Set among acres of sprawling North Somerset countryside, Sidcot School’s equestrian facilities allow pupils to board their own horses, so they can enjoy the beauty of horse riding while at our junior school.
The Equestrian Centre
Our equestrian facility offers a rare combination - a school livery yard in the heart of a thriving co-ed day and boarding school. For students who already ride, or who want to learn, Sidcot is a popular choice, as we pride ourselves on our friendly atmosphere for both beginners and experienced riders alike.
Pupils who own their own horse can make the most of our fully equipped livery yard, while students new to horse riding can enjoy lessons just minutes from school.
Sidcot Equestrian Team
Keen riders, who own their own horse, will be encouraged to join the Sidcot Equestrian Team. This gives students the opportunity to take part in lessons and clinics, and team training in a wide range of disciplines. There are regular opportunities to compete both locally and at national events, and we are very proud of the recent success of the Sidcot Equestrian Sport Team.
Riding is just one of the many outdoor activities on offer at Sidcot School. As well as the physical merits of horse riding, it is also a valuable and enriching activity that develops and enhances all aspects of emotional health and wellbeing.
Livery at Sidcot School
The advantages of keeping your horse at the Sidcot School equestrian facility are numerous. Our school livery yard includes full access to all shared equestrian facilities. This includes a 30m x 40m floodlit resurfaced arena, show jumps, horse walker, solarium, hot shower, and off road hacking.
We offer a full livery yard package at £160 per week, which includes:
- Bedding
- Adlib haylage
- Stable and field usage (depending on individual requirements)
- Basic feed (feed supplements not included)
As well as providing a comfortable and clean stable, we will speak with you to ensure (within reason) that your horse’s needs are catered for to avoid boredom and the development of bad habits or stress-related behaviours. This will be achieved by providing a good yard routine, adequate care, exercise, plenty of variety, and human contact.
On a routine basis, our school livery yard staff will provide:
- Mucking out
- Grooming
- Tack cleaning
- Supervised free riding sessions
- Lunging
- Hacking
Our floodlit arena provides an excellent facility for both rider and horse, and the rural North Somerset countryside offers a stunning backdrop for experienced riders to enjoy a scenic hack.
Keen riders will be encouraged to join the Sidcot Equestrian Team, giving them the opportunity to care for their horse, take part in team training, and potentially compete in national competitions.
In addition to our livery yard offer, we are able to provide 1:1 or group riding lessons by highly qualified riding instructors. Lessons cater for all levels from beginners to advanced riders. These lessons provide a great opportunity for students to advance their current skills or explore new ones, and will be tailored towards the student and their horse.
Junior School Riding Lessons
For those students that do not own their own horse, we have partnered with a local Equestrian Centre, Urchinwood Manor, which is a BHS approved livery and riding establishment with British Eventing accreditation.
Located 5 miles from Sidcot, set within 100 acres of pasture, Urchinwood Manor is staffed by a highly experienced and knowledgeable team. Horses are carefully chosen to provide a range that caters for all abilities, from absolute beginners to more experienced riders. There are several individual and group lessons tailored to meet your needs. Riding instructors are able to provide tuition for all riders from beginner to advanced in a safe environment.
Facilities
Urchinwood Manor provides a range of equestrian facilities, including an indoor and outdoor arena, a cross country course consisting of jumps from 1’0” to 3’3”, and show jumping courses.
Lessons
Lessons are held on a Monday and Thursday after school. The cost is £23 for a 1-hour group lesson and from £38 for a 1-hour individual lesson (depending on the qualification of the instructor). The school will provide transportation to and from Urchinwood Manor and lessons can be booked directly with the equestrian centre.
If you’d like further information, please contact the equestrian team by emailing equestrian@sidcot.org.uk. You can also find out about opportunities to visit and view our equestrian facilities, or request a prospectus to see how Sidcot School offers every child a chance to develop their passions.