HORSE RIDING
Severnvale Equestrian Centre
Getting started with Severnvale
Riding horses is a fantastic experience that
everyone should be able to enjoy, and the
guidance set out in this booklet will help to keep
you safe and comfortable while starting on your
riding adventure.
If you are looking for a pastime that will keep you fit
in the great outdoors - horse riding is for you. It's a
rewarding and exciting sport that anyone, regardless
of age, ability or background can have a go at, as no
experience is necessary. Moreover, it's easy to learn
to ride at Severnvale, as the Centre provides lessons
for someone who has never ridden before, to those
that want to just 'brush-up', or to improve their
riding skills.
Furthermore, you don't worry about the weather or
mud, as you can enjoy riding lessons that are
relevant to your needs in the Centre's indoor and
outdoor arenas. Also, we use carefully selected
ponies and horses of differing abilities and sizes, so
they are suitable for everyone, from total beginners
to the more experienced rider.
"I started riding here a few
months ago as a beginner
and can't say enough
about the staff, instructors
and horses. I usually have
lessons with Taylor but
have had lessons with
Nina, too, and they are
both great - positive,
encouraging, friendly and
always end lessons with a
summary of how we did
and what we can work on.
The best part of my week
is my time spent here, it's a
wonderful place to ride!”
Marissa Stephenson
August 2019
A fantastastic experience
In this booklet
•
Our instructors
•
Getting started
•
What to wear
o
First things first
o
Hat
o
Long pants
o
Shoes
o
Gloves
•
Types of lessons
•
What’s the cost?
An exciting sport for everyone - regardless of age
Our instructors
Severnvale's instructors are friendly and have a wide
range of qualifications and expertise; as well as
many years of practice of getting the best out of
nervous adults and young children.
Their main priority is your enjoyment and safety, and
to make sure that you realise your riding ambitions.
They have a wide range of qualifications, expertise
and experience, including eventing at national and
international levels, work with competition horses,
knowledge of 'Intelligent Horsemanship', and a
sympathetic understanding of the needs of the rider
and their expectations.
Getting started on your first-time ride
If you are new, or relatively new to riding, and wish
to book your first lesson at Severnvale, it is best to
call into the office and discuss it with one of our
instructors. We can then assess your riding abilities
and personalise your lessons to your individual
needs. It also provides an opportunity to discuss
what to wear.
If you cannot call into the office in person, then
please book a lesson by telephoning the Centre.
What to wear
There is no need to worry
about what to wear on
your first horse riding
lesson, as we don't expect
a complete beginner to
have all of the right
clothes. But it is essential
to have a rough idea of
what to wear, and also to
wear safe and comfortable
clothing.
When you make the
arrangements for your
first lesson with
Severnvale, we will
discuss this with you, as it
is all about ensuring your
safety and comfort and
enjoying your first ride,
which are excellent
reasons why you need to
know what to wear.
Make new friends
First things first
The essential
clothing you will
need for your first
ride is a comfortable
top that allows your
arms to move freely
without fear of
getting them
trapped and comfy
trousers. You should
aim to wear thin
layers when riding,
as if too hot you will
be able to take
layers off, and if
learning in cold
weather you will be
able to put extra
layers on - being hot
and bothered is not
a comfortable way
to learn to ride.
Additionally riding,
especially on a
warm day, can work
up a sweat, so bring
a water bottle to
stay hydrated
throughout the ride.
Keep fit in the great outdoors
Hat
The one thing you must wear – over which there is
absolutely no negotiating – is a riding hat. These
comply with a British Standard system, and the
various regulatory bodies of riding approve specific
standards at any one time. The Centre has a range of
riding hats of different sizes that are available to
borrow during your lesson, so it will be possible to
make sure that the one you use fits correctly.
If you find that riding is for you, then a riding hat is a
worthwhile investment as it could save your life.
Long pants
An essential characteristic of the pants you choose
to ride in is that they end at or below your ankles.
Any comfortable pants should suffice, but you should
aim to wear bottoms that are not baggy and not
made from rough materials. Avoiding this type of
material ensures the comfort of both you and the
horse, as your legs will be on the sides of the horse
and may rub if they are a rough material.
As you progress, you may want to invest in a pair of
good jodhpurs if you will be riding regularly.
What's the cost?
The cost of each lesson
depends on the qualification
and skills of the instructor
chosen, the type of lesson, and
of course, whether it is one or
half an hour in length.
Lessons at the weekend are
more expensive than those
taken during the week.
However, they can be paid for
individually, or booked in
blocks, at a discounted price.
A Price List showing the cost of
the range and period of the
lessons that are given by the
different instructors is available
from the Centre. Additionally,
when booking through this
website, the cost of the various
riding activities offered by the
Centre is shown.
Shoes
Footwear is one of the essential pieces of
your riding attire.
For your first ride, there are just a few
characteristics your shoes or boots should
have. The only absolute necessity is that
your shoes must be closed-toed, as open-
toed shoes allow the possibility of bare toes
getting stepped on; and never wear
anything like hiking boots because these are
too 'grippy' and may cause your foot to get
stuck.
If you have safe, comfortable heeled boots,
these would be an excellent option to wear,
so long as the heels are short enough to
keep the stirrup from sliding too far back on
your foot. Also, if you are going to wear a
shoe with laces, tuck in the laces as if left
out, they can get stuck on your saddle.
In due course, you may want to buy a pair
of riding boots if you decide to continue
riding.
Gloves
Gloves may also be a good idea to take just in
case, as it prevents rubs on your fingers and
provides a sturdier grip for the reins: but these
are not a necessity at this stage.
Types of lessons
Lessons can be 'Private', which means that you
receive individual one-to-one tuition, or 'Semi-
Private', in which case, two people share a
lesson. For a first-time ride, you may prefer a
'Private' lesson.
Alternatively, 'Group' lessons are available, in
which three or more people take part, these
groups are, however, usually kept quite small.
There is also a 'Lead Rein Group' for very young
riders.
