Hayfield

All of the classes are part of a matrix which provides for riders of all standards from beginners up. Classes are taught either in one of the two indoor schools, one of two outdoor arenas, the main jumping arena or out in the fields and in the park.

Wherever you are learning you will be following Hayfield’s time tested progressive programme of learning which is enjoyable, structured and maps out your progress so that you always know how well you are progressing as well as what you need to learn next.

For 35 years our system has been turning out confident riders and it can do the same for you.  The following are notes which will help you take best advantage of the system – Enjoy!

Ribbon Standard System……..

First there comes your beginner course perhaps after you have been out for walkies (if you are little) or paddock hacks just to get the feel of the horse or pony.

The beginner classes we run are set 12 week courses taking the beginners from the very first stages through to “Certificate day” when they become officially “Novice riders” at which point you will join regular classes.

Class lessons are most affordable way to learn to ride, have an enjoyable sociable side to them, with children’s classes in the weekdays after school, adults in the evening and both adults and children on the weekends.

Riders in classes get to know each other, sharing the joy of riding and discussing their various adventures, successes or misadventures!

Many a lifelong friendship and even marriages have started from meeting someone in a weekly riding class.

Classes are mostly taken indoors unless riders are considered safe riding outside.

Children’s classes are conducted from 4.30 to 5.30, from 5.30 to 6.30 on weekdays and from 9 am to 5.00pm throughout the weekends.
Adult classes are conducted from 6.30 to 7.30 and 7.30 to 8.30 pm on weekday evenings and at certain times during the weekdays and on weekends.  Click here for typical lesson chart. Link

Hayfield’s unique Progressive Learning System Link allows all of our riders to easily find which classes are of their standard.  Riders may need to book a half hour assessment lesson of just be advised by reception to find which standard of class will suit them.

When they know their standard they can then choose to ride in a number of classes. Although each of our instructors teaches to the same syllabus they all have their own unique coaching style.  This means that by trying various classes allow you to find an instructor whose style suit you.

Will establish your level of riding and which class standard (or hack) would benefit you most.  Assessment lessons are of a half an hour’s duration but arrive 20 minutes early for registration and to fit your hat and meet your instructor.

We will always suggest that you move from one class to another if we feel it is to your advantage. Hayfield’s progressive system works well by either allowing those who have lost confidence or are suffering a temporary setback to move back a grade or to move up a grade when they are ready to benefit from having their abilities stretched.

Being regular in your attendance in a class brings good results.  Missing class’s means that you are not able to follow the full learning plans which the instructor sets for you.  Keeping a log book of what you learnt in each lesson or a diary of your progress is also a good idea.

Remember if you have to miss a class you can pick it up as a lost lesson by entering another class of your standard at a different time.

Click here for Lesson chart Link.  If your progress seems to have stalled as happens from time to time why not book a private lesson to jump start your progress? Link to Private lessons

Instructors and coaches use the system to create lesson plans and two or three regular assessments show riders and parents how well the rider has progressed and identify strengths and weaknesses which they might need to work on.

Knowing you standard allows you to join other classes of the right standard if and when you cannot get to your regular class or you want to take in extra lessons.  You can use your record of assessment when you book at another centre to show what you have learnt Link to  Ribbon system chart.

To boost your confidence or your progress in class or simply to improve your basic riding position and riding skills lunge lessons are great.

This is where the coach controls the horse on the end of a long rein which allows the rider to be free to concentrate on altering their position or whatever their coach advises.

Due to the concentrated nature of the work achieved during lunge lessons they never exceed 30 minutes.

Lunge lessons will benefit riders of all ages and stages to deepen their seat and improve their riding technique and balance.

Riders of five years old starting classes after doing walkies will start off riding in the small indoor arena until they have progressed enough to be safe to join regular classes.

Class numbers in the small school are usually up to 6 or 8.