At Hordle Walhampton the children have a unique opportunity to ride whilst attending school. Lessons are organised at lunchtime, during Senior and Junior Games and on Saturday mornings. 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, cross country riding, hacking around 90 acres of woodlands, playing polo and polocrosse.
There is also the opportunity to compete at school competitions. Dressage, Dressage to music, Show Jumping, combined training and gymkhanas are organised throughout the year.
Riding is available for pupils of all levels from complete beginners to experienced competitors. We cater for the fun rider wishing to ride purely for pleasure and pupils wishing to take equine study further through the Pony Club exams and also our own Progressive Riding Tests.
THE STAFF
Eve Blachford – Head of Riding is responsible for the overall organisation, management and development of the Equine Centre including organising Interschool Competitions. She currently holds her B.H.S.A.I. (Regd) qualification and competes at British Dressage Affiliated Competitions and can also be found show jumping, riding cross country and playing polo with the children. She has a positive teaching manner and is keen to inspire children to ride and compete to the best of their ability.
Cassie Glennie – Riding Instructor teaches children of wide ranging ability, from children in Reception with no experience to pupils wishing to compete on their own ponies. She has a talent for teaching in an encouraging, warm and friendly manner. This creates an environment that allows confidence to grow and ability to improve.
THE HORSES AND PONIES AT HORDLE WALHAMPTON SCHOOL
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 the Equestrian Centre on Working Livery Contracts. From the most perfect Shetland pony – for the smaller rider to Welsh and New Forest Ponies who have fantastic temperaments to ex competition horses for the more advanced riders.
Pupils may bring their own horses/ponies for lessons and may use a stable for the day (providing that the yard is not full) at no extra charge. Stables should be booked in advance by contacting the Equestrian Centre. Any feed and hay must be brought in with the pony. The stable must be mucked out on departure.
All horses and ponies are assessed for suitability to encourage safe learning and ensure that both children and ponies progress in their learning.
EVENING STABLES AND STABLE MANAGEMENT
On Monday evenings we hold Evening Stables from 5pm-6pm. The children come over to the Equestrian Centre and learn about anatomy, feeding, grooming, mucking out and all subjects that will help them look after a pony. They can also work towards their Progressive Riding Tests.