Whether you've never sat on a pony before or are already riding independently, we have a lesson to suit your ability.
Our instructors guide every rider through their development, helping them build the skills they need before moving to the next level.
Not sure which lesson is right for you?
Explore the four levels below to find the right starting point, then book via our online EC Pro booking portal. We kindly ask riders not to call or email to book.
Book via EC ProOur Group Riding Lessons
Four levels. One riding journey.
Our lessons are divided into four levels, allowing riders to develop their skills and confidence as they progress.
Your instructor will help you understand which level is right for each rider and when they're ready to move up.
1. Beginner – Learn to Canter
Everyone has to start somewhere.
Our Learn to Canter lessons are the starting point for riders learning to ride. Riders don't need any previous riding experience. They can join us having never sat on a pony before. These lessons are designed to take riders from their very first ride through to confidently riding independently in walk, trot and canter.
Within the same group lesson, there are three stages of development:
Stage 1 – Riding with a Leader
When a rider first starts riding, one of our team members will lead their pony using a lead rope. This allows them to concentrate on learning the basics without worrying about controlling the pony themselves.
They'll learn how to:
- Sit correctly in the saddle
- Position their feet in the stirrups
- Hold their reins
- Find their balance
- Walk and trot with support
Being part of a group means riders can watch others riding and learn from them while building their own confidence.
Stage 2 – Riding with a Walker
As their confidence grows, the lead rope is removed. A member of staff will walk alongside the rider, providing reassurance and support while they begin controlling their pony themselves.
They'll learn how to:
- Developing steering
- Balance and independence in walk and trot
Stage 3 – Riding Independently
Riders are now riding without a leader or walker during their exercises. They may still have someone walking alongside them when they're at the front of the ride, but they'll be learning to control their pony independently.
They'll learn how to:
- Improving steering, balance and transitions between walk and trot
- Beginning to learn to canter
- Progressing from holding the saddle to cantering with the reins and their own balance
When can a rider move into Novice?
Before moving up, a rider must be able to:
- Ride independently without a leader or walker
- Walk and trot confidently
- Steer and control their pony
- Maintain their balance and riding position
- Canter with some control
- Follow instructions and ride safely within a group
Your instructor will assess their progress throughout their lessons. When they're nearly ready, the instructor will let you know and start preparing them for the move.
The goal of Learn to Canter is to become an independent rider who can canter with control, ready for our Novice lessons.
2. Novice Group Lessons
Ready to take your riding to the next level?
Our Novice lessons are for riders who can already ride independently and canter with some control. These lessons are a full hour and take place in our indoor school. There are no leaders or walkers. Riders work together as a group, following the rider at the front and taking turns to lead.
The focus is on developing control, balance, accuracy and confidence in all three gaits, while introducing jumping.
Walk, Trot and Canter
Riders continue improving their position, balance and control. They ride together in a group for walk and trot exercises, taking turns to canter.
Schooling Exercises
Lessons include:
- Riding circles
- Changing the rein
- Serpentines
- Transitions between gaits
- Improving steering and accuracy
Jumping
Jumping is part of every Novice lesson. Towards the end, riders jump with exercises adapted to their ability — from poles on the ground to small jumps and multiple fences.
Novice riders can also go hacking!
Once a rider has been graded as a Novice rider, they can join our group hacks. These take riders outside the school and into the surrounding area, including the country park and village. It's a chance to enjoy riding beyond the arena while continuing to develop confidence and control.
When ready, instructors will update rider level in EC Pro
Book Novice Lesson via EC Pro →3. Intermediate Group Lessons
Developing your riding skills further.
Our Intermediate lessons are the next stage for riders who have developed their independence, control and confidence through Novice lessons. These lessons mainly take place in our outdoor arena, although they may also be held in the indoor school.
Riders continue developing their riding position, accuracy, balance and control, building on the flatwork and jumping skills they've already learned. The aim is to develop riders who can respond confidently to more challenging exercises and continue improving their partnership with their horse.
Key Focus Areas
What riders develop:
- Riding with greater precision and independent seat
- Refining flatwork: rhythm, suppleness, and straightness
- More demanding jumping courses and technical lines
- Riding more varied, responsive horses and ponies
- Preparation for higher-level hacking and arena work
Progression to Advanced
Requirements to move up:
- Consistently ride in balance through all gaits on a variety of horses
- Accurately jump full courses with consistent striding and rhythm
- Demonstrate understanding of horse way of going and contact
- Instructor recommendation when ready for Advanced group
Book via our online booking system EC Pro
Book Intermediate via EC Pro →4. Advanced Group Lessons
Continue developing as a confident, capable rider.
Our Advanced lessons are designed for experienced riders who have progressed through the earlier stages of our riding programme. Lessons mainly take place in our outdoor arena, with the indoor school also used when appropriate.
