Improve Your Riding – New Starters – September (Wednesdays 6pm)

The Improve Your Riding courses are designed for those who wish to enhance their understanding of horses and their ability to ride.

There are three different levels, which you can access depending on your previous experience, confidence and ability. The new starter level is designed for riders who can confidently walk, trot and canter.

This is a fun course, tailor-made round the participants, which is designed to build rider balance and increase riding skills.

Candidates must be at least 14 years of age and will need to be able to walk, trot and canter in a balanced seat. Please ring Sally Foskett, Centre Manager, to have a chat prior to the course to ensure that it is right for you. Tel: 07970 726830.

We do not accept beginner riders, but can recommend approved centres where you could start riding.

In order to ensure the welfare of our horses, we operate a personal weight restriction of no more than 13 stone. All riders will be weighed prior to the start of the course.

We work on improving the balance technique and competence of the rider. This will involve riding without stirrups to enhance balance and co-ordination. Towards the end of the course, we introduce work in the light seat over poles and jump small fences.

We have a great range of horses at the College but – as their welfare is paramount – you will only be mounted on horses which suit your height and weight.

This could narrow down the selection of horses we can offer you.

This course will be delivered on-site.

You will be required to supply your own:

• Correctly fitted and up to current safety standard riding hat with a tight chin strap
• Riding gloves
• Specific riding footwear, not Dubarry style country boots
• Correctly fitted and up to current safety standard body protector for pole work and jumping.

There is no formal assessment, although you will receive verbal feedback during and at the end of each lesson and will be set targets for improvement.

Derby College Group offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to Equine Studies – please see the Derby College Group Equestrian website www.derby-college.ac.uk/equestrian-centre.

Derby College Group also offers courses in a wide range of other land-based topics – please see the Derby College Group Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk