Holidays

We offer holiday programmes to suit all levels of rider here at Contessa. They can be tailored to suit your needs and run over any length of time from a couple of days to a week or two. Lessons are given in small groups. If private lessons are required then there is a supplementary charge. Holiday programmes include two or three rides. At other times you can join in on lectures and watch rides, take the opportunity to spend time grooming and pampering the horses or just relax! You can focus on improving your dressage, show jumping, working towards equine exams or just learning basic skills.

Courses generally start at 10am and finish at 4pm, but anyone wanting to spend more time working with the horses is welcome to join us on the yard from 8am. The course outlines are as follows:

General Purpose – riding twice or three times a day. As with all of our riders we start with an assessment lesson and then you can participate in a variety of lessons, lectures in horse care, watch demonstrations etc. Riding will include flatwork lessons to improve position and feel and to develop a better understanding of the dressage movements. Those that want to can also take part in jump lessons, or even take a leisurely stroll on horseback around Contessa’s land.

Beginners/Novice course – riding twice a day. This includes many of the elements of the General Purpose course, but there is more tuition on a one-to-one basis and lunge lessons to help riders acquire a good and correct seat from the start.

Special Dressage – riding three times a day. As implied by the name, this course goes into more depth with dressage riding from novice to advanced levels. For riders who are ready for more advanced work we have horses trained right up to Grand Prix level, so they can practice pirouettes, flying changes, piaffe and passage. Even if you are not at a level with your riding to progress onto these movements, we have a large number of horses able to take you through lateral work in its earlier stages and from whom you can learn a great deal.

Holiday Price List Price per day (for two or more days)
Beginners Course – Riding x 2 £60
General Purpose – Riding x 2 £50
General Purpose – Riding x 3 £65
Special Dressage – Riding x 3 £75