Contessa is a leading Dressage Centre in Hertfordshire, providing Advanced Dressage lessons Lusitano stallions and warmbloods as well as riding for all levels
*** John Adams Showjumping 20th October & October Half Term Pony Days Available to book ***
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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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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
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 (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
October 3, 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.
Children's Learn to Ride – A six week intensive course for children to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future. £120 for 6 week course
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.
Adults Learn to ride – a 6 week intensive course for adults to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future.
£150 for 6 weeks course.
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
October 10, 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.
Children's Learn to Ride – A six week intensive course for children to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future. £120 for 6 week course
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.
N/A: Gymnastic Show Jumping Clinic with Petros Spiliopoulos.
N/A: Gymnastic Show Jumping Clinic with Petros Spiliopoulos.
October 13, 2017N/A
Show Jumping Clinic with Petros Spiliopoulos.
Petros aims to tune into the individuality of each rider he works with so that the sessions are targeted to the specific requirements of that rider/horse combination. By promptly assessing and prioritizing areas of work that need to be attended riders feel that they can achieve results in a session within the context of a longer term action plan. Petros always seeks to maintain a balance between setting achievable goals and sensibly stretching the boundaries of performance. The philosophy behind Petros’s approach is that we all can, within our limitations and potentials, improve our skills in riding our horses so that we can maximize our pleasure of riding and the horse’s happiness and willingness.
The clinic offers group lessons with 3-4 riders. Open to all levels. Bring your own horse (discounted rate) or hire one of ours.
Please contact the office to make a booking.
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.
Adults Learn to ride – a 6 week intensive course for adults to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future.
£150 for 6 weeks course.
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
October 17, 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.
Children's Learn to Ride – A six week intensive course for children to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future. £120 for 6 week course
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.
Adults Learn to ride – a 6 week intensive course for adults to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future.
£150 for 6 weeks course.
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
October 24, 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.
Children's Learn to Ride – A six week intensive course for children to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future. £120 for 6 week course
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.
Halloween Pony afternoon – Calling all ghouls and ghost riders!! Join us for a pony afternoon with a spooktacular difference - including halloween treat & rosette, prize for best fancy dress costume. £30
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.
Adults Learn to ride – a 6 week intensive course for adults to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future.
£150 for 6 weeks course.
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
October 31, 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.
Children's Learn to Ride – A six week intensive course for children to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future. £120 for 6 week course
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.
Adults Learn to ride – a 6 week intensive course for adults to learn the basics and develop solid foundation upon which to build riding skills for the future.
£150 for 6 weeks course.
2:00 pm: Dressage Clinic with Arthur Kottas (Afternoon Session)