Where to start...
Some people ride to relax, others want to focus on learning new skills, some just want to give it a go! Riders from 5 to 85 are welcome at Larkrigg. The team of professionally-qualified instructors will help you to learn at your own pace and share the joy of riding with confidence.
Whether you are already a confident rider, an enthusiastic novice or completely new to horseback - Larkrigg's riding lessons will help you to build your skills, knowledge and confidence in the saddle. The instructors’ priorities are always the rider's safety and enjoyment, but their experience will also enable you to develop your riding techniques, improving your own or your child's abilities.
When customers first come to Larkrigg they are given a private assessment lesson so the next steps can be agreed and planned together. For complete beginners the next step may be a series of private lunge lessons to establish basic control and build confidence, for more experienced riders it could be about choosing the correct group lesson. Private lessons are also available to all customers who feel they need a little extra help or specialist training in some area.
It's about more than just riding...
Any experienced rider will tell you it's as important to understand and control your horse on the floor as in the saddle. Good stable management and basic horse handling skills are a core part of the Larkrigg teaching ethos. Learning how to groom, tack up and look after a horse can also be fun and a great way to build friendships so separate Stable Management lessons are available for anyone wanting to brush up on old skills or add new ones.
A quick note about safety
Our top priority is keeping everyone safe while enjoying their time with the horses. Horses are sensitive animals and can react quickly to things happening around them. Because of this, we sometimes need to give clear, firm instructions without warning. It might come across as abrupt, but it's never personal, it’s always about keeping you and those around you safe.
It’s also worth knowing that shouting or sudden noise, especially screaming, can really unsettle horses. Staying calm and quiet helps them feel secure, which makes everything safer for everyone.
Riding takes a fair bit of physical effort too. It involves strength, balance and coordination, and you’ll need to be actively involved throughout each session. It’s a sport, and like any sport, a certain level of fitness is important.
If you think you might find it difficult to follow instructions quickly, keep calm around horses, or manage the physical side of riding, it might not be the right activity for you. And that’s completely fine — it’s not for everyone.
Thanks for helping us keep the yard a safe and welcoming place for all.
Costs
BEGINNERS LEAD REIN LESSON (Approx 30 - 45mins) £25
GROUP LESSON’S (Approx 40 - 45 mins) £25
PRIVATE/SEMI PRIVATE LESSON (30 mins) £35
STABLE MANAGEMENT LESSONS = £15
VOUCHERS - These can be a great gift to get someone started or even back in the saddle - call for details.
Children must be 5 years old, weight Limit of 12 Stone/76Kgs (fully clothed with riding gear on)
Dress - No trainers, jeans or shorts. Long trousers and shoes with a small heel a must.
Payment is Cash, Cheque or card.
Cancellation Policy. With the ever increasing rise in people not showing up and not letting us know, we have had to operate a cancellation policy. WE REQUIRE 24HRS NOTICE FOR ALL CANCELLATIONS. If you do not show up for your lesson you will be charged the lesson fee upon your next booking. If this happens more than once you will loose your space and it will be given to the next person on our ever increasing waiting list.
“As a parent it can be daunting seeing your child ride for the first time, at Larkrigg I never doubted that they were in safe hands and more importantly, having the time of their lives!””