FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the horses like at Henley?

Our horses are all quiet and sensible to ride but all have their own individual personalities and will all teach you to improve your riding in different ways. We make sure our horses have a happy life - they munch grass all day when not being ridden and have a cosy, warm stable for the night. When we teach you to ride them, their comfort and enjoyment is an important part of the lesson. We will teach you how to become a partnership with a horse and how to understand why they behave as they do.

What are the instructors like?

The instructors are 'mature' (to put it kindly), friendly and sympathetic to your needs. Our customers become our friends ( and there's been some great social nights over the years!)

Does it matter if I've never ridden a horse before?

Not at all, we teach many beginners at Henley, and we carefully choose the right horse for you to give you a good start. Your first lesson will be a half hour private session where you will learn some basic riding skills, then you can go into a group with others who have just started to learn to ride, or alternatively you can carry on with private sessions if you wish. 

Does it matter if I'm nervous about riding, I've had a bad fall in the past and I'm really worried about getting back on a horse?

We teach many riders who have had bad experiences in the past, and we are very sympathetic to the nervousness you are feeling. Our horses are used to having nervous riders on their backs, and will not be upset by your fear. We will work with you to slowly regain your confidence, and we will help you to enjoy riding once again.

I feel like my riding is not progressing where I am riding now, how can you help me?

A common reason for this is riding in classes where everyone is of a different standard - at Henley we make sure the riders in our groups are at the same level, so you can all progress together. Another  reason for lack of progression is not being properly taught the basics of riding, i.e. sitting in the correct position, using the legs effectively, and being soft and sympathetic with your hands. Once these have been mastered you will be amazed by how much you can achieve! You can see how you are progressing by the certificates we give out for different skills you attain. You will never be made to do anything you don't want to, but we will help, encourage and support you to achieve that bit more. 

My horse just does what the other horses do when I hack out where I am riding now, will you teach me how to control a horse?

We will teach you how to be in control of your horse when you hack out, as this will be safer and more enjoyable both for you and your horse. We will teach you to be a  rider not a passenger!

How long will it take me to learn to ride?

Everyone learns at a different speed and everyone has a different idea about what they want to achieve on a horse. The important thing is to take the time to master the basics correctly and then we will help you to move on in whatever direction you wish to go. It doesn't matter how long it takes you to get to where you want to go as long as you are enjoying what you are doing. We try to make sure everyone has fun at Henley - riders, horses and instructors!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US!

'I learnt more in one lesson at Henley than I learnt in months at my previous riding school'

'some riding schools can be intimidating, but Henley is fun and friendly'

'all those horsy terms that I never understood before are all fully taught and explained'

'the show day at Henley was the best day of my life'

'all my daughter talks about is how much she enjoyed her lesson, and how she can't wait for the next one'

'its so nice to ride at a school where you learn to be in tune with how the horse is feeling'

'thank you for getting my confidence back'

'riding out in the countryside is so relaxing, it really helps to wind down after a stressful week'