Bryanston Prep: where equestrian dreams begin

From Pre-Prep upwards, the young riders have access to the facilities. All pupils are encouraged to enjoy their riding and to give them a foundation in many disciplines so that their choices later will be informed ones.  

Horse riding at Bryanston is very much focused on pupil experience. Priority is given not only to the quality of coaching and rider development but also to the personal growth and wellbeing that a relationship with a horse enables.

In the Prep School, children learn the standard disciplines of dressage, show-jumping and cross-country, but also have the chance to take part in mounted games, Trec, Tetrathlon, Polo, showing and hunting, as well as having a chance to hack the glorious Dorset countryside.

Regular riding competitions are held at the school which help to build confidence.

Riding on school ponies in a familiar setting, with staff that know how to assist the children, helps those children who have never competed to consider doing so. 

Pupils with their own ponies can represent the school in NSEA competitions. For those pupils who do not want to ride competitively but simply want to enjoy their riding, we organise picnic rides, fun rides and early morning hacks.

Equestrian opportunities at Bryanston Prep:

• Around 70% of pupils at Bryanston Prep participate in riding. 
• Bryanston has exceptional facilities which include one indoor and three outdoor arenas. Grass dressage and jumping space plus three full sets of show-jumps which are used extensively by all ages. 
• There are 25 stables that form an attractive horseshoe shape around a central courtyard. 
• The majority of riders bring their own horse to school, however there are a limited number of horses available to borrow. 
• As an accredited BHS and Pony Club Centre, children can gain a good foundation in theoretical and practical horse and pony care, and we work with them towards taking the internationally recognised Pony Club tests and badges.
• All riders have the opportunity to work closely with the Performance Sport Programme and learn about the biomechanics involved in equestrianism and how they can use this knowledge to develop and improve.

Our small but select coaching staff are BHS qualified and offer a rounded, friendly equestrian education complimented by a team of clinicians who attend regularly and are competing nationally and internationally in their specific field, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.

We believe that our riding opportunities enable pupils not only to become better riders and horsemen and women, but also teach valuable life skills.