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AVON RIDING CLUB
Avon Riding Club is a commercial riding school at the Avon Centre. By riding with ARC and paying the commercial rate you are helping support the charitable works of The Avon Centre, along with receiving the benefits of riding with a BHS Accredited Riding School with BHS Accredited instructors and the use of our excellent facilities. The Avon Centre is the only BHS Approved Centre in Bristol.
Avon Riding Club is a British Horse Society approved riding school offering commercial riding lessons to riders who are able to ride in a "mainstream" environment. Please note, that those with a disability, diagnosis, or some additional support needs are welcome within Avon Riding Club activities, so long as they feel that they are able to manage without the more specialist support available within the RDA Programme. If in doubt, please email info@theavoncentre.org.uk and we will be happy to discuss with you.
As well as regular Private Lessons, Group Lessons, and Hacks, Avon Riding Club riders are also able to take part in In-House Competitions on our Centre horses during the school holidays, in addition to Pony Days and other fun activities such as Mounted Games. We also are able to offer BHS accredited courses and qualifications in both riding and stable management.
Once registered riders will be graded into one of the following rider grades:
"Below Minimum Riding Age" this is for clients aged under 7 years old. Once clients turn 7 they will be moved to a different grade. BMRA clients can still access our un-mounted activities such as the mechanical horse simulator, sessions with our Shetland Ponies, and our Nature Based Activities programme.
"Group 1" this is for riders aged 7+ who are a self declared beginner rider. Beginner riders do not need to attend a ridden assessment. Group 1 riders can access Private Lessons, Lead Rein/Assisted Hacks, holiday activities, and our un-mounted activities such as the mechanical horse simulator, sessions with our Shetland Ponies, and our Nature Based Activities programme.
“Awaiting Assessment” this is for riders age 7+ who have some ridden experience already, and are either able to canter, or are at least able to ride fully independently in walk and trot (no lead rein or assistance).
Riders in this Grade must book and attend a New Rider Assessment before accessing ridden activities with us - this is to ensure you are accessing the correct level of lessons, and are horsed on a suitable equine. We only run New Rider Assessments during the school holidays, on both Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Once you have been assessed you will be re-graded according to the results of your assessment and be able to see both Private and Group Lessons, and other activities appropriate to your riding level.
By riding with Avon Riding Club, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
RIDING WITH US FOR THE FIRST TIME
Once you have signed up for an EC Pro account and have added rider details, your rider will then be sorted into one of two categories. Please note, this may take up to two working days.
Pre Assessed +
Those who have declared that they can walk and trot competently off the lead rein.
Pre Assessed
Those who are beginners or still require some help from a walker or leader.
Once you have been notified of this grading, you will then be able to book either a Pre Assessed or Pre Assessed + ridden assessment. The assessments are 45 minutes long and will be split between 30 minutes riding time and 15 minutes discussion and demonstration.
Upon completion of a ridden assessment, you will then receive a ridden ability grading (please note this may take up to 3 working days). The grading system goes from Group 1 to 4, including a Group 1+. You will then be able to book group lessons suited to your ridden ability.
Assessment Cost: £40
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Please note no refund or credit is given for cancellation with less than 48h notice.
GROUP AND PRIVATE LESSONS
Group lessons are available for graded riders in groups 1 – 4 including group 1+, with a maximum of 5 riders per group lessons. Group lessons are available throughout the week during the afternoon and evening and all day Saturday.
Each group lesson is approximately 1 hour long and taught by one of our BHS accredited coaches.
Private lessons are available to all groups between 1 and 4. The lesson is 45 minutes long. There is extremely limited availability.
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Cost of group lesson: £49.5
Cost of private lesson: £66
BHS PONY STARS - Dartmoor Dazzlers
Held on Saturdays at 1:45pm. The lesson includes 1 hours ridden session and 1 hour stable management. These sessions are aimed at individuals who can canter independently and aged between 8 and 13.
Block booking and subscription only as you will work towards gaining badges and developing an existing knowledge on all things horse related.
Cost: £60per session
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PONY DAYS
Drop children off at 10:00am and collect at 16:00pm. The day includes activities such as equine management, horse husbandry, a one hour group riding lesson or hack through the woods and some games.
Tuesday – Beginners
Open to riders who may still require a lead rein.
Ages 7 – 13
Wednesday – Experienced
Open to riders who have ridden with us before and can competently walk, trot off the lead rein.
Ages 9 – 16
Cost: £70
THE SHETLAND SATURDAYS *Non Ridden Activity*
These are 45 minute sessions with our herd of adorable mini Shetland Ponies. Learn how to groom and take care of them, and get out and about exploring, taking them for a walk round our acres of private tracks and woodland.
No prior experience needed! Perfect for beginners, those nervous around horses, and small children above the age of 4. Please wear suitable footwear such as wellies or walking boots, and appropriate clothing for the weather!
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Cost: £15
SIMULATOR LESSONS
Great way to get back into riding or to practice working on position and balance on our state-of-the-art horse simulator.
1:1 sessions with a BHS accredited instructor for approximately 30 minutes.
Cost: £35
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
These can be booked by special request via email and organised by email rather than booking on EC Pro.
Catering for up to 8 children with cost of £50 per child. The session runs for 2.5hrs, 1.5hrs of pony time, 1hr exclusive use of the conference room (supervision during this time to be the responsibility of parents of the birthday child) for party tea/games. Party tea etc. to be supplied by the client too.
Payment would need to be made up front in one go.
Only available on Saturdays or during the weekday in school holidays.