what we offer
The ancient partnership between horse and man is a special one and forming friendships with animals has proven health benefits for physical and perhaps more importantly mental wellness.
We offer a variety of lessons and can tailor what we do specifically to your level of experience and aspiration. All our lessons start on the ground and we teach the importance of solid foundations, focusing on communication, respect and understanding.
Stable management and groundwork
At Apples Equestrian we often talk about the conversations we have with the horses. Horses are very good at reading body language. They know if you are having a bad day, feel sad or are worried and equally they can also tell when you feel proud, excited and relaxed.
Your actions around the horses, grooming them and caring for them, walking with them, feeding them an apple or giving them a pat are so important. Everything we do at Apples Equestrian always starts with asking “hello, how are you?”
Hacking
The best views are between the ears of a horse. We have many beautiful routes on our doorstep taking in rolling hills, open common land and magical woodland.
Many of the rides require very little road-work and the horses love going out.
Home Schooled Children
We have worked with several home-schooled children and their parents.
Spending time outdoors, learning about the horses and building friendships with them is a wonderful way to enrich the curriculum and the skills learnt here can support many subject areas.
Confidence building
Our approach at Apples Equestrian lends itself to self-improvement and repairing and building confidence. We focus on listening and the importance of taking meaningful steps in the right direction.
Rather than worrying about the size of the steps, with the support of the horses we focus on open communication, trust and quality. With time and understanding, the steps can get bigger, more complicated and more independent.
Visiting you and your horse at home
We work with many horses and their owners, helping and supporting them with their own goals. We can accommodate you here at Apples Equestrian or visit you at home. Get in touch if you’d like us to work with you and your horse.
Trouble shooting
Like any relationship, our friendships with horses can sometimes go a bit wrong, Horses have their own minds, own fears and like us, they develop bad habits. Feelings of dread and fear can be all consuming, scary and take a lot of courage to overcome.
We believe we can help you and that by listening and understanding we can start to unpick the problem. We use a method of horse language called join up, made famous by the brilliant Monty Roberts. Most often the reason for a bad behaviour can be found and seeing it from the horses point of view it can be resolved, leaving a stronger and more respectful friendship.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness put simply, is being present in the moment, grounding yourself in the world as it is in front of you, with no distractions and no pre-conceived worries or stresses. Animals in many ways embody mindfulness. They are non judgemental, honest and incredibly forgiving.
When we spend time with the horses they aren’t busy thinking about yesterday or tomorrow. They are simply there. We have a lot to learn from them and they can help us to become unstuck from living in our mental chatter by bringing us back to reality.
Pony Days
Our pony days offer the opportunity to experience owning a pony for the day. These are friendly fun-filled days for all ages and all abilities. You don’t need to know anything about horses, just a desire to learn and have fun.
Understanding Sessions
Horse riding is unlike almost all other sports and hobbies. Your closest ally and friend is a living, breathing animal with its own thoughts, feelings and priorities.
The sessions are friendly, relaxed and suitable for all. We welcome questions and appreciate that everyone has their own goals. We work at a pace to suit each individual. The aim is to develop confident, fulfilling and rewarding relationships with the horses.
Prices and what to expect
Find out more
One hour private lesson – £35
A half hour riding lesson is £20, sometimes you will be required to share
For siblings the half hour riding lesson is £17.50 per person
One hour shared riding lesson is £30
Fun day (4 hours) £40
Understanding session – £20
Horses are often very big animals and have to be treated with the greatest respect. Animals have a mind of their own and have no understanding of how big they are or Health and Safety laws! Your safety is of prime concern at all times when you are at Apples Equestrian.
Rachel has been around horses all her life and is well placed to see any danger in advance and ensure your safety and your family’s safety while you are here. Safety tips and instructions are given to all riders from their very first lesson, ensuring it is possible to have a lot of fun and be safe at the same time. You are also asked to be very thoughtful of your safety and the safety of everyone around you.
If you have any safety concerns please speak to Rachel immediately.
Apples Equestrian is registered with the Malvern Hills District Council and I have a recent Enhanced CRB check, which is available to view upon request.
Understanding is the key to success
Our lessons are for you as individuals and we are always aware that people learn differently and we style the lessons accordingly. Our core belief is that you must fully understand what is happening and why. We would never expect you to do something you aren’t comfortable with, don’t understand or just because we say so. We give everyone the opportunity to create a positive, safe, prosperous relationship with the horses. Understanding how they think and see the world is key and it underpins everything else. This involves learning from the ground and saddle.
Honesty and Communication
Honest and open communication is necessary when learning new things. We will ask you a lot of questions (and will encourage and welcome them from you). You will be taught to truly see, hear and think . This will help you to develop your feel and trust in your own intuition without the interruptions, worries and hang ups that often cloud our lives. You will learn how to find your courage and not let fear stop you from taking part and achieving.
Safety
Learning through trust and respect for ourselves, each other and the animals is a constant here. It is our priority that all of you are taught in a safe, positive environment. Horses are big, powerful, strong animals with their own minds. This makes working with them extremely rewarding but there are obvious dangers.
Rachel has a lifetime of experience and her team of helpers are well trusted and respected by herself and the horses. They have been taught here for many years, understand the way we do things and are here to support your lesson. Their time and expertise puts the public in a much safer environment to learn and enjoy.
Our horses and ponies are well trained and cared for and we know their behaviours, personalities, and quirks well. Please trust and respect that we will look after you and carefully listen to any advice we give.
Practical Advice
Clothing
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and remember that it may get muddy or hairy!
Trousers must be comfortable to move in and soft so that they do not damage the saddle. Stretchy leggings or jogging bottoms are ideal if you don’t have jodphurs. Jeans are not suitable.
You don’t need specialised boots to begin with. Wellies, boots or shoes are fine but they should ideally have a small heel. This is to prevent your foot slipping through the stirrups. Trainers are not suitable.
Gloves are recommended for all riders.
We have a selection of hats in a range of sizes which you can borrow free of charge.
We also have a small selection of body protectors.
Cancellations
We rarely cancel lessons and work through rain, snow and the occasional heatwave! If your lesson needs to be rearranged or cancelled we will contact you and we will always try to give you at least 24 hours notice (extreme situations may prevent this). If you need to reschedule or cancel a lesson we would ask that you contact us at the earliest opportunity, thank you.
Cancellation fees:
We aim to provide a service for all and hate to turn people away. Cancelling your lesson last minute often means an empty slot which we could have given to someone else. For this reason we do impose fees for cancelled lessons.
- More than 24 hours notice – no charge
- Between 24 and 12 hours notice – 50% of your lesson cost will be payable
- Less than 12 hours notice – will mean paying the full cost of your lesson
We may adapt your lesson to be safer or more enjoyable for the conditions. For example, if it is very warm we might retreat to the shade and go on a ride up the lane or in our field. We will discuss this with you.
Payment
Ideally payment should be made at the time of your lesson. Bank transfer is preferred.
Parking
We have parking spaces available on our drive and ask that you don’t park on the road please.
Apples Equestrian