Contessa is a leading Dressage Centre in Hertfordshire, providing Advanced Dressage lessons Lusitano stallions and warmbloods as well as riding for all levels
*** Bookings now taken for John Bowen Dressage Clinic 11th July & John Adams Showjumping clinic 28th July ***
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Welcome to Contessa Riding & Training Centre
Contessa is one of the UK’s leading Equestrian Centres specialised in Dressage. We are a friendly family run Riding & Training Centre located in 50 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside with easy access to London and Cambridge.
Established in 1977, Contessa is owned and run by Grand Prix rider and trainer Tina Layton-Elliott BHSI & Sheila Layton MBE.
Tina has competed to Grand Prix level and rode internationally on her mare Pik Dame which she had trained from a three year old up to Grand Prix. Tina has always worked to a classical method of training and she works to instill in the method in all her Instructors and Students. The philosophy at Contessa is to strive to create harmony between horse and rider, working as a partnership with the horse.
We provide Advanced Dressage lessons on our Lusitano stallions and our warmbloods as well as riding tuition for all levels. As a training centre we prepare our Apprentices & Students for a career in the Equestrian Industry and for BHS and/or ABRS exams. Co-Proprietor Sheila is deeply involved in the ABRS and became a fellow of the society in 2006. She was awarded an MBE for her services to the equine industry. Find out more about what we offer…
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Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Tuesday evening is about developing a positive attitude towards riding through releasing stress and working on our level of fitness and coordination.
Our aims are to improve flexibility, core stability and postural alignment to develop better balance on the horse.
We welcome anyone who would like to try riding in a group in a relaxed atmosphere.
Contessa's Elite Young Riders Club specialises in Dressage and teaches Young Riders the horse's correct way of going. Joao teaches in a very unique way to get the children to progress and enjoy Dressage. All riders need to be of a certain level, and need to be willing to listen to criticism and advice.
£40 (or £200 for a course of 6 - Discounts available for Pony Club members)
On Wednesday nights you have a chance to join Joao's class to practice Advanced Dressage movements on our super horses. Joao's very direct and charming Portuguese manner combined with challenging exercises will make you sweat and laugh.
The Thursday evening class is targeted at riders have a good understanding of the basics and have progressed from the novice groups and who wish to push their riding and baking skills further. This class consists of a 1hr ride, followed by a lecture/discussion with tea (or coffee) and home baked cake.
This session is only open on special request as Tina teaches her son and staff that night, usually preparing for upcoming competitions. If you would like to join a session please contact the office
Our Friday Pony Club is a firm favourite with our child riders & Pony Club members. Sessions include polework, lateral work and confidence building exercises for all ages as well as a half hour stable management lecture. These sessions are fun and interactive for all our younger riders able to walk, trot and canter.
£32.50 (Discounts for Pony Club members available)
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Tuesday evening is about developing a positive attitude towards riding through releasing stress and working on our level of fitness and coordination.
Our aims are to improve flexibility, core stability and postural alignment to develop better balance on the horse.
We welcome anyone who would like to try riding in a group in a relaxed atmosphere.
Contessa's Elite Young Riders Club specialises in Dressage and teaches Young Riders the horse's correct way of going. Joao teaches in a very unique way to get the children to progress and enjoy Dressage. All riders need to be of a certain level, and need to be willing to listen to criticism and advice.
£40 (or £200 for a course of 6 - Discounts available for Pony Club members)
On Wednesday nights you have a chance to join Joao's class to practice Advanced Dressage movements on our super horses. Joao's very direct and charming Portuguese manner combined with challenging exercises will make you sweat and laugh.
The Thursday evening class is targeted at riders have a good understanding of the basics and have progressed from the novice groups and who wish to push their riding and baking skills further. This class consists of a 1hr ride, followed by a lecture/discussion with tea (or coffee) and home baked cake.
This session is only open on special request as Tina teaches her son and staff that night, usually preparing for upcoming competitions. If you would like to join a session please contact the office
Our Friday Pony Club is a firm favourite with our child riders & Pony Club members. Sessions include polework, lateral work and confidence building exercises for all ages as well as a half hour stable management lecture. These sessions are fun and interactive for all our younger riders able to walk, trot and canter.
£32.50 (Discounts for Pony Club members available)
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Tuesday evening is about developing a positive attitude towards riding through releasing stress and working on our level of fitness and coordination.
Our aims are to improve flexibility, core stability and postural alignment to develop better balance on the horse.
