Old Manor House Riding School

I came from Russia to study English in Oxford. As I used to riding in my home country, I also wanted to experience horse riding in Oxford during my stay here and I’ve enjoyed having lessons at the Old Manor House Riding School. I had 5 individual lessons in April 2013. The location is one of advantages of this school. It’s easy to get by car or public transport. The stables and yard are convenient, clean and practical. There is enough space for equipments. The customer area is comfortable. The place are managed by the good team who get on well with each other and with their responsibility, without strong supervision. There is a large range of different horses for the riders of any levels and experience. The horse for my needs was the most suitable. The mare was calm, well-​trained, at good movements. The best choice for beginners! The trainer Emilia was young, but well-​experienced. She listen to my needs at the beginning, understood them correctly and disigned the program appropriate for my particular objective. My aim was to become more confident with the canter, and it is what was at least for 5 lessons. On the first day I could hardly raise a mare to the canter with the crop on a 20 meter circle, and on the fifth day I was able to canter with and without stirrups around the full arena. Emilia organized each lesson in order to achieve a noticeable progress every day. Unfortunately my stay here came to an end and I’m leaving, but I would stay with the Old Manor House Riding School longer if I could. I will definitely come back on my next visit to Oxford! And I wish all the people who’re involved don’t lose the stirrup at the gallop!

Garry (senior coach) has a very positive and fun teaching style, and I definitely feel that my riding has improved in the short time (3 months) I’ve been riding here. Bookings are well organised and my lessons have always started on-​time.
Good range of horses and ponies, from beginner-​friendly steady-​Eddies to advanced horses to learn from. The horses are obviously loved and well-​looked after, and the yard is always super tidy. All of the staff I’ve met are friendly and helpful.
Convenient location, especially for people without cars. Lesson price is on-​par with other Oxford riding schoolsthey’re all a bit dear on a student’s budget!

Learning to ride at the Old Manor House Riding School has been such an enjoyable experience for me. I am always warmly greeted and welcomed when I arrive for my lessons. The stables have been newly renovated and are consistently clean and well kept. The staff is very experienced and though I have had several different instructors, I feel like I benefit differently (but benefit consistently) with each individual one. They are very punctual, knowledgeable, and personable. The manager is always very attentive to maintaining the smooth and efficient running of the school. His management style is effective because I have no complaints! The horses each possess different strengths; riding a variety of the horses at the school has enabled me to focus on different aspects of my riding. I walk away after EVERY lesson feeling as though I am that much better a rider. My lesson at Old Manor House is the highlight of my week.

I cannot think of a better place for my daughters to have learnt to ride. Not only do they now both now ride to a very high standard, but they also now understand the care needed to look after horses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The teaching was excellent — and the environment a marvelous breath of fresh air — so close to the centre of Oxford. And if you get a chance talk to the owner — she knows more about horses and the history of Oxford than most of us have will ever do.

I’ve been riding here for 5 months now after trying several Oxford Riding Schools and have no intention of moving on again. The quality riding instruction has really helped me improve — the horses I’ve ridden have been forward going and definitely not your average Riding School plods. The yard seems very organised and lessons are available at convenient times during weekday evenings.