HORSE RIDING LESSONS IN
WEST SUSSEX, SURREY & HAMPSHIRE
Classical Riding Academy is a BHS‑accredited riding school offering private horse riding lessons for adults and teenagers across West Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire. Our lessons focus on building confidence, improving fitness and posture, and deepening your connection with your horse. We welcome nervous riders and those returning to the saddle.
Natasha Olivant is a fully insured coach licensed by Chichester District Council. With more than twenty years’ experience in classical dressage, rider biomechanics, and equine behaviour, she offers a professional, safe environment for riders to progress. You can work with your own horse at home, on our trained Spanish Schoolmasters in Trotton, or on the Racewood Dressage Simulator for precise biomechanical feedback.
Where lessons take place
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Schoolmaster sessions are held at our BHS‑approved base at Corner Cottage, Trotton, West Sussex (GU31 5EL)
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Racewood Dressage Simulator sessions take place at Aylings Garden Centre, Trotton (GU31 5ES)
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Private riding lessons can be delivered at your yard across West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, including the South Downs and local towns such as Chichester, Petersfield and Guildford.
CHOOSE YOUR RIDING LESSON
ABOUT OUR PRIVATE HORSE RIDING LESSONS
PRIVATE HORSE RIDING LESSONS DESIGNED AROUND YOU
Riding is more than a skill. It is a quiet dialogue between horse and rider. Founded by Natasha Olivant, the Classical Riding Academy delivers private horse riding lessons grounded in classical dressage, supported by equine behaviour and rider biomechanics.
These one-to-one sessions are designed for riders who want clarity, connection, and confidence in the saddle. For the well-being of our horses, there is an upper weight limit, similar to other top riding schools; please contact us if you have any questions.
Natasha provides private riding lessons at your location across West Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire, allowing you and your horse to learn in a calm, familiar environment with focused, individual attention.
Every lesson is tailored. There are no group bookings, and each session is shaped around your horse, your goals, and your experience level. Whether you are returning to riding, rebuilding confidence, or refining feel, balance, and straightness, the format gives you time to ask questions, progress steadily, and enjoy the process.
Common lesson focus areas:
- Confidence and balance in the saddle
- Rider position and biomechanics
- Softness, straightness and connection
- Clear communication using behaviour-informed training
- Developing feel, timing and coordination
HORSE RIDER
ASSESSMENT & TRAINING
All new clients begin with an initial assessment, either mounted or unmounted, which may involve use of a mechanical horse for greater precision.
This first session allows Natasha to observe you and your horse, understand your aims, and create a clear starting point for progress. The Racewood Dressage Simulator helps develop core stability, balance and clear aids before transferring that learning to a live horse. It also helps identify what will make the biggest difference early on, whether that is confidence, position, balance, straightness, or communication.
Rooted in classical riding and supported by biomechanics, Natasha’s approach looks closely at how horse and human move, respond, and learn together. It is about improving communication, not just technique, refining the seat, improving straightness, and encouraging softness through the rein in a way that supports long-term progress for both horse and rider. You will receive clear explanations and practical steps so you understand what to change, why it matters, and how to maintain it between sessions.
Each lesson is then shaped around what you need most, whether that is rebuilding confidence, improving balance and coordination, or refining feel and timing. Sessions are structured, calm and progressive, with time to ask questions and work at a pace that suits both you and the horse.
HORSE RIDING LESSONS NEAR YOU IN WEST SUSSEX, SURREY & HAMPSHIRE
Natasha is a fully insured BHS Accredited Coach and holder of a Chichester District Council Riding School Licence, so she can teach you on your own horse or on her trained Spanish Dressage Schoolmasters, depending on your goals and availability. Lessons are offered to adults and teenagers (age 13+) and there is a weight limit to protect our horses’ welfare
She provides private riding lessons across West Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire, including the South Downs and areas such as Chichester, Haslemere, Liss, Petersfield, and Guildford. Travel within a 10-mile radius of Charlton, West Sussex, is included, with a travel fee applying beyond that.
Schoolmaster Lessons take place in Trotton near Petersfield (GU31 5EL).
Racewood Dressage Simulator sessions take place in Trotton (GU31 5ES).
Mobile lessons are commonly booked in Petworth, Midhurst, Chichester, Petersfield, Haslemere, Farnham, and Guildford.
For those who benefit from visual feedback, optional video tracking is available using the Pivo 360 AutoTracker for iPhone users (with advance notice). This tool allows you to review your riding between sessions and see your development more clearly.
If you are ready to start or would like to talk through what is possible, please get in touch.
Every lesson is an opportunity to move with greater ease, build confidence, and strengthen your partnership with your horse.
BHS ACCREDITED
RIDING INSTRUCTOR
NATASHA OLIVANT
A highly experienced equestrienne and passionate advocate for Classical Dressage, Natasha Olivant has been inspiring and guiding riders for over 20 years.
Based in the South of England, Natasha travels widely to deliver clinics and demonstrations, offering private and group coaching with a focus on rider performance and biomechanics. Her sessions are tailored to help riders refine their posture and movements, resulting in tangible improvements to their horse's way of going.
With a deep foundation in equine behaviour and psychology, Natasha addresses a wide range of challenges, fostering a harmonious and trusting partnership between horse and rider. The result is progressive, mindful riders and contented horses, working together to achieve their goals with understanding and respect.
RIDING LESSON TESTIMONIALS
Clients choose Classical Riding Academy for our one‑to‑one attention, BHS accreditation, and evidence‑based approach to riding.
We provide a supportive, structured environment for riders to build confidence, refine biomechanics, and develop a harmonious partnership with their horse. Our Google reviews attest to the progress riders make and the welcoming atmosphere.
SERVICE AREA
Riding lessons across West Sussex, Surrey & Hampshire.
Natasha provides private riding lessons at your yard or location, travelling regularly to areas including Chichester, Petworth, Petersfield, Haslemere, Liss, Guildford and the wider South Downs.
Based in Charlton, West Sussex, she covers locations within a 10-mile radius free of charge. Travel fees apply beyond this boundary.
BOOKING POLICY
Our booking process is bespoke and arranged via email. Lessons are available Monday to Saturday and scheduled around your needs wherever possible.
All new clients begin with an introduction lesson, which includes an initial assessment to help shape a personalised programme for you and your horse.
Hats are not provided.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cancel within 48 hours or fail to turn up for any reason, your payment will not be refunded.
Lessons and other sessions cancelled with more than 48 hours' notice will be rescheduled to a date within six months of the original appointment.
Riding is an all-weather pursuit and goes ahead even in inclement conditions.
