Horse Riding Lessons in West Sussex
INNOVATIVE NEW TIERED TRAINING SYSTEM
At Classical Riding Academy, the innovation of our core lesson structure was inspired by the acclaimed scales of horse training at The Spanish Riding School of Vienna. The pathway, from ‘Remontenschule’ (Forward School) through ‘Campagneschule’ (Campagne School) to ‘Haute Ecole’ (High School) details the progression of young horses to advanced horses. We have drawn parallels when considering the journey of the rider from their first time in the saddle up to and beyond the moment when an independent seat has been achieved, and one can enjoy all that may be accomplished with this skill. Living up to our Academy aims, the lessons are naturally progressive in complexity and all rooted in the tradition of classical and ethical riding.
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Please note: We operate an online only booking system.
All of our lesson availability is visible online by clicking on the 'book now' buttons.
All bookings are available to riders over 16 years old
Your riding journey begins here...
​45-minute session | £65
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The first step to starting your riding journey at Classical Riding Academy is to have an initial Introduction Lesson on our mechanical horse 'Duke', who is a simulator made by Racewood.
This is a requirement for all new clients and during this session you will be given exercises to improve your posture and symmetry in the saddle, whilst discussing any mental or physical obstacles such as previous accidents that might have an affect on rider confidence in the saddle.
​45-minute session | £90
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Having had an off horse assessment on Duke, (or several depending on your level of fitness, previous experience and or your confidence) your next step will be to have a lunge lesson on a live horse.
During this session we will work on all of the positional corrections we made on the mechanical horse, enhanced by the feedback the horse gives us when we become easier to carry by being responsible for our own body weight, thus enabling his better movement and performance.
From this point the riding journey continues into one of the three 'schools' detailed below with speed and trajectory being lead by you, but guided by us.
45-minute session | £90
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The Forward School Lesson is the keystone to attaining balance and rider fitness in the saddle, starting on the lunge and working towards the ability to ride independently in a controlled and safe environment. This is the ideal lesson if
you are embarking on your riding journey, returning to the saddle after a break
or if you have never been trained in classical equestrian principles.
45-minute session | £90
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As you progress through the Campagne School, we will mentor you towards accurate execution of turns and circles, collection and impulsion. As your knowledge and skills evolve under Natasha's tuition, and in the patient hooves of our horses, your ridden work will extend to incorporate lateral work and preparation for High School.
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HAUTE ÈCOLE LESSON
45-minute session | £150
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With unparalleled coaching from either John Lassetter and Natasha Olivant, coupled with magnificent advanced horses trained in advanced movements such as piaffe, passage, flying lead changes and even Spanish walk, our
Haute Ecole lessons are an almost unique phenomenon in the UK. They represent the best of Classical Dressage with horse happiness at the absolute heart of all.
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SEMI PRIVATE LESSON
45-minute session | £70
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We offer semi-private riding lessons open to anyone who is confidently riding at Campagne School level or above and who has previously completed our introduction lessons. Our semi-private lessons will be for a maximum of two riders and if you don't know someone to ride with, we can match you with a fellow client of similar experience and ability.
LESSON ON YOUR OWN HORSE
​45-minute session | £65
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Should you wish to book Natasha Olivant for a ridden or in hand lesson on your own horse (or pony), we would be delighted to invite you to CRA.
As an equine behaviourist and specialist in Classical Horsemanship she can advise on a broad range of rider and horse issues.
We have overnight stabling and local hotels available for longer stays.
INHAND & LIBERTY
45-minute session | £90
We specialise in training 'in-hand' work and we enjoy passing these skills onto other aspiring horse enthusiasts.
All of our groundwork is founded on the innate behaviour of horses and its application to training.
Using these principles we can offer lessons in Natural Horsemanship, Liberty Work and Classical Long Reining.
​60- minute session | £105
Exclusively for those already riding with us regularly, this session is geared towards riders who are looking to progress intensively, or who are working on a specific goal. We offer an hours session split between the mechanical horse and a live horse.
This is perfect for improving fitness of specific muscle groups necessary for riding.
The combination of the two elements hones technique in the saddle and can be supported by physio in the case of rehab after injury.
A gift voucher to spend at the Classical Riding Academy represents the perfect present for a loved one, offering maximum flexibility to recipients. With a 12-month redemption period from the purchase date, they will have ample time to select and book their preferred type of lesson with us. Vouchers are available to a value of your choice.
LOCATION
Email
office@classicalridingacademy.com
Address
​Molecomb Stud, New Barn Hill, Goodwood, West Sussex PO18 0QD
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We are located three miles north-east of Chichester, 30 miles from both Brighton and Southampton, and an hour’s drive from the M25 (J10).
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BOOKING POLICY
Our booking system includes a rider registration step and the first lesson available to new registrants is a Mechanical Horse Lesson.
This is a mandatory requirement before you are able to ride one of our live horses and also allows us to ensure you get the most out of your time in the saddle.
Please note that as per our booking conditions we are unable to give refunds.
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All riders must bring their own hats.
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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.
Your lesson may take place indoors or outdoors.
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