Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome riders from age 2 upwards. Our sessions are tailored to the rider's age, confidence and ability, so even our youngest riders can enjoy a safe and positive introduction to ponies.

Absolutely! You don't need any previous riding experience to start with us. We regularly teach complete beginners and will match you with a suitable pony and lesson based on your experience and confidence.

Yes! We have lessons available for adults, from complete beginners through to more experienced riders.

Yes. We cater for riders from beginner through to advanced levels and can help riders work towards their own goals, whether that's improving their flatwork, jumping, confidence, competitions or progressing their riding further.

Yes. We understand that confidence can take time to build. We take a supportive and individual approach and will work at a pace that is appropriate for each rider.

All available sessions can be viewed and booked through our online booking system. If you're unsure which session is right for you, please contact us before booking and we'll be happy to advise.

You don't need a full set of riding kit to get started.

Please wear:

• Comfortable trousers or jodhpurs

• Suitable footwear with a small heel

• A comfortable top suitable for riding

• Layers appropriate for the weather

Shorts are not permitted for riding.

A correctly fitted riding hat must be worn whenever you ride.

We have hats available to hire for £2. If you continue riding regularly, we recommend purchasing your own correctly fitted hat.

Body protectors are required for jumping activities where applicable. We can advise you on the requirements for your particular session.

Our ponies are carefully matched to riders based on their size, experience, confidence and what they are working on.

While we understand that everyone has a favourite, we may not always be able to accommodate requests for a particular pony.

Sometimes, but not always.

We believe riders benefit from developing their skills on different ponies, and our ponies also need suitable rest and variety in their work. We will always aim to make a suitable match for each rider.

You can find out more about our ponies on our Meet the Ponies page. If you're new to Hundleby and would like advice about which type of session or pony would be suitable, please contact us.

Horse welfare and rider safety always come first.

If weather conditions mean that a session cannot safely take place, we will let you know as soon as possible and advise you of the arrangements.

Please give us as much notice as possible if you cannot attend.

Our cancellation and booking terms apply to all sessions, so please check the relevant terms when making your booking.

This depends on availability and the type of booking you have made. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change a session.

Yes, parents and guardians are welcome to watch from the designated viewing areas.

For health and safety reasons, the fields, barns and other working areas of the yard are out of bounds to parents and visitors. Please wait at the top of the yard or near the menage unless a member of staff has asked you to enter another area.

For safety reasons, parents should not enter the working yard areas or handle ponies unless specifically asked to do so by a member of staff.

Our team will let you know if there is anything you need to do.

Please follow our current photography and filming rules when attending the yard.

For safeguarding, privacy and operational reasons, there may be restrictions on filming lessons or taking photographs in certain areas.

If you're unsure, please ask a member of staff before taking photographs or videos.

Yes! We offer a range of activities throughout the year, including pony experiences, pony days, Pony Club activities, holiday activities, pony camps, hacks and other special events.

Please check our What's On page for current activities and availability.

Yes. We offer birthday and pony party experiences. Availability and activities can vary, so please contact us for current options.

Yes. We run different holiday activities throughout the year, including pony days and pony camps.

Spaces can be limited, particularly during school holidays, so early booking is recommended.

Yes. We offer Pony Club sessions for riders who want to develop their riding and knowledge both on and off the horse.

Yes. We offer opportunities for riders to develop their knowledge and riding, including preparation for relevant BHS stages and other progression opportunities where available.

Yes. Depending on your riding ability and the current programme, there are opportunities to develop jumping skills, attend clinics and work towards competition goals.

Our Pony Loan Scheme gives riders the opportunity to take on more responsibility for a pony and develop their riding and horse-care skills without owning their own horse.

Not necessarily. We have different levels of involvement designed around riders' experience and independence.

We'll assess whether a particular loan is suitable for the rider and pony before agreeing to a loan.

Depending on the level of loan, responsibilities can include riding, grooming, tacking up, caring for the pony and helping with general day-to-day care.

The level of responsibility increases as the rider becomes more experienced and independent.

We will always try to match riders with a suitable pony, taking into account their size, ability, experience, confidence and the pony's needs.

The best match isn't necessarily the rider's favourite pony, so our priority is always finding a safe and suitable partnership.

Yes. Riders on loan agreements are required to have regular lessons so that we can monitor their progress, support their riding and make sure the arrangement remains suitable.

Please check the current loan agreement for the specific requirements.

No. Hundleby is a working equestrian centre and riding school, so please don't enter the yard or working areas without an appointment or booking.

Parents and visitors should remain at the designated waiting areas, such as the top of the yard or near the menage.

The barns and fields are out of bounds unless a member of staff gives permission to enter.

Yes, please use the designated parking areas and follow any instructions from staff when arriving.

You can contact us using the details on our website.

Please be aware that when we're teaching or working with the horses, we may not be able to answer the phone immediately. If you leave a message, we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Please get in touch! We'd much rather you ask than book the wrong session or arrive unsure about what to expect.