Learn to ride on the edge of the Lickey Hills.
Small, friendly lessons for riders aged 12 to 59 at our family yard in Rednal. Never more than three riders per instructor, calm well-schooled horses, and a first ride built around your confidence.
Start with a first ride. Then ride the way that suits you.
Every price includes hat hire. New riders get 10% off their first booking, whether that is one lesson or a block.
First Ride Assessment
Every new rider starts here. Zara checks balance, confidence and fit with a horse, then recommends a plan. Beginners walk, and often trot, on the lead rein.
Private Lesson
One rider, one instructor. Ideal for nervous beginners or a focused half hour on one thing.
Private Lesson
Our most popular lesson. A full hour of one-to-one teaching in the arena.
Semi-Private Lesson
Two riders of similar ability sharing an instructor. Bring a friend or partner.
Small Group Lesson
Never more than three riders. Sociable, steady progress at a lower price.
Escorted Hack
Out on the bridleways around Rednal and the Lickey Hills with an instructor. £38 per rider in a group. For riders who can walk, trot and stop independently.
Ride weekly and save
Blocks are valid for six months. The 10% first-rider discount applies to a first block too: £243 or £468.
Give someone their first ride
Vouchers from £35 upwards, valid for twelve months, for any lesson or hack. Ask when you call or use the booking form below.
Request a voucherA family yard, taught by the family.
Zara Doidge-Walker
Owner & head instructorZara runs every first-ride assessment and teaches all levels, from complete beginners to riders working on canter, jumping position and flatwork. Lessons go at your pace, not the clock's.
Bernard Doidge-Walker
Instructor & yard managerZara's brother. Bernard teaches beginner and improver lessons and leads the escorted hacks out over the Lickey Hills bridleways. He also looks after the horses day to day.
Both instructors are first-aid trained. Every lesson is one instructor to no more than three riders.
Nervous is normal. Here is exactly what happens.
Most of our riders have never sat on a horse before. The first ride is a 30-minute private assessment on the lead rein at walking pace, and Zara chooses the horse to suit you.
Book your slot
Call or use the form. Tell us your age, height, weight and whether you have ridden before. Zara confirms by text the same day.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Fill in the short rider form, get fitted for a hat, and meet your horse while it is groomed and tacked up.
Ride for 30 minutes
Mounting, sitting well, steering and stopping, then a trot if you are ready. You leave with a plan and 10% off already used well.
What to wear
- Long trousers: jodhpurs, leggings or joggers. No shorts.
- Boots with a small heel and a smooth sole. No trainers, open toes or deep-tread wellies.
- A top with sleeves, and gloves if you have them. No jewellery or loose scarves.
- Riding hats are provided free. Your own is welcome if it meets PAS 015 or VG1. Body protectors are available to borrow.
Weather and cancellations
Lessons run in all weather except thunder, ice or high winds. If we cancel, you rebook free. If you need to cancel, give us 48 hours' notice for a free rebooking. Under 48 hours is charged at half the lesson price, and under 24 hours or a no-show at the full price.
Stables in Rednal. Bridleways on the doorstep.
The yard sits at the foot of the Lickey Hills, ten minutes from Longbridge and Rubery and half an hour from Birmingham city centre. Once you can walk, trot and stop on your own, escorted hacks take you straight out onto the bridleways.
Rednal, Birmingham
B45 8QL
7:00am to 5:00pm
Last lesson 4:00pm
Things people ask before they book.
Anything else, just call. Our phone is answered around the clock.
Do I need any experience?+
No. Most of our riders start as complete beginners. Your first ride is on the lead rein at walking pace and Zara goes at your speed.
How long until I can trot or canter?+
Most beginners trot within the first two or three lessons and canter after around eight to twelve, depending on confidence and how often they ride. Once a week is ideal.
Is there a weight limit?+
Yes, 14 stone (89 kg) including riding clothes. It protects our horses' backs and it is the same limit most riding schools use.
Can children under 12 ride?+
Not at the moment. We teach riders aged 12 to 59. Riders under 18 need a parent or guardian to book, sign the rider form and stay at the yard.
Can I bring a friend, or book as a group?+
Yes. Two riders of similar ability can book a semi-private lesson, and up to three can book a small group lesson or a group hack together.
How do I pay?+
Card or cash on the day. Blocks and vouchers can also be paid by bank transfer. Nothing is taken until you have ridden.
Tell us a little about you.
Zara will call or text the same day to confirm a time. Your 10% first-rider discount is applied automatically.
Or just call
07427 879490Answered 24 hours a day. Zara calls back during opening hours.