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English Riding Lessons at Minninnooka

Whether you are completely new to riding, returning to horses after time away, or looking to build confidence and improve your skills, our English riding lessons at Minninnooka are designed to be supportive, enjoyable and tailored to every rider.

Set within a relaxed family environment, our lessons focus on developing safe, balanced and confident riders while creating a genuine connection between horse and rider.

We welcome juniors and adults of all ages and experience levels.

Who do we coach?

Our Lessons

Why Minninnooka?

Lessons for All Ages & Abilities

Our English riding 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:

  • Riding position and balance

  • Steering and control

  • Walk, trot and canter work

  • Flatwork and school exercises

  • Pole work

  • Confidence building

  • 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:

  • Pole work

  • Small cross poles

  • Position and balance exercises

  • 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:

  • Leggings, jodhpurs or comfortable trousers

  • A fitted top or light layers (covering shoulders)

  • Boots with a small heel - can be borrowed although limited sizes

  • Bring gloves if you have them, not compulsory

Helmets can be borrowed if needed.

We recommend avoiding:

  • Trainers without a heel

  • Loose scarves

  • Very baggy clothing

Arrival Information

Please arrive 15–20 minutes before your lesson or taster session.

This gives us time to:

  • Introduce you to your coach

  • Fit helmets and equipment

  • Discuss your experience and goals

  • Help you feel comfortable before riding

Spectators, family and friends are very welcome.

Safety & Confidence

Your safety and confidence are extremely important to us.

We pride ourselves on creating a calm, supportive and professional environment where riders can progress at their own pace. Our horses are experienced, well-schooled and selected specifically for polo coaching and beginner sessions.

Whether you are nervous, returning to riding after a break, or stepping onto a horse for the first time, we are here to help you feel comfortable and enjoy the experience.

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Taster Session

Our taster sessions are designed for complete beginners and newcomers wanting to experience polo and get a feel for our lessons, horses and coaching style in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Whether you are new to riding or simply curious about polo, taster sessions are a great introduction to the sport and an opportunity to build confidence before progressing into regular lessons or chukkas.

Taster Session Options

Group Taster Lesson — £30

A half-price group lesson for newcomers wanting to experience polo alongside other riders in a fun and supportive setting.

30 Minute Private Taster Lesson — £50

A private one-to-one introduction tailored to your confidence, riding experience and individual goals.

What Happens in a Taster Session?

Our ridden English taster sessions are welcoming, relaxed, and suitable for complete beginners or returning riders.

Sessions include meeting the horses and coaches before taking part in a ridden lesson tailored to the rider’s confidence and experience level. Riders will work on balance, position, steering, control, and basic riding skills in a supportive and confidence-building environment.

Horses & Equipment

We provide suitable horses and polo equipment for all taster sessions.

Our horses are carefully selected and matched to each rider depending on:

  • Riding experience

  • Confidence level

  • Height and weight

The quality, care and wellbeing of our horses are incredibly important to us, and we are proud to have a wide range of safe, well-trained polo horses suitable for complete beginners through to experienced players.

Before Your Session

When booking, please send us:

  • Riding experience

  • Height

  • Weight

  • 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

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:

  • First-time riders

  • Nervous riders

  • Juniors

  • More experienced riders wanting to progress

The care, wellbeing and happiness of our horses are always our highest priority.

 

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