Holiday Activities

During the holidays and half terms, we offer different activities which cater to riders of all ages and abilities. We are offering a variety of new activities for the May Half Term and the Summer holidays, including Pony Disco Mornings, Two Day Camps and Group Lessons for Novices and Beginners.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Book before 24th May for a 10% discount, using the discount code SUMMER25

Group Lessons (Beginners) – one hour

In groups of no more than four, riders will be taught by one of our highly experienced BHS-trained coaches and matched to a pony/horse who will suit their ability and size. Time is spent before the lesson familiarising the rider with their pony and teaching them the key points of handling and leading a pony, understanding and responding to the pony’s behaviour, as well as how to safely mount and dismount. Riding time will be 50 minutes.

Group Lessons (Novices) – one hour

These lessons will follow a similar format to the Beginners’ Group lesson and will be tailored to the ability of the riders attending.

Rider Restrictions: Suitable for riders who can ride off the lead rein. Not suitable for complete beginners.

Ad hoc Riding Lessons

We offer 1-2-1 lessons for 30 minutes or 45 minutes. All lessons are taught on well-schooled horses and ponies with qualified and professional instructors. The first lesson will be an Assessment lesson in which the instructor can assess your ability, and work with you on setting goals for future lessons.

Please contact equestrian@st-teresas.com if you would like to book a private lesson.

Pony Mornings/Afternoons (9.30am-12.30pm/1pm-4pm)

These are designed to be a fun and interactive experience for all riders. Working in a small group with an experienced instructor, the children will focus on the basics of horse handling and care, from understanding horse behaviour and how to handle the ponies, to the basics of riding. Children will be able to help groom and care for the ponies, as well as having a 45-minute to one hour ridden session.

Rider Restrictions: Beginner riders can book these sessions, but there is a minimum age of 5 years.

Pony Disco Mornings (Novices)

Pony Day Camps (9.30am-3.30pm)

Pony Day Camps are a really immersive experience and are designed for riders who are a little more capable. Horse behaviour and horse care will provide a focus both on and off the yard. Children will be taught how to act around the ponies; how to groom and prepare the pony to be ridden, as well as how to mount and how to untack. There will be time spent riding in the arena and/or on an onsite hack.

Rider Restrictions: Most of our Day Camps are for novices (can walk and trot off the lead rein) and who are age 7 and over. One of our Day Camps this Summer is for those who are 13+ years, and able to walk and trot.

Pony Disco Two Day Camps

As with the Pony Disco Mornings, these two-day camps are a fun introduction to ‘Disco Dressage’, with riders being introduced to using music as a way to improve their riding skills by finding rhythm and harmony with their pony. The morning of the first day will be an introduction to Disco Dressage and planning the routine. Time will be spent grooming, preparing the ponies and tacking up. This will be followed by an hour to 90-minute ride time, practising in the Arena and then performing. The afternoon will be spent in Stable Management. On the second day, riders will prepare the ponies and then practise their routine, ready for a performance for parents/guardians to watch.

Rider Restrictions: One of our two-day camps this Summer is for riders with some riding experience and who are age 13 years or older; the other two-day camp is for novices who are aged 9+ years (please note this two-day camp isn’t a Disco camp).

BHS Ride Safe Silver Challenge Award

This course is perfect for those riders who would like to gain the confidence and skills to ride safely on the roads and in other common public areas. Riders will learn how to plan routes and prepare to ride their horse confidently on off-site hacks. The course is part theory and part ridden, culminating in the BHS Ride Safe exam. The Course is recognised in the Highway Code and recommended as best practice.

BHS Stage 2 Refresher sessions

These sessions are designed to be refresher lessons for those riders who are preparing for their BHS Stage 2 exams. They are part of a series of four two-hour sessions, held every Wednesday at 1pm at STE. It is not necessary to attend them all, so you can choose which sessions you think will be most beneficial to you. There will be a maximum of four people per session.

Week 1 (6th August) – Anatomy and Systems
Week 2 (13th August) – Feeding and Fitness
Week 3 (20th August) – Tack, Clipping, Shoeing and Plaiting
Week 4 (27th August) Transporting & Stable Design

If you would like training sessions in these topics, rather than revision sessions, please get in touch with us at equestrian@st-teresas.com.

Hacks

The onsite hacks at STE offer an opportunity for riders to immerse themselves in the stunning landscape and grounds of St Teresa’s School. The hacks follow the grassland and wooded carriage trackways through the estate and last 30 to 45 minutes. These hacks are open to all abilities and are led by an experienced member of the team.

Off-site hacks, which explore the beautiful, undulating Surrey Hills, are also possible for more experienced riders with their BHS ‘Ride Safe’ certificate.

Please visit our Booking website to register and see the availability for Easter, May half term and the Summer holidays.