Each session boasts around 4-6 riders and horses and they are carefully selected based on ability and experience. It is not uncommon to have two rides occurring simultaneously with one flatwork lesson and one hack, for example.
Riders are initially assessed in a 1:1 lesson so we can gauge what to work on and how to proceed. Riders are then continually assessed by the instructor in every lesson so it is clear what the aim is for each lesson and also aids progression.
We also have the much coveted ‘Rider of the Week’ rosette for the rider we feel has listened to instruction and progressed the most in the ride.
Riding lessons last approximately 30 minutes and can be based on flatwork, pole work or jumping but we are weather dependent as our arena is in the field so if it is wet, we usually hack.
Hacking is a huge part of SLS. We are blessed with fantastic countryside around the village and we also conduct our ‘suburban’ rides into Wincanton town which loop back over into the village. All the horses are safe to ride on the road and it is mandatory for all riders to wear high visibility tabards (provided) when riding in any weather. We also encourage high visibility clothing on the horses themselves. We are proud to use the BHS Ride Safe scheme and are actively involved in promoting safe riding on roads. Please note there will always be a person on foot with hacks in case of emergency with the exception of the advanced riders. Each lead horse rider must take the travelling first aid kit and walkie-talkie with them on every hack.
A 20m x 40m arena is set up in the flat paddock all year round to enable riders to gain flatwork schooling knowledge and is an effective space to teach. We have 10 sets of showjumps that appear in the same field around spring-time.
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