Horse Riding

Team Tryouts

If you are interested in trying out for the TEAM, please either email me, once again on spbuss@essex.ac.uk or email our Team Captain, Ashlea Sharp on ajshar@essex.ac.uk.

It may also be useful for you to look at the BUSA website on http://www.busa.org.uk/ as you will be able to learn the dressage test the team uses to compete, which may be used during the tryouts to assess the riders capability.

The Tryouts will be held around late October to early November.

For anyone not looking to compete for our Team, but who just wants to ride as part of the club, no worries, we still hold competitions for you like GYMCHANAS against each other at your local stables.

Frequently Asked Questions (if you have any other questions please feel free to email one of the Exec!):

Where do we ride?

At a BHS approved Riding Stables near Alresford called 'Brook Farm Stables'. It takes 10-15 minutes to get there on the bus (Directions at bottom of page). The number for Brook Farm is: 01206 822502.

Or at another BHS approved Riding Stables in Ipswich called 'Newton Hall Equitation Centre'. It takes around an hour to get there by car. (Groups will go with an allocated driver that also rides there and everyone chips in for petrol). This is where the Team trains and holds competitions, however, we are looking for more riders that are not on the team to ride here and this is a very large and competant stables. The number for Newton Hall is: 01473 785616 

When do we ride?

Every Wednesday afternoon, classes start at 1:00 pm and end at 4:30 due to the weather and it getting dark so early. Currently the schedule is:

1:00 Beginner (for one hour)

2:00 Intermediate (for one hour)

3:00 Advanced (for one hour)

What about during exams?

During exams lessons will be decided by the stables as to what time the lessons run and as to who is in the lessons, as a number of people do not ride due to exams and revision. The lessons will still be held at one of the three times above.

But I've got classes on Wednesday afternoons! When can I ride?

First of all you should report this to vpsportsandsocs@essex.ac.uk who is trying to stop classes happening on Wednesday afternoons so everyone has a chance to play sport (give them your name, course, the class that is on the Wednesday and the sport you want to do). Unfortunately Brook Farm does not offer us a discount when riding other than on Wednesday afternoons. But it's always worth emailing to see what the current situation is.
 

How do I join?

You need to go to the SU (student's union) reception (You know when you go downstairs to go to the Underground? Well, go up the stairs). You need to be a member of Sports Fed which is £10. Then the membership fee for the Riding Club is £10. However, after that you can enjoy our wonderful discounts. If you decide you do not wants to be a member of the riding club you can get a refund on your membership fee, but only until a certain date (check your membership card for details).

I've joined, now what?

You need to send an email to spbuss@essex.ac.uk one week before you want to ride. Please bear in mind that the riding school is a business so you cannot just turn up and expect a horse to be available. If you do just turn up you will be turned away. Please also be aware that if you are new it may take a week to find a place in one of the lessons. Having said all that please don't let this put you off coming to ride, it may just take a week to get everything sorted.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You need to ring the riding school at least 24 hours in advanced to tell them you will not be able to ride. If you do not give 24 hours notice you will be charged £5.

What about the horses?

The riding school own plenty of different horses and ponies to suit your needs. From Shetlands to Shires. Please be aware that the riding school can only accommodate riders up to 14 stone.

How much is it to ride?

With membership it is £10 to ride for half an hour, and £14 to ride for an hour. Please try and bring the correct money. Please also be aware that you will need to pay for your travel to the stables. The bus is expensive so ask someone who drives if they can pick you up from campus and then you give them £1 towards petrol (much cheaper than the bus and you can have a chat on the way).

Do we still ride if it's raining?

Yes, we may even ride if it's snowing. When you sign up you will be asked to give a phone number, when riding is cancelled at short notice someone will contact you on that number and also your email. So it's worth checking your email if you are unsure. We are not 'fine weather riders'.

Do I need qualifications to participate?

No, we can teach a person who has only been on a donkey when they were five years old in Skegness.

Do I have to go every week?

No, if you have a huge essay or something else on you will not be forced to go. If you are booked in you need to ring the stables on 01206 822502 to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not turn up for a lesson you will be charged.

Are there any rules at the stables? How should I act around horses?

