Holiday Activities

During the holidays and half terms, we offer different activities which cater to riders of all ages and abilities.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Please check the ‘Holiday Activities‘ page of our Booking website for any discount codes that may be applied when booking.

Group Lessons (Beginners) – one hour

In groups of no more than three, 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.

Ad Hoc Private Lessons

We offer 1-2-1 lessons for 30 or 45 minutes. All lessons are taught on well-schooled horses and poniesfv 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 seasonally-themed and 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. Each session is planned by the instructors and activities vary from Disco Dressage and Gymkhana-style games to treasure hunt trail rides.

Each session is planned by the instructors and activities vary from Disco Dressage and Gymkhana-style games to treasure hunt trail rides.

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

Pony Disco Mornings (Novices)

These Pony Mornings are a great introduction to ‘Disco Dressage’. Incorporating music into riding is a fun way to improve riding skills and to learn school moves by helping riders to find rhythm and harmony with the pony. Riders will have just over an hour of riding time, with time spent warming up in the Arena before the dressage begins. Riders will also spend time grooming, tacking up and preparing the ponies to be ridden, as well as untacking and cleaning tack.

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

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.

Progress Clinics

A variety of Progress Clinics are available for all abilities during the holidays. The focus of these clinics varies and range, from an ‘Introduction to Dressage’ and ‘Polework to improve Flatwork’ for all abilities to learning. Lateral work and improving jumping skills for more advanced riders.

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.

This course is offered in the Easter and/or Summer holidays based on demand. Please contact equestrian@st-teresas.com if you would like to register for the course.

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 the 2025-6 holidays.