Contessa is a leading Dressage Centre in Hertfordshire, providing Advanced Dressage lessons Lusitano stallions and warmbloods as well as riding for all levels
Arthur Kottas Dressage Visit Spectator Tickets available, All clients need to complete a data protection consent
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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
May 29, 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.
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
June 5, 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.
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.
12th June, 19th June, 26th June, 3rd July and 10th July
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
June 12, 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.
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.
12th June, 19th June, 26th June, 3rd July and 10th July
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
June 19, 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.
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.
12th June, 19th June, 26th June, 3rd July and 10th July
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
7:00 pm: Balance, Position and Coordination with Wanda
June 26, 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.
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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10:00 am: Bank Holiday Adults Riding and Horse Care Day