The Orchard Equestrian Centre

Where horses and people feel at home.

The Orchard Equestrian Centre is a warm and welcoming professional riding school for riders of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re taking your first steps in the saddle, building confidence, or developing your partnership with your horse, we provide a safe, structured and supportive yard environment where riders can learn, progress and enjoy their time with horses.

As a commercial riding school, sessions are delivered within a group lesson format or private booking, with a focus on horse welfare, rider development and positive participation.

Pony Club • Home Education Riding Groups • Riding Lessons • Clinics • Camps • BHS Challenge Awards • Coming Soon – BHS Stages Training

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Discover the joy of horse riding at The Orchard Equestrian Centre

Where confidence, connection and fun come together.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or stepping into the saddle for the very first time, we offer structured lessons, activities and events for riders of all ages and abilities. Our qualified, knowledgeable coaches deliver sessions designed to build confidence, develop technique and encourage positive partnerships between horse and rider.

As a BHS Approved Centre and Pony Club Approved Centre, our coaching, facilities and horse welfare meet nationally recognised standards. Riders can work towards Pony Club badges and BHS Challenge Awards within a professional riding school environment that supports steady progression and clear goals.

Alongside weekly lessons, we host a full calendar of activities ,from themed group rides and pony camps to show jumping clinics and seasonal events. With a welcoming community atmosphere and a well-managed yard setting, The Orchard is a fantastic place to learn, make friends and enjoy time with horses.

What we offer

  • Riding Lessons & Coaching

    We offer a wide range of riding lessons for children, teens and adults - whether you're building confidence, improving technique or progressing to more advanced riding.

    Our friendly, experienced coaches tailor each session to the rider’s age, ability and goals, ensuring a safe, positive and rewarding experience every time.

    We offer:

    Private lessons (flatwork & jumping)

    Semi-private lessons (2 sharing)

    Group lessons for all abilities

    Beginner & confidence-building sessions

    Advanced flatwork & jumping coaching

    Every lesson focuses on developing balance, confidence, technique and a strong connection with our well-loved horses and ponies.

    Register & Book here

  • Clinics, Camps & Events

    At The Orchard Equestrian Centre, we offer a fun and varied calendar of clinics, camps and special events throughout the year - giving riders of all ages the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and enjoy unforgettable experiences.

    Our sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive and packed with learning opportunities both in and out of the saddle.

    What we offer:

    Themed group lessons (confidence-building, pole work, jump sessions & more)

    Holiday pony camps - riding, stable management, games & friendships

    Show-jumping clinics

    Arena eventing clinics

    Flatwork & dressage improvement sessions

    Seasonal events - Halloween rides, Christmas specials, Easter activities

    Fun days & pony experience days

    Every event is led by our friendly, experienced instructors who ensure riders feel safe, supported and encouraged from start to finish.

    Keep an eye on our events calendar and social media for upcoming dates - these sessions fill quickly!

  • Pony Club at The Orchard

    Pony Club

    Our Pony Club sessions are designed to give young riders the chance to learn, grow and enjoy horses in a fun, supportive and confidence-building environment.

    Children and teens can take part in a mix of riding, horse care and hands-on activities that help them build skills, make friends and become part of a close, welcoming community.

    What’s included:

    Fun, structured riding lessons

    Beginner to advanced groups

    Pony games, challenges & mounted activities

    Horse care and stable management

    Confidence building through positive learning

    Social, friendly groups with lots of encouragement

    Pony Club at The Orchard is all about fun, friendship and the love of horses- a perfect way for young riders to learn new skills and create lasting memories.

    Pony Club Centre Sessions

  • Home Education at The Orchard Equestrian Centre

    The Orchard Equestrian Centre – Home Education Equine Programme (Ages 11–16)

    Our Home Education Equine Programme provides a calm, practical and structured learning environment for home-educated young people aged 11–16 who thrive through hands-on, outdoor and experience-led learning.

    The programme is delivered using the BHS Challenge Awards framework, supporting progressive development in riding, horse care, handling, safety and confidence, while maintaining a strong focus on horse welfare and learner wellbeing.

    Sessions balance ridden and unmounted equine activities, allowing young people to build skills, responsibility and independence at their own pace within a small, supportive group setting.

    What the programme includes

    - Horse care, grooming and stable management

    - Ridden and unmounted equine activities

    - Groundwork, handling and safety skills

    - Outdoor and land-based learning

    - Experience-led learning for kinaesthetic learners

    - Small group sessions (maximum 6 participants)

    - Confidence, communication and teamwork development

    - A calm, family-led equestrian environment

    BHS Challenge Awards

    Learners have the opportunity to work through the BHS Challenge Awards, a nationally recognised framework that provides clear progression and a sense of achievement without formal exams.

    Through the Challenge Awards, learners can:

    - Develop equestrian knowledge and practical skills

    - Progress at an individual pace

    - Build confidence and independence

    - Gain certificates recognising their achievements

    Participation in the Challenge Awards is embedded within the programme and adapted to each learner’s experience and ability.

    Who is this programme for?

