hairnet.

• Should you need to wear glasses please secure with a sports strap.