STE is primarily a riding school, and we prioritise pupils from the Effingham Schools Trust from Year 1 onwards, as well as welcoming children from other schools to enjoy the horses and teaching available.
We have a wonderful range of horses and ponies, which we keep schooled to a high standard, and they are suitable for a wide range of riders to enjoy.
Our specialist coaches are second to none and are all highly qualified and experienced across a range of disciplines. They will work with you to develop a personalised training program for your individual needs and aspirations.
We aspire to:
o Develop and inspire all levels of horseman in a safe and beautiful setting, through high quality teaching with well-schooled horses and excellent facilities.
o Enable riders to feel confident and secure in a variety of situations, both when mounted and on the ground
o Provide opportunities to experience a range of aspects of riding and horse care regardless of ability
o Enhance each rider’s position, balance, flexibility and control according to their prior experience
o Improve knowledge and understanding of the horse’s paces, way of going and behaviour when ridden or exercised
During the school term times, we run private lessons Mondays to Fridays, 4pm to 7pm, and on Saturdays, 9am to 3pm.
STE primarily offers one-to-one private lessons to ensure that riders can get the most out of their lessons.
We strive to create partnership between horse and rider, and the teamwork and empathy necessary to create great performances stem from a deep understanding of the individual horse and the individual rider.
Most of our lessons are flatwork lessons, as flatwork and rider balance is the foundation of all equestrian sports. Polework can be introduced for variety, but jumping is only progressed onto when the rider is balanced and effective in a light (jumping) position in trot and canter over both single poles and a line of poles, and other turning exercises over poles.
Shared lessons can be booked upon request, and group lessons can be arranged in the holidays. However we ask that any riders wanting a shared or group lesson can ride independently in both walk and trot without assistance.
During the holidays and half terms, we offer Private Lessons, Pony Mornings and Afternoons, Day Camps, and other activities which cater to all rider ages and abilities.
Holiday activities are open to all riders of any ability level, from 5 years up.
STE is an approved BHS centre. The British Horse Society is the National organisation that focuses on welfare, safety and education of both horses and riders.
The Challenge Awards is an initiative to educate riders and owners in horse care and riding. These run in the form of tuition booklets at Bronze, Silver and Gold. The booklets are split into About the Rider and About the Horse; the riding aspects can be covered in STE riding lessons while the care sections are booked separately.
We run stable management sessions during the school term for those who want to complete the Challenge Award booklets and expand their knowledge for equines.
More information can be found on the BHS Website
STE is an approved BHS centre. The British Horse Society is the National organisation that focuses on welfare, safety and education of both horses and riders.
The Pony Stars is an initiative to younger ages to learn about horse care and other aspects. These run in the form of tuition booklets at four different levels; Shetland Striders, Dartmoor Dazzlers, Welshie Wizzers and Connemara Champs.
Collect stickers, badges, certificates and rosettes as progress is made through each booklet.
We run stable management sessions during the school term for those who want to complete the Pony Star booklets and expand their knowledge for equines.
More information can be found on the BHS Website
STE is a part of the National Schools Equestrian Association and is represented by students of Effingham Schools in Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing.
Whether for training or competitions, riders may ride their own ponies in any discipline they wish to try. Only current St Teresa’s, Manor Horse and Cranmore pupils with their own ponies can join the NSEA.
Changing Lives Through Horses, or CLTH, is a British Horse Society initiative to help students who have additional needs with traditional education.
The programme helps to build skills that are linked with the National Curriculum through equine facilitated learning.
More information can be found on the BHS Website
We have a spacious 30m x 60m sand and fibre outdoor arena that is for hire when we are not running lessons.
For more information to hire our arena, see the Arena Hire page on our site.
STE is a BHS Approved Centre and can run BHS Stage 1 Exams onsite.
We can also offer training for the Care & Lunge exams up to Stage 4, and Ridden and Coaching Training up to Stage 3.
Regular training is offered to our staff during the school holidays, and those of a similar level can join in when stage training is offered.
Anyone who is between 11 and 18 years will need to pass the Silver Ride Safe Award before being able to book an off-site hack with us.
Training and the exam can be arranged with us if we receive enough numbers to run a course.
For those who are 13 years and above, and have some experience of handling horses can volunteer with us regularly after school or in the school holidays.
Volunteers usually get involved with leading the youngest riders in lessons and helping on the yard with general yard duties. Training is provided in all aspects.
Pupils can also volunteer with us as a part of their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards at Bronze, Silver and Gold.
