WELCOME TO KIRKLEVINGTON RIDING CENTRE
ABOUT US
Kirklevington Riding Centre is a family-run, BHS-approved centre established in 1981. We are well equipped to cater for every level of ability from the total beginner to the exam candidate wanting a career with horses in an environment that is fun, friendly and progressive. We also cater for those that are differently able, have special needs or learning difficulties.
We also offer a range of livery services with a wide range of facilities and extensive off-road riding, offering a team of friendly and professional staff dedicated to providing you and your horse with an enjoyable experience, supported by in depth knowledge and experienced horsemanship.
As an established competition venue, we specialise in the training and instruction of Working Hunter competitors, with bespoke jumps created on site by Kirkwood Showjumps and championship-standard courses are available for instruction year-round.
We are also a BHS training and examination centre, running challenge awards, Stages 1-3 in horse care and riding plus riding and road safety training courses and exams throughout the year.
Our team of experienced instructors and dedicated yard staff will be delighted to help with any enquiries you may have; please contact us by email or telephone.
MEET THE KIRKLEVINGTON RIDING CENTRE TEAM
Our team hold horsemanship at the heart of everything we do
JENNIFER BROOKS APC
JOINT PROPRIETOR, BHS STAGE 4 SENIOR COACH IN COMPLETE HORSEMANSHIP
Joint Proprietor and Chief Instructor
CHARLOTTE RUDD APC
Centre Manager and Senior Instructor
KAITLIN MASON
Assistant Yard Manager, Instructor
ALEX PERKINS
Yard Technician
ACCREDITATIONS
Kirklevington Riding Centre LLP is a highly-commended riding centre and livery yard, approved by the British Horse Society.
Our accreditation guarantees that we hold horse and pony welfare, along with client safety and satisfaction as top priorities. All BHS centres are insured for public liability and comply with the latest health and safety legislation.
Our riding instructors are all BHS qualified, including Accredited Professional Coaches, ensuring you will receive the highest quality teaching when riding with us. Our coaches are experienced training for professional career pathways and we have several BHS Challenge Award registered coaches onsite.
We hold an RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) Accessibility Mark.
We also hold a 5* Animal Activity Licence (licence no: 147341) from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
YARD RULES
We ensure our horses are well trained and ready to give you the best ride during your lesson but must recognise that even the calmest of horses can be unpredictable and riding is a risk sport.
For your safety and that of our staff as well as the horses, we ask all clients and visitors to the yard to take care and follow the safety rules listed below.
Young children must be supervised at all times
A riding hat of the current safety standard must be worn at all times when riding and when working around all horses and ponies. https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/tack-and-equipment/what-to-wear/headwear
Suitable footwear must be worn whenever you are near or riding the horses
Dogs are not permitted on the yard
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the yard
Please do not feed the horses without permission from your instructor; it can lead to negative behaviours or cause serious medical issues.
Do not enter any stable with a horse or pony without express permission from a member of staff
Do not shout or run on the yard
You must not enter any arena whilst a lesson is in progress without permission from the instructor
If watching a lesson, please keep any noises and sudden movement to a minimum. Do not try and communicate with a rider whilst a lesson is in progress
Prams and buggies are not permitted on the yard.
Photography and video recording of any kind is not permitted without the prior permission of the riding school staff. If you wish to take photographs of your child on horseback, please speak to your riding instructor who can arrange for you to take photographs at the end of the lesson. For child protection, social and religious reasons we do not allow any photography or video recording of any of our group lessons.
FAQ
Helpful Information
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY RIDING LESSON?
Horse riding is a risk sport and it is therefore very important that you are wearing the correct equipment.
Hat: If you have your own hat it is important to ensure that it complies to the current standards. It should fit correctly and have no damage or be badly worn. (https:www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/tack-and-equipment/what-to-wear/headwear) Safety is paramount. You may be asked to show us the standards. If you do not own your own hat, we will provide one for you (this is normally applicable but please note we are unable to do so during the Covid-19 pandemic). An instructor must check the fit of the hat before you mount.
