Classical Lessons at Minninnooka
Develop a balanced seat, independent aids and confidence in the saddle with classical lessons at Minninnooka in Chobham, Surrey.
Our lovely, experienced polo horses help you refine your balance and coordination, with patient coaching and safety at the heart of every lesson.
Whether you are new to riding or returning after a break, we tailor each session to your experience and goals.
New to Minninnooka? Request an introductory lesson and select classical riding on the form. We’ll review your request before confirming.
Complete Beginners
A supportive introduction to riding for those starting from scratch, focusing on confidence, balance, and understanding the basics in a calm and encouraging environment.
Nervous or Returning Riders
Ideal for riders rebuilding confidence or returning after time away from horses, with patient coaching tailored to individual comfort levels and goals.
Children & Pony Club Riders
Structured lessons for young riders developing riding ability, coordination, flatwork, jumping skills, and overall confidence both in and out of the saddle.
Riders Progressing Further
Coaching to refine your seat, balance and independent aids, improve flatwork and jumping, and build a more confident partnership with your horse.
Our Lessons
Loading days...
45 min
From 60 British pounds
Loading days...
45 min
From 60 British pounds
Why Minninnooka?
Lessons for All Ages & Abilities
Our classical lessons are designed for juniors and adults of all experience levels — from complete beginners and nervous riders to more confident riders wanting to improve their skills.
Whether you are new to horses, returning to riding after time away, or looking to build confidence in the saddle, lessons are tailored to suit your individual goals and ability.
We aim to create a relaxed, supportive and enjoyable environment where riders can learn at their own pace while building confidence both on and off the horse.
Building Confidence & Correct Foundations
Our lessons focus on creating safe, balanced and confident riders while developing a genuine partnership between horse and rider.
Depending on experience level, lessons may include:
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Riding position and balance
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Steering and control
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Walk, trot and canter work
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Flatwork and school exercises
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Pole work
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Confidence building
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Horse care and understanding horses
Lessons are always adapted to suit each rider individually.
Jump Lessons
For riders who are ready and confident, we are happy to work towards jump lessons and developing jumping skills.
Progression into jumping is always introduced gradually and safely, with strong focus on confidence, balance and correct foundations first.
This may include:
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Pole work
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Small cross poles
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Position and balance exercises
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Grid work for more experienced riders
We believe confidence and correct basics are the key to safe and enjoyable jumping.
What Should I Wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily is recommended.
Ideal clothing includes:
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Leggings, jodhpurs or comfortable trousers
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A fitted top or light layers (covering shoulders)
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Boots with a small heel - can be borrowed although limited sizes
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Bring gloves if you have them, not compulsory
Helmets can be borrowed if needed.
We recommend avoiding:
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Trainers without a heel
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Loose scarves
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Very baggy clothing
Arrival Information
Please arrive 15–20 minutes before your lesson or taster session.
This gives us time to:
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Introduce you to your coach
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Fit helmets and equipment
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Discuss your experience and goals
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Help you feel comfortable before riding
Spectators, family and friends are very welcome.
Safety & Confidence
Your safety and confidence are at the centre of every lesson.
Our experienced, well-schooled horses are carefully matched to your ability and confidence. With patient coaching, you can practise a balanced seat and independent aids at a pace that suits you.
Whether you are nervous, returning after a break or riding for the first time, we help you feel comfortable and enjoy learning.
Your First Classical Lesson
Your first classical lesson is a welcoming introduction to our horses, coaches and approach. We tailor the session to your riding experience and confidence.
Learning on our experienced polo horses gives you the chance to develop a balanced seat, independent hands and legs, and a better feel for your horse. We work at a pace that suits you, with clear guidance and safety at the heart of the lesson.
Your Introductory Lesson
Introductory Private Lesson — from £60
A 45-minute one-to-one lesson tailored to your confidence, riding experience and goals.
Select classical riding on the booking form.
All introductory lessons require approval. We’ll review your request before confirming your session.
What Happens in Your First Lesson?
Your introductory classical lesson is relaxed and welcoming, whether you are a complete beginner or returning to riding.
Meet your horse and coach, then work on balance, position, steering and control at a pace suited to your confidence. We help you develop an independent seat and clearer communication with your horse.
Horses & Equipment
We provide a suitable horse and riding equipment for your classical lesson. Helmets are available to borrow, and riding boots are available in limited sizes. Please let us know beforehand if you need equipment.
We match your horse to your riding experience, confidence, height and weight. Our experienced polo horses bring responsive training to these lessons, helping you develop your seat, balance and independent aids. Their care and wellbeing remain our priority.
Before Your Session
When booking, please send us:
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Riding experience
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Height
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Weight
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Confidence level
This helps us prepare the most suitable horse and ensure the best possible experience.
What to Wear
Please wear:
-
Comfortable clothing
-
Leggings, jodhpurs or comfortable trousers
-
Boots with a small heel (can be borrowed, although limited sizes available)
-
Suitable layers depending on weather
Helmets can be borrowed if needed.
Arrival Information
Please arrive 15–20 minutes before your lesson so we can:
-
Introduce you to your horse
-
Fit helmets and equipment
-
Discuss your experience and goals
-
Help you feel comfortable before riding
Family and friends are very welcome to watch.
Our horses are carefully selected for their temperament, experience and suitability for different riders.
We are proud to offer a range of safe, well-trained horses suited to:
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First-time riders
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Nervous riders
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Juniors
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More experienced riders wanting to progress
The care, wellbeing and happiness of our horses are always our highest priority.
