Equestrian

Horse riding, or equestrian sport, refers to the skill of training and riding horses.

An Overview of Equestrian

Horses can be used for riding, driving and vaulting (the sport of gymnastics on the back of a horse). Horse riding can include a huge range of activities such as dressage, jumping, pleasure riding and for therapeutic reasons. Horse riding is a sport that anyone, regardless of age, ability or background can have a go at!

The most enjoyable aspect to horse riding is the bond you create with a horse or pony whilst being outside in the fresh air, once you have mastered the basics there are a number of equestrian disciplines and equine sports you could specialise in as your confidence, skill and knowledge grows.

Sitting on a horse may not seem like an obvious form of exercise but it pretty much involves all the muscles in your body, between ensuring posture and balance, and controlling the horse.

Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as the highest expression of horse training, where horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements.

Eventing is the ultimate equestrian challenge combining the skill of dressage, the precision of show jumping and the bravery and boldness of the cross country phase into one exciting activity.

Show jumping takes place over a course of obstacles, which can include verticals, spreads, double and triple combinations, usually with many turns and changes of direction.

Costs

Lesson prices vary across the country but an hour lesson can cost around £50

Adaptations and Equipment

The majority of riding centres and schools provide horses for use in any lesson or session, as well as essential equipment such as a riding hats and saddle. Other recommended pieces such as body protectors, jodhpurs and riding boots can be bought from equine retailers.

Contact your local Physical Activity, Health & Wellbeing Team

Across Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland the Physical Activity, Health & Wellbeing Teams are providing opportunities to support you to become more active.

Daily Boost

The Daily Boost aims to encourage children and young people to do 15 minutes of organised activity at school every day, benefiting their long-term physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Fitcation

The Fitcation offer is about inspiring gentle adventures and active escapes as part of short break activity holidays and trips to Leicestershire and Leicester.

This Girl Can

No one gets to choose how you exercise other than you. Your body, your call. And whatever that looks like, we think it’s worth celebrating. This Girl Can, funded by The National Lottery, believes th

De Montfort University

DMU offers the perfect combination of award-winning teaching, world-class facilities and a fantastic student experience.

University Of Leicester

Our university was founded almost a hundred years ago in the aftermath of the Great War. The men and women who built this new institution hoped that it would be not only a living memorial to the darkness of their recent past, but a beacon of hope for the

Leicester Racecourse

Leicester Racecourse is a dual Flat and National Hunt venue .

Park View Riding School

Burroughs Wood

A wood of two halves linked by a public Right of Way. The northern section contains ancient woodland with a sea of bluebells in the spring. To the south is a newly planted wood created in 1996/97.

Mere Lane Horse Riding Scool

Active Blaby

Active Blaby is your local service to help people become more active. We work hard to give people the capability, opportunity and/or motivation to add a bit more movement into their daily lives.

Old Woodlands Farm

Old Woodlands Farm is a 10.1ha Tender Scheme winner from 1999 near Newtown Unthank. It forms a continuous block of woodland with neighbouring Tender Schemes and existing woodland at Martinshaw Wood and popular for walks.

The Meadows Livery And Competition Yard

The Partings Wood

The Partings Wood is a 39ha wood planted in 2002 on the edge of Stanton-under-Bardon and is perfect for walks.

Bagworth Heath Woods

A 75ha reclaimed colliery site owned by Leicestershire County Council between Bagworth and Thornton. Part of the work has been funded through the Tender Scheme and now allows for easy walks.

Hinckley Equestrian

Witham Villa Equestrian Centre

Kimberley House Group (RDA)

Ashmount RDA Group (Riding For The Disabled Association)

Brooksby Equestrian Centre

Fantastic coaching and facilities hire at Brooksby Melton College. Set in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, Brooksby’s Equestrian Centre is well established in the area.

Loughborough University

Loughborough is extremely proud of its reputation for providing the best student experience. From its earliest days Loughborough University has produced research that matters, with strong links with industry, commerce and the professions.

Sport England

Sport England is committed to helping people and communities across the country create sporting habits for life.

Spirit and Soul

Award Winning Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning Provider.
Working with adults and children, with Mental health difficulties, behavioural difficulties and adults with Cancer.

Mount Group (RDA)

Owston Lodge Equestrian Centre

We cater for beginners to advanced riders. We like to include you in tacking up and strive to involve you in the day-to-day care of the horses and ponies. This gives you the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional ride