Lessons
Contessa offers lessons for all levels of rider from the complete beginner to advanced riders.
The price of each lesson varies depending upon the length of the lesson, the number of riders in a lesson and the level of the instructor.

All of our instructors will give lessons to riders of any level, but below is a guide to the level of rider most suited to each instructor's qualification and experience. You do not necessarily have to stick to the same instructor, and you can ride with a variety of instructors.

All new clients must start with an assessment lesson, and can then discuss with their instructor what type of lesson would best suit them to continue with, whether that be group, private or semi-private sessions.

Contessa is primarily a training centre, and we do not offer hacking, other than a woodland walk around our grounds.
Payment for the first lesson is taken in advance, you are advised to arrive about 15 minutes early in order to fill out our information forms. Contessa requires 24hours notice of cancellation - 48hours at weekends, otherwise the cost of the lesson will be incurred.

Specialist lessons

Advanced Dressage Lessons - Contessa has several advanced horses available for riders that want to get a feel for the advanced movements. Riders must be assessed and deemed of a suitable standard before they can be allocated an advanced horse.

Lunge lessons - Used to improve riders position and balance, lunge lessons are useful for riders of all levels.

Side-saddle Taster lessons - Contessa offers 45-minute private sessions in side-saddle riding. It is an elegant way of riding, and feels very different to riding astride

Video lessons - These consist of a half-hour ride followed by a half-hour playback. They are a useful aid to identifying problems in position and horse's way of going, letting you see for yourself what might be going wrong - or right!!

Show Jumping Lessons - There are a variety of horses that can help with your jumping confidence and ability, from the novice to more experienced rider.

Exam Training Sessions - Both for riding and theory, we can help you through your exams, and make an assessment of your current ability, and how far you have to go before you are ready to take your next qualification.