Footwear: You will need to wear something with a small heel and with little grip. No open-toed shoes, trainers, heavy walking boots or with a zip on the inside can be worn. Wellies are acceptable if you do not own riding boots. We do have a small selection of riding boots available for clients to borrow if they do not have their own
Clothing: Gloves are mandatory both for hygiene reasons and protection as the reins could cause blisters on your hands. Trousers should be comfortable and have some give in them. Please note that jeans are not often suitable as they do not offer much flexibility and can rub on the seams. No shorts, skirts or dresses should be worn and your arms should be covered. You can get hot whilst riding so layers are recommended. Body Protectors are optional but encouraged.
CAN I CHOOSE WHICH HORSE/PONY I RIDE?
We have a fantastic herd of riding school horses and our instructors will always ensure a horse or pony of suitable temperament and size is assigned to you. Whilst we do endeavour to pair up horses and riders with personal preferences in mind, we cannot guarantee the availability of a specific horse for your lesson.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
We appreciate that plans can sometimes change and you may wish to cancel your booked lessons/activities. Should you wish to do this for any reason, you must do so with more than 24 hours notice via telephone. If your lesson is cancelled within 24 hours of the lesson start time, full payment is due.
Kirklevington Riding Centre reserve the right to cancel lessons/activities for example in instances of very extreme weather or any environmental/social/health outbreak/pandemic.
AM I ABLE TO WATCH MY FRIEND\/FAMILY HAVE THEIR RIDING LESSON?
We welcome visitors and spectators to watch their friends and family ride and just ask that you please ensure you are familiar with, and adhere to, the yard-rules.
I HAVE NEVER RIDDEN BEFORE. CAN I RIDE WITH YOU?
Absolutely! We welcome riders of all abilities. To begin riding with us, you will need to book a half hour private lesson and our team of experienced and friendly instructors and horses will be delighted to introduce you to riding.
FROM WHAT AGE CAN RIDERS START TAKING LESSONS?
We begin taking riders for lesson from the age of 3. To find out more about our riding lessons click here.
WILL MY LESSON TAKE PLACE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE?
We are fortunate to have plentiful riding space in both indoor and outdoor arenas as well as our fields. The majority of our lessons take place in our indoor arenas where you are protected from the elements but we do conduct lessons outside too so recommend you dress appropriately for the weather.
CAN I BRING TREATS FOR THE PONIES AND HORSES?
We understand you may wish to bring treats for the ponies after they have worked hard on your lessons. We must ask however that you do not feed any horses without permission and supervision from your instructor as this can lead to serious health problems and negative behaviours.
DO YOU OFFER DIY LIVERY?
We do not offer DIY livery at our yard. We mainly offer standard livery and you can find more about this here.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT AND ENTER COMPETITIONS?
To find out what's on and enter our upcoming competitions click here.
I HAVE MY OWN HORSE. CAN I BRING IT TO YOU FOR RIDING LESSONS?
Absolutely. We welcome riders taking lessons on their own horses and our team of experienced, qualified instructors will be happy to help you develop your partnership and achieve your goals. Please specify that you will be bringing your own horse in the lesson notes. There is plentiful trailer and wagon parking onsite.
DO YOU HOLD CLINICS WITH EXTERNAL INSTRUCTORS?
From time to time, external instructors may use our facilities for their clinics and we also arrange clinics on occasions. Details of these clinics can be found here.
If you are interested in hiring our facilities for clinics and training, please get in touch.
CAN I HIRE YOUR FACILITIES?
Absolutely. We regularly run course hire days and these can be found and booked here. If you are interested in hiring part of, or all, our facilities at any other time, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
OPENING HOURS
Visit Us
Monday-Friday: 8am - 8pm (phone lines open until 5pm)
Saturday: 8am - 5pm
Sunday: Competitions only, riding school closed