At this level, riders continue refining their skills, developing greater accuracy, control and confidence through more demanding riding exercises. Our instructors work with riders to support their ongoing development and help them continue improving their riding.
Advanced Riding Disciplines
Disciplines & training:
- Advanced flatwork, lateral work, and dressage movements
- Higher jump courses, related distances, and combination fences
- Fine-tuning rider feel, tempo, balance, and partnership
- Course strategy, competition prep, and simulated rounds
Equestrian Pathways
Where advanced riding leads:
- BHS training and official qualifications pathways
- Riding centre competitions, dressage days, and jump events
- 2-hour country hacks and extended hack challenges
- Opportunities to ride diverse sport horses and ponies
Book via our online booking system EC Pro
Book Advanced via EC Pro →Modern Booking & Progression Tools
Everything at Rayne Riding Centre is integrated with EC Pro so you enjoy a seamless experience from your first click to every ride in the arena.
24/7 Mobile Online Booking
Book or manage your lesson slots anytime, anywhere from your phone or laptop with instant confirmation.
Rider Level Grading & History
Our qualified instructors log each rider's progress directly into EC Pro so you always know when they're ready for Novice, Hacks, or Jump Days.
Horse Welfare & Rider Matching
EC Pro pairs riders with suitable horses based on height, weight, and skill level to ensure peak horse welfare and rider safety.
Events & School Holiday Clubs
From Own a Pony Days to Jump Days and BHS Exams, browse the real-time event calendar and secure your place instantly on EC Pro.
Automated Reminders & History
Never miss a lesson with automated email reminders and a clean dashboard showing all past and upcoming sessions.
Family Account Management
Manage multiple riders under one single login on EC Pro for stress-free weekly scheduling.
Progress At Your Own Pace
How Do Riders Move Up?
It's about ability, not how many lessons you've had.
Every rider learns differently. Some develop their confidence quickly, while others need more time to feel comfortable and in control. That's why we don't move riders up based on the number of lessons they've attended. Instead, our instructors assess their riding during regular lessons.
Learn
Riders develop the skills appropriate to their current lesson level.
Practise
They continue building their confidence, balance, control and independence.
Prepare
When your instructor feels they're approaching the next level, they'll explain what the rider needs to work on.
Progress
Once they're ready, the instructor will recommend moving into the next lesson group in EC Pro.
"There is no rush to move up. We want every rider to feel confident and capable before taking the next step."
Beyond The Arena
More Ways to Enjoy Riding
Group Hacks
Once riders have achieved Novice level, they can join our group hacks. These rides take place outside the riding school, exploring routes through the local country park and village. All group hack riders must have achieved the required riding standard, and our team will help you choose a suitable ride.
One-Hour Group Hack
Enjoy riding outside the arena as part of a group, with the opportunity to explore the local area and country park.
Two-Hour Group Hack
A longer riding experience for eligible riders who want to spend more time exploring the surrounding countryside on horseback.
Rayne Riding Centre on EC Pro
Open EC Pro Booking Portal →Book Directly via the EC Pro System
Create your rider account if it's your first time, or sign into your existing EC Pro account.
Select your rider, choose the appropriate level (e.g. Learn to Canter, Novice), and view real-time available time slots.
Complete payment securely on EC Pro. Your space is instantly confirmed and listed under "My Lessons".
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a riding lesson?
All lesson bookings must be made online directly through our EC Pro booking system at rayneriding.co.uk/login. Please do not call or email the centre to book lessons — simply log into your EC Pro account (or create a new rider profile) and select your chosen day and time.
I've never ridden before. Which lesson should I book on EC Pro?
Our 30-minute Learn to Canter lesson is the starting point for complete beginners. Search for 'Learn to Canter' on your EC Pro account. Riders can join with a leader to support them throughout the lesson.
Will there be someone helping me?
Yes. In our beginner lessons, riders can start with a leader and progress to having a walker alongside them before riding independently.
How long does it take to move from Beginner to Novice?
There isn't a set number of lessons. Every rider develops at their own pace. A rider will need to be riding independently and cantering with some control before moving into Novice.
When will I start jumping?
Jumping is introduced in our Novice lessons. Every Novice lesson includes jumping, starting with poles or small fences for newer riders and progressing as their skills develop.
Can I go on a hack?
Once a rider has been graded as a Novice rider, they can join our group hacks, bookable through EC Pro under Hacks & Events.
Can I decide when I move up?
Our instructors make progression decisions based on each rider's riding ability, confidence and control. They'll let you know when a rider is nearly ready and what they need to work on, then update their rider level in EC Pro.
Where do lessons take place?
Beginner and Novice lessons take place in our indoor school. Intermediate and Advanced lessons mainly take place in our outdoor arena, although they may also be held indoors.
Ready to Get Riding?
Your riding journey starts here.
Whether it's your very first lesson or you're ready for your next challenge, book your session directly through the EC Pro booking system. Please do not call or email to book.
Book via EC Pro Booking System