Contessa is a leading Dressage Centre in Hertfordshire, providing Advanced Dressage lessons Lusitano stallions and warmbloods as well as riding for all levels
Join our Ride for Research Dressage League Championships on 13th May 2018
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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 (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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 (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
March 27, 2018 –
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
1 hour group session with Emma, working on different exercises, school figures and all round enjoyment. Suitable for everyone able to walk, trot and canter independently.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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 (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
April 3, 2018 –
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
1 hour group session with Emma, working on different exercises, school figures and all round enjoyment. Suitable for everyone able to walk, trot and canter independently.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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 (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
April 10, 2018 –
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
1 hour group session with Emma, working on different exercises, school figures and all round enjoyment. Suitable for everyone able to walk, trot and canter independently.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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 (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
April 17, 2018 –
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.
Private and Semi-private Dressage session on your own horse or hire one of ours. Tina will be working to improve both horse and riders way of going through Classical methods.
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
1 hour group session with Emma, working on different exercises, school figures and all round enjoyment. Suitable for everyone able to walk, trot and canter independently.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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 (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
April 24, 2018 –
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
1 hour group session with Emma, working on different exercises, school figures and all round enjoyment. Suitable for everyone able to walk, trot and canter independently.
Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone who can manage a small jump (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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 (5.15pm Group) or the ones those who want to go up a level (6.15pm 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.
5 week children's learn to ride course running Tuesdays 4pm-5pm. Dates are non transferable, this is sold as a course at a discounted rate. suitable for children from 6yrs upwards.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
May 1, 2018 –
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
1 hour group session with Emma, working on different exercises, school figures and all round enjoyment. Suitable for everyone able to walk, trot and canter independently.
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5:15 pm: Jump Club (Novice) with Leila