We welcome anyone who would like to try riding in a group in a relaxed atmosphere.
Contessa's Elite Young Riders Club specialises in Dressage and teaches Young Riders the horse's correct way of going. Joao teaches in a very unique way to get the children to progress and enjoy Dressage. All riders need to be of a certain level, and need to be willing to listen to criticism and advice.
£40 (or £200 for a course of 6 - Discounts available for Pony Club members)
On Wednesday nights you have a chance to join Joao's class to practice Advanced Dressage movements on our super horses. Joao's very direct and charming Portuguese manner combined with challenging exercises will make you sweat and laugh.
The Thursday evening class is targeted at riders have a good understanding of the basics and have progressed from the novice groups and who wish to push their riding and baking skills further. This class consists of a 1hr ride, followed by a lecture/discussion with tea (or coffee) and home baked cake.
This session is only open on special request as Tina teaches her son and staff that night, usually preparing for upcoming competitions. If you would like to join a session please contact the office
Our Friday Pony Club is a firm favourite with our child riders & Pony Club members. Sessions include polework, lateral work and confidence building exercises for all ages as well as a half hour stable management lecture. These sessions are fun and interactive for all our younger riders able to walk, trot and canter.
£32.50 (Discounts for Pony Club members available)
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Tuesday evening is about developing a positive attitude towards riding through releasing stress and working on our level of fitness and coordination.
Our aims are to improve flexibility, core stability and postural alignment to develop better balance on the horse.
We welcome anyone who would like to try riding in a group in a relaxed atmosphere.
Contessa's Elite Young Riders Club specialises in Dressage and teaches Young Riders the horse's correct way of going. Joao teaches in a very unique way to get the children to progress and enjoy Dressage. All riders need to be of a certain level, and need to be willing to listen to criticism and advice.
£40 (or £200 for a course of 6 - Discounts available for Pony Club members)
On Wednesday nights you have a chance to join Joao's class to practice Advanced Dressage movements on our super horses. Joao's very direct and charming Portuguese manner combined with challenging exercises will make you sweat and laugh.
The Thursday evening class is targeted at riders have a good understanding of the basics and have progressed from the novice groups and who wish to push their riding and baking skills further. This class consists of a 1hr ride, followed by a lecture/discussion with tea (or coffee) and home baked cake.
This session is only open on special request as Tina teaches her son and staff that night, usually preparing for upcoming competitions. If you would like to join a session please contact the office
Our Friday Pony Club is a firm favourite with our child riders & Pony Club members. Sessions include polework, lateral work and confidence building exercises for all ages as well as a half hour stable management lecture. These sessions are fun and interactive for all our younger riders able to walk, trot and canter.
£32.50 (Discounts for Pony Club members available)
Exploring equine body language and behaviour from the ground, with the aim of improving obedience and understanding. Including demonstration, theory and practical session
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (6pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (7pm Group).
We are working on improving the horse's way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and position.
Tuesday evening is about developing a positive attitude towards riding through releasing stress and working on our level of fitness and coordination.
Our aims are to improve flexibility, core stability and postural alignment to develop better balance on the horse.
We welcome anyone who would like to try riding in a group in a relaxed atmosphere.
Contessa's Elite Young Riders Club specialises in Dressage and teaches Young Riders the horse's correct way of going. Joao teaches in a very unique way to get the children to progress and enjoy Dressage. All riders need to be of a certain level, and need to be willing to listen to criticism and advice.
£40 (or £200 for a course of 6 - Discounts available for Pony Club members)
On Wednesday nights you have a chance to join Joao's class to practice Advanced Dressage movements on our super horses. Joao's very direct and charming Portuguese manner combined with challenging exercises will make you sweat and laugh.
The Thursday evening class is targeted at riders have a good understanding of the basics and have progressed from the novice groups and who wish to push their riding and baking skills further. This class consists of a 1hr ride, followed by a lecture/discussion with tea (or coffee) and home baked cake.
This session is only open on special request as Tina teaches her son and staff that night, usually preparing for upcoming competitions. If you would like to join a session please contact the office
Our Friday Pony Club is a firm favourite with our child riders & Pony Club members. Sessions include polework, lateral work and confidence building exercises for all ages as well as a half hour stable management lecture. These sessions are fun and interactive for all our younger riders able to walk, trot and canter.
£32.50 (Discounts for Pony Club members available)
10:30 am: Spring bank holiday Dressage workshop with Tina Layton BHSI