Yes, there are rules that members should follow to stay safe around the horses. Sports federation insurance will cover you as long as you follow these rules. On very severe occasions, breaking the rules or being rude to staff at Brook Farm may result in dismissal from Sport Fed.

• Please do not make too much noise. There are other people riding and working besides you, so be considerate. Noise can also scare horses.
• Please take care when moving around horses. Never go behind a horse as you may get kicked.
• No smoking on the premises. There is a lot of hay and straw around and it is very dangerous to smoke on the yard.
• Please, if you are a novice, do not attempt to mount or lead your horse without assistance or supervision.
• Pay attention to your instructor at all times. Do not attempt to do anything whilst mounted without your instructor’s permission.
• Riding hats must be worn when mounted; this is to ensure your safety. Riding hats must also fit properly, even if you have done your hair. If you do not have a hat that fits properly you will not be allowed on the horse. If you're unsure whether your hat fit please ask a member of staff, another, more advanced member of the club or your instructor. Nobody will mind checking a hat.

If you're not sure about something please ask. You will not learn if you do not ask. Advanced members will be happy to teach you their skills and things about horses. It's one of the pleasures of riding.

I have my own hat, can I wear it?

Yes, as long as it is approved to PAS 015 / EN 1384. Standards.
 

What else should I wear?

Trousers are a must, no shorts or skirts. A pair of old jeans is fine, leggings are better, and jodhpurs are ideal.

Footwear, preferably a boot of some kind without laces. The footwear must have a small heel (approx. 1-3cm) to prevent the foot from going right through the stirrup. Wellington boots can be worn. Ankle boots are ok, so long as they have a small heel, walking boots - same.

No - Trainers/Sneakers, Soft canvas shoes, or high heels.

Sweatshirts/T-shirts, loose fitting are the best. You will be bouncing around after all. Shoulders should be covered when riding. Please bear in mind, stables are not the cleanest of places and you should be prepared to get dirty. Jackets should be zipped up when around and on the horses, and always ask before you take your jacket off when on a horse. I've actually seen a horse go up a wall (not at Brook Farm) because he didn't like the flapping jacket.

How do I get one of those cool Sports Fed Riding Club jackets/hoodies/shirts?

There will be a meeting at the start of the year; please bear in mind, only one order of clothes will go out due to the tremendous wait for the clothes to arrive. Please email the Treasurer / Secretary about this (Claire Jones – cljone@essex.ac.uk). The usual Essex colours are red and black.

Do the riding school supply equipment?

Yes! They have both hats and boots so it doesn't matter if you have left yours at home, or are a beginner just starting out and do not want to buy all the expensive equipment. You will need a pair of old jeans. If you do not have the correct boots be aware you will have to turn up extra early so you can find some.

Where can I buy my own pair of boots/hat?

Jacks (which is near pound saver and JJB in town has some cheap 'muckers' that are suitable for riding if you are a beginner (it usually has flags on the walls outside). They also sell some nice gloves (please buy some with grip otherwise the reigns will slip through your fingers!) 

Priory Saddlery

 

Priory Hall Farm, Old House Lane, Boxted, Colchester, Essex CO4 5RF

Tel: 01206 273730  

Is also a good place to get good quality riding equipment. Ask the people with cars if they're planning to go and get riding clothes, or maybe just to go and have a look. It could even turn into a social event.

How do I get to Brook Farm Stables?

By car: From South campus, go on Boundary Road, turn left, then right. Keep going for 5 minutes, past Alresford. Then you go over a metal bridge. It'll come to a national speed limit sign, but don't speed up too much. There's about two bends then you'll see a sign that says 'Brook Farm Stables' Do not take the first track, take the second. It has a lot of pot holes so careful, there's is a wooden gate. PLEASE SHUT THIS BEHIND YOU.

By bus: Catch the 74 bus, ask the driver to take to you 'Brook Farm Stables' near Arlesford. Catch the bus towards Wivenhoe, not towards Colchester. The drivers know that most people that go to Brook Farm Stables don't know where they're going so ask them to stop because the bus stop is unmarked.

You should be given the names and emails of people you will be riding with (if you are emailed at the same time their emails will be at the top), so just email them and arrange to meet up. It's not so scary when you with someone else.