MECHANICAL HORSE RIDING LESSONS & SIMULATOR TRAINING IN HAMPSHIRE
45-minute session with 15-minute post-analysis | £65
The Racewood Dressage Simulator is a life‑sized mechanical horse used by riding instructors, biomechanics specialists, and coaches worldwide. It replicates walk, trot, canter, and higher‑level dressage movements with sensors that record rein contact, leg pressure, and weight distribution. The simulator allows Natasha Olivant to observe and assess your symmetry, core stability, rein contact, and seat mechanics in real time in a controlled environment. These sessions are suitable for adults and teenagers at all levels and provide a reliable way to focus on rider biomechanics without the unpredictability of a live horse.
As part of Natasha’s coaching service, simulator lessons offer precise, feedback-driven learning. The mechanical horse eliminates variables such as temperament, asymmetry, or compensation, giving you a clear picture of how your posture and aids influence movement. Used regularly in rider development programmes, it helps fast-track progress by isolating and correcting habits that affect communication and balance.
These sessions are equally valuable for returning riders and advanced competitors. The simulator gives you space to refine your position and aids, builds confidence, and improves coordination. Many clients begin with a simulator session as an introduction to the Classical Riding Academy’s ethos and revisit it throughout their riding journey to track improvements in balance and symmetry.
RACEWOOD DRESSAGE SIMULATOR LESSONS
WHY USE A MECHANICAL HORSE SIMULATOR?
Simulator lessons take place exclusively at Aylings Garden Centre, Petersfield. The studio offers a calm, supportive space to build confidence, refine core stability, and improve communication between horse and rider.
The Racewood mechanical horse responds instantly to your input, allowing Natasha to guide you through biomechanical exercises that target seat alignment, leg aids, and rein pressure.
You’ll feel how small changes affect transitions, lateral work, and collection, and you can practice advanced dressage movements such as flying changes, piaffe, or passage without pressure.
IMPROVE RIDER CONFIDENCE, BALANCE & CORE STABILITY
Unlike traditional riding lessons, the mechanical horse provides a consistent platform where posture and aids can be analysed without live horse variables.
This helps identify asymmetries or habits, from bracing in the seat and uneven rein pressure to gripping with the knees, and replace them with calm, effective communication. Sessions focus on core stability, rising trot transitions, rein contact, and seat alignment.
Simulator training is especially effective for riders experiencing tension or inconsistency; it builds confidence and fitness and clarifies the influence your body has on the horse.
BOOK A MECHANICAL HORSE LESSON AT AYLINGS GARDEN CENTRE
Simulator training is especially effective for riders experiencing tension, stiffness, or inconsistency in the saddle. Whether you overuse the reins, brace under pressure, or apply conflicting aids, this feedback-based session helps you recognise and release ingrained habits.
It’s a supportive, non-judgemental way to build confidence, improve your riding fitness, and understand the influence your body has on your horse. With clear guidance and immediate response from the simulator, Natasha helps you create more balance, calmness, and clarity in your riding partnership.
HOW MECHANICAL HORSE SIMULATORS ENHANCE RIDER INFLUENCE & POSTURE
Horse performance is shaped by physics—gravity, balance, and momentum—and by the rider’s symmetry and coordination. The mechanical horse removes behavioural variables so you can see your influence clearly. Natasha uses this unbiased platform to help you fine-tune your biomechanics, demonstrating how adjustments in your seat, legs, and hands affect the horse’s movement. This work addresses root causes rather than masking issues with stronger bits or harsher aids, aiming for a partnership where the horse feels secure, soft, and responsive.
Simulator lessons complement our Schoolmaster and Freelance coaching by providing a baseline assessment and ongoing check‑ins on rider biomechanics. They are a non‑judgmental way to build confidence and clarity, refine your position, and develop a more balanced, harmonious partnership. To book your session at Aylings Garden Centre or to integrate simulator training into your lesson plan, please get in touch.
BHS ACCREDITED
INSTRUCTOR
NATASHA OLIVANT
With over 20 years of experience, Natasha Olivant is a dedicated equestrienne and a passionate advocate for the art of Classical Dressage. Her teaching reflects a deep respect for tradition, combined with a modern understanding of rider performance and horse welfare.
Based in the South of England, Natasha travels extensively to offer clinics, demonstrations, and tailored coaching. Whether in private or group sessions, she focuses on refining rider biomechanics and posture, helping to unlock noticeable improvements in the horse’s movement and overall way of going.
Natasha’s expertise in equine behaviour and psychology enables her to address a wide range of challenges with insight and care. Her approach nurtures harmonious partnerships, empowering riders to become mindful, progressive, and confident, while their horses thrive as contented and willing partners. Together, they achieve their goals with respect, understanding, and a shared sense of accomplishment.
RIDING LESSON TESTIMONIALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SERVICE AREA
Classical Riding Academy simulator lessons are now available at Aylings Garden Centre, in Hampshire, giving riders the opportunity to develop skills and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Natasha also offers a fully mobile coaching service, travelling from her base in Trotton, West Sussex to venues across the region—including Chichester, Petersfield, Haslemere, Guildford, and surrounding areas.
BOOKING POLICY
Lessons using the Racewood Dressage Simulator are available Monday to Saturday and are booked directly by online.
Each session is scheduled around your needs, whether as a focused assessment, a standalone simulator lesson, or as part of your ongoing training.
The simulator provides an ideal platform for refining rider position, balance, and feel — at any stage of your riding journey.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled simulator session, the fee is non-refundable.
Cancellations made with more than 48 hours' notice can be rescheduled within six months of the original booking.
As simulator lessons take place indoors, sessions proceed in all weather conditions, provided access to the venue is safe and available.
