Equestrian Simulator Session

Equestrian Simulator Session

1:1 lesson to suit your needs on the brand new equestrian simulator at Lee Valley Riding Centre. Whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you are an experienced rider our instructor will be able to tailor a session to make the most of your time on the simulator.

Age: 8Yrs+

Price: £50 (30 minutes session)

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Equestrian Simulator Induction

The journey begins with an instructor led induction session. The life sized, fully interactive equestrian simulator offers a realistic and dynamic way to introduce new riders to horse riding or help seasoned riders refine their techniques. During this induction, expert instructors guide participants on how to make the most out of the simulator’s features. Upon completing the session, riders will be eligible to book self led sessions, where they can continue improving at their own pace.

Price: £70 (45 minutes session)

Book an induction 

Self Led Equestrian Simulator Session

Once riders have mastered the basics in the induction, they can advance to self-led sessions. These independent sessions allow riders to reinforce what they’ve learned, focus on specific areas of improvement, and work toward their riding goals. To participate, riders must first complete the induction, ensuring they’re fully equipped to take advantage of the simulator’s advanced functions.

Price: £30 (30 minutes session)

Book a session 

Who can benefit from the Equestrian Simulator?

Beginner Riders
The life sized simulator is invaluable for introducing you to horse riding. During these lessons, you’ll learn and develop all the basic skills and gain confidence within a safe and controlled environment with a personal instructor at your side.


Recreational Riders
Whether you’re a happy hacker or an enthusiastic amateur competitor, there’s always something more to learn. By including lessons on the equestrian simulator in your routine, you can work on developing your position and technique and you will see your performance improve.

 

Professional Riders
Dressage enthusiasts who can ride movements such as piaffe, half pass and flying change as well as dressage tests too. Using sophisticated sensors the simulator can highlight faults and will only respond to clear aids therefore ensuring any inaccuracies are eliminated. Fine tune your riding with equestrian simulator lessons!


Riding Holiday Preparation
Lessons can be targeted towards preparing you for long hours in the saddle and for learning how to ride with a light seat which is essential for prolonged periods at faster paces. Develop a stronger and safer riding position and your holiday will be much more fun!

 

RDA Riders
For many with disabilities, horse riding offers a therapy that they simply cannot achieve elsewhere. It can be used all day, whatever the weather allowing riders to enjoy horse riding in a safe and controlled environment providing therapeutic action with fun interactive options.


Fitness Training
Improve your riding fitness in a way no other gym equipment can! If you’re returning to riding after injury you can progress at your own pace, enabling you to redevelop specific muscle groups without putting unnecessary strain on other parts of the body.


Rider Assessment
Get rid of those unwanted habits, and discover the difference it can make to your riding. Assessment lessons allow you to identify your weaknesses so you can practice a variety of exercises to help develop and improve your riding!

How to get the most out of the Equestrian Simulator?

Here’s some helpful hints and tips so you can get the most out of the equestrian simulator!

 

Leg position and leg aid
The equestrian simulator will help you develop more strength in your legs allowing you to give more precise leg aids. The on screen feedback will show your exact leg position, and effectiveness when applying pressure. Improving your leg use and position will result in a more responsive horse and transitions from one pace to another will be much smoother!


Hand position and rein contact
Learn how to be confidently in control of your horse whilst riding with a hand position and rein contact that allows the horse to go freely forward. Ride exercises that teach you to achieve accurate, smooth transitions up and down the paces without negatively interfering with the reins, disrupting your horse’s rhythm.


Seat and posture
A tension free, dynamic seat is the foundation for every good rider, it’ll enable you to sit in a supple position and in balance with the horse in all paces. Riding the equestrian simulator will give you the opportunity to analyse your posture in the saddle using real time feedback from the seat sensors.


Confidence booster
Concentrate on your technique and hone your skills as a rider, without any external distractions. Overcoming fears and trying new things in a safe and enjoyable environment will help give you the confidence to do the same on a horse.


Balance and security
If you’re unbalanced in the saddle it’ll be uncomfortable for the horse and your safety could be compromised. In these lessons, you’ll enjoy taking on a variety of fun and influential exercises that’ll improve your balance, strength and confidence in the saddle.


Coordination of aids
The equestrian simulator allows you to perform strategic exercises, not possible when riding a real horse, that teach you to target different parts of your body. Being able to tap into individual body parts allows you to coordinate and control your body as well as give clear and accurate aids that’ll make all your riding and particularly lateral work seem effortless.


Jumping Position
Problems occur in jumping when a rider isn’t balanced in the saddle which can lead to them supporting themselves with their hands or gripping with their legs. The equestrian simulator can help develop a strong and stable two point position, maintaining weight over the centre of the saddle and with the hips, knees and ankles relaxed and flexible, without depending on your reins for balance.

Essential Information

  • You must agree to our terms and conditions
  • For all sessions you must arrive at least 15 minutes before your session is due to start
  • Late arrivals will not be admitted to the equestrian simulator sessions and a refund will not be given
  • If you or the person you are booking for has a disability, learning difficulty, an injury or physical or other medical condition, you must contact us before booking. We’ll need some detailed information and may need to carry out a risk assessment so that we can recommend the best activity for you.
  • Riders must wear jodhpurs, or loose fitting or stretchy trousers, a cleaved top and strong shoes or boots with a small block heel
  • If you'd like to bring your own riding hat, please refer to our terms and conditions to see if it's suitable for use at Lee Valley Riding Centre
  • Riding boots are available to borrow free of charge
  • Maximum rider weight 101.6kg