Hayfield

More capable riders ride in the big school where lessons may have up to 8 riders and a maximum of 10 if they are all competent.

In summer many of the classes are conducted outside in one of the sand arenas with more advanced classes working in the fields, the show jumping arenas, or over the cross country fences.

All classes will be taken out into the park over summer where the riders are taught about “The country code” (link) and how to handle their horse or pony as part of a group out riding in more natural surroundings.

We are happy to arrange smaller private classes for groups or friends who wish to form a private class of their own to work specifically on a subject or exercise of their choosing.  Such classes are particularly effective when learning to jump, ride a dressage test, a course of fences or even to learn to lunge or ride western.  Lesson charges tend to be 50% above normal rates depending on numbers.
For advanced lessons and specialised training see the section Training. Link Question this?

For those keen to progress faster or simply get more riding hours in and for families, block bookings will always give you a discount.

At beginner level you will be shown how to brush over and tack up the horse or pony you are going to ride.  (if you are uncertain – we will help you – come early)

At reception you may choose which horse or pony to ride or we will suggest which one – If your coach is unhappy with the selection they will change it.

Remember to learn the rules of the school so that you know what to do.

Private lessons does not mean having the sole use of the school unless you wish to pay for it.

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN IN OUR CLASSES

Dressage forms the basis of all of all of the forms of training we deliver at Hayfield.  Although it is not obvious to little children as they have fun playing gymkhana games or trotting out for a ride in the park the instructors are constantly guiding them by teaching the correct principles of good dressage training. Link to Personal development through classical training.  (Same as Youth Development page 2

Pic of children doing dressage.
All our clients are encouraged to take part in mini league dressage events.  Once riders are confident and up to standard they may compete locally at other equestrian centres before going further to compete regionally and at riding club level and in British Dressage affiliated events.

Are great fun (for adults too) and boost a riders confidence, make them agile and relaxed.  As an official Pony Club centre we would be out of place if we did not teach pony Club Games – also known as Gymkhana games.  Hayfield teach pony club games in class and run mini competitions.  Teaching games before jumping makes good sense because:

• Playing games is great fun with little risk of injury everyone gains confidence.

• Playing games promotes team spirit and cooperation between riders.

• Playing pony club games teaches natural balance and riders learn how to ride at speed before going on to learn how to jump.

Pic of kids playing games – Kids with rosettes

Not every pupil has to learn how to jump as we are aware that there are many fine riders in the world who don’t.  What we do aim to do is introduce riders to jumping so that if they meet with a log while out on a hack they can jump it.  That said Hayfield has strong links with good jumping performance and has trained and produced riders who have successfully competed locally, regionally, nationally and Internationally.  It is because Hayfield coaches insist that their riders establish a platform of sound basic training and are secure before they start jumping that our jumping riders perform just as well as they do.
Pic. Of class jumping down a grid.  And each member of staff + Mark, Nikki, Jennifer etc

All our clients are encouraged to take part in mini league jumping events.  Once riders have brought their performances up to a required standard there is an opportunity to compete locally at other equestrian centres before going further to compete regionally and at riding club level and in British Dressage affiliated events.

Once riders are confident and even before learning to jump we introduce them to riding in the countryside where learning to ride up and down hills is the first test.  Logically that extends to better control of the horse outside, endurance riding and eventually to event riding which is the passion of Hayfield director John Crawford who was himself a successful event rider in his day.

Our Ribbon System.

Provide an opportunity for riders to be assessed to establish which classes or rides would be appropriate for them to join.   Half hour duration – arrive 20 minutes early for rider registration and fitting hats.