0800 028 0289
Children's Improve Your RidingBook Now »
Location: Broomfield Hall
Years: 1
Weeks: 4
Hours: 1.00
Start: Various Dates (Please press the Book Now Button to View Dates)
Days / Times: Contact Us
Tuition (£): 30.00*
Interview: N
Course Summary
This is a roll-on roll-off programme for four-to-14-year-olds to develop their riding skills. Lessons are sold in blocks of four. This can be a stand-alone experience or you may want to book further blocks to provide continuous lessons over a longer period of time.
The lessons are taken on an individual basis for ½ hour or on a group basis with riders of a similar level for an hour. All levels of ability are catered for, from complete beginners to advanced riders. All beginners' lessons are on an individual basis.
Prior to enrolling, please email Nicola Lambert (nicola.lambert@derby-college.ac.uk) who will be able to guide you through the process and help you book into a lesson slot. Please remember to include a contact phone number.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements.
Course Content
During the sessions, you will improve your practical riding ability and experience. Your first lesson will be an initial assessment where individual targets and aims will be set and the following sessions will build on these targets.
It doesn’t matter where your start point is: it could be that you haven’t had any experience at all or you could be looking to build on prior knowledge.
How will I be assessed?
There will be no formal assessment.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
Ideally, you will need your own riding equipment. This should be an up-to-standard riding hat, riding gloves and suitable riding boots. When you start polework and jumping, you will need a body protector. Advice can be given on this when you email Nicola prior to enrolling and we do have a small amount of equipment which you may borrow.
What can I do after this course?
Once you reach 14 years old, we can offer you links to our Adult Riding courses.
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
* Tuition - This figure is the tuition fee to be paid - There are no concessionary fees available.
Emily Field
Open day unveils equine career for Emily
Schoolgirl Emily Field had no idea her hobby could turn into a career until she went to a Derby College Open Evening. Hailing from a family which is "not horsey at all ", Emily now has a string of equine qualifications at the age of just 22. Emily was unsure what she wanted to do after her GCSEs. But as a keen rider – although she did not have her own horse at the time – the equine courses stood out.
Enthused by the open evening, she decided to pursue the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management, although she admits she was nervous. She worried that she might be left behind because she was not from a "horsey" background and didn't own her own horse. Instead, she thrived, and found the environment friendly and helpful. Emily described the course as "very practical", which suited her style of learning, with most days spent on the yard.
It also included more scientific areas such as equine feeding, digestion and sickness. Emily completed her Diploma in 2013, with Passes and Merits and also took her industry qualifications BHS levels 1 and 2. Overall, she said she "pretty much learned everything I needed to know" to put into practice as a groom when she left college. Emily has now worked at two horse yards and is enjoying her latest job at a stud yard in Nottinghamshire. She has also gained her BHS levels 3 and 4 as well as a teaching qualification.
The Diploma was just so helpful. When I was leaving school I didn't even know you could get involved with horses as a full-time career and a proper job. It gave me a base to move upwards, I don't think I'd be able to be where I am now without it. I've been at the stud yard since September and it's entirely different to anything I've before, but I really enjoy it. I think my boss is happy with what I'm doing and I'm happy here.
