Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We can lend riding hats to new riders. Wear leggings or joggers, and boots or shoes with a smooth sole and small heel, no trainers please. Dress for the weather and bring gloves if possible. No trainers or open toed shoes can be worn for horse riding.

For your safety and comfort, please follow our clothing guidelines:

Riding Hat

For protection a riding hat must always be worn with the chin strap fastened when riding or handling a horse from the ground. It must be professionally fitted (and be to the current British Horse Society Standard). Whilst we are able to lend riding hats initially, on joining it is mandatory to have your own riding hat as no hat will fit as well as your own.

Body Protectors

Adults: Whilst we do recommend our adult clients wear a correctly fitted body protector when riding our horses, these are only compulsory when jumping fixed obstacles. If the client decides against wearing a body protector when jumping non-fixed obstacles, they do so at their own risk.

Children: We strongly recommend children wear a correctly fitted body protector when riding. If a parent or guardian decides against, they do so acknowledging there is an increased risk of injury, and by providing their consent to ride without are accepting this risk as their responsibility. Body protectors are mandatory for all ages if jumping fixed obstacles.

Air Jackets

Air jackets cannot be worn when horse riding at Lavant Equestrian due to the danger imposed on other riders should the canister in the air jacket be released.

Clothing

Always dress according to the weather conditions. Track suit bottoms or leggings are a good alternative to jodhpurs. Loose clothing which may flap should not be worn and scarves or hoods tucked inside exterior clothing. When it is hot the shoulders should be covered to prevent sun burn or grazes. Gloves ideally should be worn to protect your hands and for improved grip on the reins. Jodhpurs, riding leggings and breaches can all be easily sourced online or in a tack shop.

Footwear

Footwear must be of a sturdy construction with a smooth sole and small heel to prevent the foot slipping through the stirrup iron. Once riding regularly we recommend Jodhpur boots with half-chaps or long riding boots as the best form of riding footwear.

Jewellery

All jewellery, other than wrist-watches and wedding rings, must be removed when around horses to prevent accidental loss or risk of personally injury should the jewellery become entangled in horse’s mane or tail.

Please ensure all bulky/sharp items, or those that may make a noise, are removed from your person before riding.

Once riding regularly, you will need your own professionally fitted riding hat and body protector. Please see our FAQ on riding wear for more detail on body protectors. Short boots can ONLY be worn with half chaps. Short whips and no spurs please.

What riders choose to wear is often a matter of personal preference, but we’re always happy to recommend a few trusted suppliers.

The Lavant Equestrian sportswear range is a great place to start — designed for comfort, style and everyday practicality. You can explore our current collection in the Lavant Equestrian Shop.

For wider equestrian kit, we recommend:

• Equitogs, based in Billingshurst with a wide online offering for rider and horse.
  Website: https://equitogs.com/
• Stockley Outdoor & Equestrian, with stores in Littlehampton and Midhurst, plus an online shop. They offer a wide range of quality, good-value equestrian products for both horse and rider.
  Website: https://stockleyonline.co.uk/
• Oldwick Saddlery, conveniently located in Lavant, offering a carefully selected range of high-quality equestrian clothing and equipment.
  Website: https://oldwicksaddlery.co.uk/

All other kit can be purchased online, including good quality second-hand options. However, riding hats and body protectors must always be professionally fitted to ensure comfort and safety.

Book an Introductory Ride, a relaxed, one-hour visit including 45 minutes of one-to-one riding. It’s the perfect way to meet our team, explore the yard and be matched to a suitable horse or pony.

Call 01243 530460 or email riding@lavantequestrian.co.uk.

Riding is primarily reserved for our members, ensuring consistency and progression. However, we occasionally offer one-off sessions for non-members when space allows.

Please contact our office team to find out more: riding@lavantequestrian.co.uk

• Office opening hours: 8.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 5.30pm (closed on Tuesday and Sunday)
• Riding hours: Monday–Friday 10am to 7.30pm, Saturday–Sunday 8.15am–6pm

You’re welcome to pop in during office hours, but please remember we are closed for lunch between 1pm–2pm.

Yes, Lavant Equestrian provides professional horse riding tuition for all levels, from complete beginners through to advanced and competitive riders.

See our Why Ride with Us? page for more information.

We can provide Woodland Walks from 2 years of age and on reaching 4 they can join a group lesson.

You’ll be in very safe hands. Lavant Equestrian’s safety record is second to none, and our calm, professional instructors are experienced in helping adults rebuild confidence at their own pace.

Absolutely not. We teach riders of all ages, including many well into their 70s. As long as you can mount and dismount unaided, you can learn to ride safely with us.

While Lavant Equestrian is not an RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) centre, we can accommodate many riders with additional needs, provided you can mount and dismount unaided.

Please speak to our team to discuss your individual requirements.

Yes. For the wellbeing of our horses, our upper rider weight limit is 13 stone (82kg). We may verify rider weights where appropriate to ensure safety and suitability.

Hacking out is an exclusive benefit for members of Lavant Equestrian.

Yes. All of our coaches follow the British Horse Society and UKCC pathway of professional qualifications, receive regular CPD training, are DBS checked, First Aiders and are knowledgeable in child safeguarding.

Every lesson has its own assigned coach who is responsible for their riders’ lesson plans, progress and safety. Groups have a maximum of 6 riders of similar age and move up through the levels as they progress.

Groups follow a standard setting programme whilst private lesson content is decided with the client.

No one can guarantee that falls won’t happen, however safety at Lavant Equestrian is taken extremely seriously. Our goal is a 100% no-fall-off rate and we are very close to achieving that every month.

Horse riding is an outdoor activity; therefore, we ride in all weathers. Lavant Equestrian also has a large indoor arena, ensuring lessons can continue whatever the conditions.

Always dress appropriately for the weather.

Membership at Lavant Equestrian offers the best value and the fastest progress. Members enjoy:

• A guaranteed weekly lesson slot
• A dedicated coach and horse
• Access to off-site hacking and horse loan schemes
• Priority booking for activities and events

Please see our How It Works page for more information about memberships.

We require a minimum of one month’s notice in writing. Verbal cancellations cannot be accepted. Annual subscriptions are non-cancellable.

Private Members may request a replacement session, while Group Members cannot. Please see our full Terms of Membership for details.

We understand that injuries can happen outside of Lavant Equestrian and may prevent you from riding for a time. If this happens, you have two options:

1. Keep your membership active during your recovery period — this is the only way to guarantee your lesson slot will be available when you return.
2. Cancel your membership by providing four weeks’ written notice. When you’re ready to ride again, simply contact us and we’ll let you know what lesson slots are available at that time.

Our team is always happy to discuss your individual circumstances and help you choose the best option for your situation.

No. For fairness and consistency, the same rules apply to all members.

Our horses live out in herds, which is healthier and more natural for them. They are fit, happy, and perfectly suited to our riding programmes.

Yes, we run popular pony days, camps, and special activities during school holidays.

See our What’s On page for current events and activities.

Yes, we have free on-site parking for members and visitors.

See our Contact page for map and directions to Lavant Equestrian.

Yes, we’d love to show you around. Just get in touch to book a visit.

Either fill out our online enquiry form, or contact us directly and we’ll guide you through the process and book your first introductory ride with us.

Yes, riding memberships and experiences make wonderful gifts. Gift vouchers can be purchased in our shop.