Contessa Riding & Training Centre

“My name is Zak and I first sat on a horse when I was just 6 weeks old! My mum and dad own and run Contessa so I have been very lucky to be able to ride all my life. I have been training in the Elite Young Riders group for about 2 years now and have built up courage, experience and knowledge on horses. Just recently I have taken ownership of 2 stallions, a 17 year old Grand Prix standard horse called Riacho who was on the reserve team for the 2012 Olympics and a 7 year old called Merlin who was imported from Spain where he was trained to do all the high school movements. I enjoy Joao’s lesson and feel that I have learnt allot since being in his lessons and I like being part of it.”

“My name is Mia and I am 10 years old. I have been riding for 4 years and joined Contessa one year ago. Since I started here Wanda and Joao have helped to boost my confidence as a rider and develop my riding techniques.  Once I began at Contessa I became hooked on dressage because of the beauty of the movement from the talented horses.  The highlight of my riding so far has been taking part in the shows that Contessa holds throughout the year and     adding to my rosettes! I am looking forward to growing further as a rider and part of the Junior Elite team!”

We run evening classes every weekday between 5pm and 8pm for adults and children, from novice to advanced riders.
Participation on an evening class is subject to an assessment lesson which makes it easier for us to book you onto the suitable evening class for you. If  you are already having lessons at Contessa and you would like to join an evening class please ask your instructor or any member of staff to book you in.

You can hire our facilities for corporate or social events.

We also offer workshops for companies and organisations.

Our partner LeadChange has been developing the leadership and communication skills of company executives and others for many years through experiential workshops with horses. Our horses can be used for those workshops.

Up to 93% of meaning is communicated non-verbally. With their prey instincts and hypersensitive awareness, our horses size people up instantly and accurately. They read the truth in our energy and body language and react to what they see – holding up an authentic mirror to our intention and behaviour.

Horses are adept at picking up and responding to human intention and non-verbal communication. They provide instant, honest, accurate feedback in the moment – creating experiences which get to the core of issues quickly, powerfully and effectively.

If you are interested, in improving your team work, leadership & self-awareness skills through horse-human interactions with your work colleagues please contact us for further information and to arrange a workshop.

Contessa offers Pony Birthday Parties. Fully insured, we can offer the perfect party for children aged 4 years and up.  Choice of a 1 hour party (Silver) or 1.5hrs (Gold). Parties run from 3 pm (Silver) or 2.30pm (Gold) on Saturdays & Sundays, some availability other days during school holidays. Parties run both indoors and outdoors.

We aim to create a fun & safe environment for the children during the party. For safety reason the maximum we cater for is 12 children. Every child receives a party rosette and the birthday child a painted horse shoe alongside a special rosette. Finish off the fun by bringing your cake and drinks in our clubroom or the straw barn area for warmer weather.

To book your party, complete the booking form and email for the attention of Dawn/Leila Contessateam@contessariding.co.uk, Payment is taken in full at time of booking and completion of rider registration form. We are able to cake card payments over the phone. 10 days notice is required for cancellations. You will be refunded in full less an admin charge of 20%. Any cancellation after this date are non refundable.

Download the birthday party booking form now:

party-bookings18

• Silver Pony party (3pm start)A one hour session with 4 ponies/small horses. Includes:
  • Mounted games and pony fun
  • All children get a chance to ride. Children swap on and off ponies.
  • Fun safe environment
  • Painted horseshoe for Birthday child plus special birthday rosette
  • Party rosette for every child
  • Price includes hat hire.

  £200.00 – max of 8 children (Over 8 children an extra £20.00 per child we can only take 12 children for safety reasons)

  Gold Pony Party (2.30pm start)

  An hour and half session with 4 ponies/small horses. Includes:

  • Half hour supervised grooming and horse care. Including plaiting manes and tails.
  • Mounted games and pony fun
  • All children get a chance to ride. Children swap on and off ponies.
  • Fun safe environment
  • Painted horseshoe for Birthday child plus special birthday rosette
  • Party rosette for every child.
  • Price includes hat hire.

  £240 – max of 8 children (Over 8 children an extra £20.00 per child we can only take a max of 12 children for safety reasons)

  Health and Safety

  Although we take every precaution horses and ponies are unpredictable live animals.  Riding is a risk sport. Although we take every care, it is impossible to eliminate all risk. When you or your child rides you should be aware of the following risks: Injury from falling off the horse or pony, having your feet trodden on, being kicked, being squashed by the horse or pony, and being bitten.  This list is not exhaustive. All Children will only be permitted to ride and be around the ponies in suitable clothing and footwear, i.e. boots or shoes with a small heel or wellies, long sleeved tops and wearing standard hats (provided). No trainers. Parents are encouraged to be in suitable footwear to assist with children around the ponies.

At Contessa we offer regular demonstrations with our Advanced Dressage Schoolmasters explaining training horse and rider through the levels. This is a great opportunity for every rider to learn and see what to aim for. We also offer natural horsemanship demonstrations and loading and anti-spooking workshops.

Those of you who have attended before will know that we try to create a friendly, fun atmosphere because we believe it’s the best background for learning. Learning never stops, and we believe the best way to develop is to share knowledge. Riders should be comfortable being instructed in front of an audience.

There’s lots of time for selfies, pictures and chatting. Check our events calendar for our next demo. If you would like to ride in one of our demos or bring your own horse for a demo please send us an email or ask a member of staff.

We offer private or semi-private side saddle lessons and western lessons by special request.

We also run monthly equine communication workshops by our visiting instructor Derek Williams.

We have a lovely Logo Wear Collection including:

Please see a senior member of staff to purchase any item.