HORSE RIDING
A SPECIAL MENTION FOR OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
Here at Walhampton, we are lucky enough to have our own stables and arena on site. Many Walhampton children love to ride, and we provide them with a unique opportunity to indulge their passion as part of their timetable.
Pre-Prep riders start lessons in Year 1 and ride in the mornings. Prep School riding lessons take place over lunchtime and during their games sessions.
Walhampton has a 5 star rated riding school and we are an authorised Pony Club Centre. Horse riding encourages our children to explore their personal boundaries, to develop empathy and whilst bonding with our fabulous ponies, they gain a real sense of achievement.
We work on flatwork, establishing the pupil’s position with and without stirrups and reins. Once they are confident, they can then progress to jumping. Within our 100 acres there is plenty of terrain to challenge the children outside of the arena, working on their balance and control. At the end of every term we hold gymkhanas which are not only great fun but show off the skills the children have worked on during their lessons. Rosettes are included!
We have a variety of horses and ponies of different heights, ages and abilities. All the ponies belong to individual pupils and are kept at our on-site Equestrian Centre on working livery contracts. Pupils may bring their own horses/ponies for lessons. All of our riding school horses and ponies are assessed for suitability to encourage safe learning.
As a newly appointed Pony Club Centre, our members will be working towards badges and proficiency tests. This teaches children all about stable management topics including, grooming, tack, leadership roles and pony health and care.
“Nothing beats kindness,” said the horse “It sits quietly beyond all things.”
— CHARLIE MACKESY
Co-curricular
