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!”

Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone capable in walk, trot and canter that can manage a small jump. You will need to be assessed for the group before joining as it is a group that works on improving the horses way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and light seat position.

One hour group ride.

Show jumping Mondays are now running and open to anyone capable in walk, trot and canter that can manage a small jump. You will need to be assessed for the group before joining as it is a group that works on improving the horses way of going over and around fences. Learn different exercises to help your confidence, balance and light seat position.

One hour group ride.

All children starting riding with us, no matter what level they start, at begin with an initial half hour one-to-one lesson.
These sessions are offered weekdays after school from 3.30pm – 5pm.
We have limited availability at weekends for private children’s lessons.

Tiny Tots Cuddly Pony(Ages 2.5-5yrs), midweek only

We offer riding for children from 2.5 yrs on a Cuddly Pony session which is a great starting point and aimed at the under 5s to build confidence. We offer this session for 20 minutes and run on weekdays between 10am and 3pm.
A parent would be expected to walk alongside until the instructor felt they were happy to be independent.

We offer group lessons for all children which run weekdays after 5pm and weekends. Theses groups are split into abilities and are called kids clubs. We offer the following groups:

Saturday 11:00am Childrens’ shared flatwork, walk and trot independently (4 places).

Saturday 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:00pm Childrens’ half hour individual balance and coordination sessions

Saturday 2:00pm Childrens’ shared flatwork, walk and trot independently (4 places).

Sunday at 11am Pony club weekly.

Sunday 2pm Childrens’ shared polework/jump session (4 places)

To book a lesson please call us to find a suitable time or you may email for further information.
We will need weight, height and any previous riding experience in order to book a lesson.
Payment is made at time of booking. Lessons can be purchased as a block of lessons which includes a discount.
Please see our terms and conditions regarding cancellations.

We offer a full schedule of clinics covering dressage, jumping, western and more. Please check our events calendar for upcoming clinics or contact us by email for further information.

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. Parties run from 2 pm to 3.45 pm on Saturdays or Sundays, some availability on 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 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 email Contessateam@contessariding.co.uk or phone the office 01920 821792. Payment is taken in full at time of booking. 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.

An hour and 45 minutes session with 1 or 2 ponies/small horses. Includes:

• Supervised grooming and horse care.
• Fun obstacle course and games

• Pony ride. Children swap on and off ponies.
• Fun safe environment
• Special birthday rosette for Birthday child.
• Party rosette for every child.
• Price includes hat hire.

£225.00 – max of 10 children (Over 10 children an extra £15.00 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.