Contessa is a leading Dressage Centre in Hertfordshire, providing Advanced Dressage lessons Lusitano stallions and warmbloods as well as riding for all levels
*** IMPORTANT NOTICE We are running another ARTHUR KOTTAS Dressage Clinic on the 25th/26th and 27th of September 2017! Interested riders please apply ASAP; spectators please book your tickets ***
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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.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
August 29, 2017 –
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.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
September 5, 2017 –
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.
Semi-private lessons working through the scales of training with international trainer John Bowen.
Bring your own horse or hire one of ours. Please book via the office.
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)
Be ready to have fun with members of the Great British Vaulting team who will lead sessions on warming up, fitness and dance, and show you how to use a barrel (a static horse) to practice your moves.
This sport is the safest equestrian discipline and is open to all ages. You don’t need to be able to ride to take part or even know anything about horses; so great for non-riders.
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.
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
September 19, 2017 –
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)
2:00 pm: Dressage Clinic with Arthur Kottas (Afternoon Session)
2:00 pm: Dressage Clinic with Arthur Kottas (Afternoon Session)
September 25, 2017 –
Classical Dressage Clinic with ARTHUR KOTTAS former First Chief Rider & instructor of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna!
Spectator tickets are £15 each) and are valid for the afternoon session, including tea & coffee. Refreshments are also available for purchase. Contessa clients may purchase their tickets in the office at a reduced rate!
Very limited spaces are available for riders (open to horses from Novice to GP). Applications will be taken by email to contessateam@contessariding.co.uk Please tell us your horse's level of training, age, breed and height as well as your riding/competition experience.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Classical Dressage Clinic with ARTHUR KOTTAS former First Chief Rider & instructor of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna!
Spectator tickets are £25 each and are valid for the whole day, including tea & coffee. Refreshments are also available for purchase. Contessa clients may purchase their tickets in the office at a reduced rate!
Very limited spaces are available for riders (open to horses from Novice to GP). Applications will be taken by email to contessateam@contessariding.co.uk Please tell us your horse's level of training, age, breed and height as well as your riding/competition experience.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
10:00 am: Dressage Clinic with Arthur Kottas (Morning Session)
10:00 am: Dressage Clinic with Arthur Kottas (Morning Session)
September 27, 2017 –
Classical Dressage Clinic with ARTHUR KOTTAS former First Chief Rider & instructor of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna!
Spectator tickets are £15 each and are valid for the morning session, including tea & coffee. Refreshments are also available for purchase. Contessa clients may purchase their tickets in the office at a reduced rate!
Very limited spaces are available for riders (open to horses from Novice to GP). Applications will be taken by email to contessateam@contessariding.co.uk Please tell us your horse's level of training, age, breed and height as well as your riding/competition experience.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
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)
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6:00 pm: Jump Club (Novice) with Leila