Our instructors Severnvale’s instructors are friendly, and have a wide range of qualifications and expertise; as well as many years of practice of getting the best out of nervous adults and young children. Their main priority is your enjoyment and safety, as well as making sure that your riding ambitions are realised. They have a wide range of qualifications, expertise and experience, including eventing at national and international levels, work with competition horses, a knowledge of ‘Intelligent Horsemanship’, and a sympathetic understanding of the needs of the rider and their expectations.

Find out more • Our instructors • About the lessons • Getting started • Types of lessons • What’s the cost? • Children’s lessons • Riding for the Disabled • Gift Vouchers

Contact:

Severnvale Equestrian Centre, Tidenham, Chepstow Monmouthshire NP16 7LL

About the lessons Lessons are normally held in either the indoor or outdoor arena; and are one, or half an hour, in length; using carefully selected ponies and horses of differing abilities and sizes, so they are suitable for everyone, from total beginners to the more experienced rider. Riding hats are provided for those who don't have their own. Getting started Persons who are new, or relatively new to riding, and wishing to book their first lesson at Severnvale, should preferably call into the office and talk with one of the instructors, so that this can be done. This is because Severnvale prefers to assess the riding abilities of new clients so that the lessons can be tailored to suite their individual needs. It also provides an opportunity to discuss what to wear. If it is not possible to call into the office in person, then book a lesson by telephoning the Centre. Where required, lessons can be given on the owner’s horse. Types of lessons Lessons can be ‘Private’, which means that individual one-to-one tuition is given, or ‘Semi-Private’, in which case, two people share a lesson. Alternatively, ‘Group’ lessons are available, in which three or more people take part, these groups are however, usually kept quite small. There is a special ‘Lead Rein Group’ for very young riders. What’s the cost? The cost of each lesson depends on the qualification and skills of the instructor chosen, the type of lesson, and of course whether it is one or half an hour in length. Lessons taken at the weekend are more expensive than those taken during the week. However, they can be paid for individually, or booked in blocks, at a discounted price. A Price List showing the cost of the range and period of the lessons that are given by the different instructors, is available from the Centre. Children’s lessons Severnvale’s Clubs provide a great way to learn to look after and ride a pony. These group sessions provide 1½ hours of fully supervised instruction, including riding, grooming, care of tack, and mounted games; as well as BHS Approved Tests

Riding for the Disabled The Forest Riding for the Disable Group hold weekly term-time sessions at Severnvale; where they provide riding lessons to all local disabled children and adults who might benefit from being on a horse or pony. These are held weekly on Thursdays during school term time, between 1.45 pm to 4 pm, with rides lasting about 30 minutes. The Group tries to fit individuals into groups with people of similar skills and age; however, due to the numbers on the waiting list, this is not always possible. When a place is allocated, the rider is expected to attend every week, unless they are booked off; or unless illness or other special circumstances prevail. To book a riding session, to volunteer to help the Group, or just to find out more about the Forest RDA Group, go to the Group’s website or contact: Carole Reader @ Carole.reader@hotmail.co.uk - or on 01594 516328 The Forest RDA Group are members of the National Riding for the Disabled Association, at Stoneleigh; and work under their guidance. All the Group’s volunteers are trained to a high standard and the Group is assessed each year by the National RDA body. Gift Vouchers Surprise someone special with a Gift Voucher Does your gift shopping list include a horse lover? Do you feel lost in a tack shop? Here's an easier solution for your gift-giving question. We've created SVEC Gift and Riding Experience Vouchers, so if you'd like to treat a friend, child, brother or sister, or a loved one with a passion for horse-riding, then this is a great gift. • Gift Vouchers - are available in any denomination, and are valid for 12 months so can be used towards riding lessons, or other activities at Severnvale Equestrian Centre; just choose the amount that suits you. • Riding Experience Voucher - is also valid for 12 months, entitles the bearer to three hours of riding time; which can include Dressage tuition, an Introduction to Jumping, Lunging, Horse Care, or Hacking around, but this may be subject to weather and safety checks. Any of these is a perfect present for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and other special occasions; such as Father's and Mother's Day, Easter, and Valentine's Day. SVEC Gift and Riding Experience Vouchers can either be paid for and collected at the yard office; or can be ordered by post by sending a cheque and details of the type and value of voucher, which will then be posted to an address of the givers choice.

If you are looking for a pastime that will keep you fit in the great outdoors - horse riding is for you It's a rewarding and exciting sport that anyone, regardless of age, ability or background can have a go at, as no experience is necessary. Furthermore, it’s easy to learn to ride at Severnvale, as the Centre provides lessons for someone who has never ridden before, to those that want to just ‘brush-up’, or to improve their riding skills. Furthermore, you don't worry about the weather or mud, as you can enjoy riding lessons that are relevant to your needs in the Centre’s indoor and outdoor arenas.