    This programme is suitable for home-educated young people who:

    - Learn best through practical, hands-on activities

    - Enjoy working with horses and being outdoors

    - Benefit from structure without academic pressure

    - Thrive in small, supportive group environments

    Important Information

    - This is a private, fee-paying programme

    - Sessions are termly and block-booked only

    - The programme is non-accredited

    - BHS Challenge Awards are recognised awards, not formal qualifications

    - This programme is not alternative provision

    - Parents/carers remain responsible for their child’s overall education

    Session details

    Day: Monday

    Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm

    Age range: 11–15

    Group size: Maximum 6

    Commitment: Termly

    Cost: £45 per session

    Home Education enquiries

    📧 admin@theorchard-ec.co.uk

  • BHS Stages Training - Coming Soon

    We’re excited to be working towards offering British Horse Society (BHS) Stages Training here at The Orchard. This will provide riders with the opportunity to work through nationally recognised qualifications, supported by experienced coaches in a friendly and professional environment.

    Our BHS pathway will be ideal for riders who want to:

    Develop strong, recognised horsemanship skills

    Work towards BHS Stages 1–3

    Improve confidence, technique and theoretical knowledge

    Build a foundation for equine industry careers

    Train in a supportive, welfare-focused setting

    BHS training will complement our existing riding lessons, clinics and development sessions - offering riders a clear route to progress and achieve formal standards.

    More information will be announced soon.
    Follow us on social media or check back for updates!

  • BHS Challenge awards

    BHS Challenge Awards

    The BHS Challenge Awards are a nationally recognised, skills-based programme designed to help riders and horse lovers build confidence, knowledge and practical ability at their own pace.

    Delivered at our BHS Approved Centre, these awards focus on real, hands-on learning rather than exams, making them ideal for children and young people who learn best by doing.

    What are the BHS Challenge Awards?

    BHS Challenge Awards are a series of practical challenges covering areas such as:

    - Horse care and welfare

    - Riding and groundwork (where appropriate)

    - Stable management and safety

    - Understanding horses and their needs

    Learners work through challenges step by step, building skills and confidence in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

    Who are they for?

    BHS Challenge Awards are suitable for:

    - Children and young people aged 8–16

    - Riders and non-riders (riding is optional for some awards)

    - Learners who benefit from practical, hands-on learning

    - Home educated learners

    - Those looking for clear goals and a sense of achievement without exams

    How do the sessions work?

    - Delivered in small, supportive groups

    - Tailored to the learner’s ability and confidence

    - Progress tracked at an individual pace

    - Certificates awarded on completion of each challenge

    Why choose BHS Challenge Awards?

    - Recognised by the British Horse Society

    - Practical and confidence-building

    - No exams or academic pressure

    - Flexible progression

    - Suitable for a wide range of abilities

    Important Information

    - BHS Challenge Awards are recognised, non-regulated awards

    - They are not accredited qualifications

    - Sessions are privately booked and paid for by parents/carers

    - Riding is optional, depending on the award level

    BHS Challenge Award enquiries:

    admin@theorchard-ec.co.uk

  • BHS Pony Stars

    BHS Pony Stars

    BHS Pony Stars is a fun, progressive learning programme designed especially for younger riders and those new to horses. It helps children build confidence, skills and understanding through hands-on activities in a safe, supportive environment.

    Delivered at our BHS Approved Centre, Pony Stars focuses on enjoyment, achievement and learning through experience, rather than tests or exams.

    What is BHS Pony Stars?

    - BHS Pony Stars is a practical, badge-based programme that introduces children to:

    - Basic horse care and welfare

    - Grooming and stable management

    - Safe handling and riding skills (where appropriate)

    - Understanding how to care for and communicate with ponies

    Learners work through themed stages, earning badges and certificates as they progress.

    Who is it for?

    - BHS Pony Stars is ideal for:

    - Children aged 6+ (including older beginners)

    - New or nervous riders

    - Children who enjoy learning through doing

    - Learners building confidence around horses

    - Home educated children

    - Riding is not compulsory, and progression is tailored to each child.

    How do sessions work?

    - Small, friendly groups

    - Calm, supportive coaching

    - Practical, hands-on activities

    - Progress at an individual pace

    - Badges and certificates awarded as stages are completed

    Why choose BHS Pony Stars?

    - Designed specifically for children

    - Builds confidence and independence

    - Encourages safe, kind horsemanship

    - No pressure or exams

    - Recognised BHS programme

    Important Information

    - BHS Pony Stars is a recognised, non-regulated award scheme

    - It is not an accredited qualification

    - Sessions are privately booked and paid for by parents/carers

    - Riding is optional and based on confidence and ability

    BHS Pony Stars enquiries:

    admin@theorchard-ec.co.uk

Register & Book Now

Why Choose The Orchard Equestrian Centre

At The Orchard, we’re more than just a riding school - we’re a friendly, supportive equestrian community built on care, connection and quality.

What makes us different:

  • Welfare-first care for every horse and pony

  • Experienced, encouraging coaches who support riders at every stage

  • Small groups & personalised attention

  • A warm, welcoming, family-led atmosphere

  • Opportunities to progress through lessons, clinics, camps and (soon) BHS Stages training

  • A calm countryside setting where riders feel safe, relaxed and confident

  • Fun, inclusive sessions that help riders learn, grow and make lasting memories

Whether you’re new to riding or advancing your skills, The Orchard is a place where both horses and people feel truly at home.. 

How to Book, Prices & Important Info


Ready to ride with us? View our full price list, booking guide and essential rider information here.

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