At Stickney Riding Centre, we believe horsemanship is about far more than simply learning to ride.
Learning to ride is only a small part of horsemanship. The greater journey is learning to understand the horse. Horses are incredible teachers, and every one of them reminds us that learning never stops.
Over the years, I've spent countless hours riding, teaching, observing horses and continuing my own education. What I've discovered is that great coaching isn't about teaching riders to memorise exercises. It's about helping them understand why those exercises matter, what they should feel, and how the horse is responding.
Every lesson is an opportunity to develop feel, balance, timing and communication. The aim isn't simply to ride a better circle, jump a higher fence or achieve a more polished dressage test. It's to create riders who can recognise what their horse is telling them and make thoughtful decisions that build trust, confidence and harmony.
That's why I encourage questions. I encourage curiosity. I encourage riders to think for themselves rather than simply following instructions. Understanding creates confidence, and confident riders become kinder, clearer partners for their horses.
My coaching is rooted in classical principles, modern understanding of horse welfare, and the belief that every horse deserves to be listened to as an individual. Progress doesn't come from forcing results; it comes from improving communication, developing correct biomechanics for both horse and rider, and allowing confidence to grow naturally.
Whether you're taking your very first lesson, returning to riding after years away, or working towards your next competition, my goal is always the same: to help both horse and rider enjoy the journey together.
There are many excellent ways to teach riding, and every coach has something valuable to offer. This is simply the approach I believe in—one built on patience, understanding, compassion and continual learning. Our goal isn't to produce riders who can make a horse perform. It's to develop horsemen and horsewomen who understand why the horse performs.
If that philosophy speaks to you, I'd love to welcome you to Stickney Riding Centre.
Strive for excellence.
Embrace discipline.
Develop confidence.
Ride with compassion.
"We don't just teach people to ride. We help people understand horses."
Lesson Policies
How do I start?
All new students undertake an introductory private evaluation lesson. After the initial lesson we will work together to find a day and time for recurring lessons based on your goals, skill and availability. Lessons are scheduled for a weekly recurring basis. Please plan to commit at least 30 minutes a week. Drop in lessons have limited availability.
How do I pay for lessons?
Payment is made at the time of booking your lesson via either bank transfer or cash. Failure to pay for your lesson will mean the slot will be offered to the next student that can make that time slot and pay for it.
Lesson Payment Plan
We operate a lesson payment plan for those students wishing to block book a months worth of sessions at a time. Payment is due on the 1st day of each month and it is up to the student/parent to work out how many sessions they will have that month and pay appropriately. If a student misses a session during a month they can arrange 1 make-up lesson in line with our standard cancellation policy within that month to compensate any further missed lessons payment will be kept in leu of failed attendance. Make up lessons will need to be booked in as soon as possible as there may be limited times available, it may mean joining a group lesson even if the original booking was a private one. If a student is going away on a planned holiday then they must notify Sharon Poole the month beforehand of when they will be absent from their lesson schedule, this will mean they do not have to pay for the lessons whilst away on holiday.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations require 48 hours notice. Lessons cancelled without 48 hour notice will be subject to full lesson payment costs. Cancellation notices must be via phone call, text or email (Facebook messenger is not ideal). The option of a make-up lesson will be offered to those cancelling within the 48 hour period or the payment will be rolled on to the next lesson for the student.
Do we ride all year?
Yes, we ride all year round and in most weather conditions. If the weather is not appropriate for a riding lesson then an unmounted session will be given.
Lesson types and current costs.
Complaints Policy
The purpose of this complaint policy is to enable clients or staff to be fully informed upon the process by which any complaints received by the Centre will be managed. It aims to ensure that all complaints received are responded to in a manner which reassures the person making the complaint that complaints are managed in an appropriate and timely manner.
It is recognised that complaints may provide a business with a valuable opportunity to identify any shortcomings in the service provided to both clients and staff.
How to make a complaint?
Complaints may be made directly in person, by telephone, by email or in writing and this policy outlines the procedure to be followed if a complaint is received.
Who do I complain to?
Any complaint should be made to either of the following personnel: Sharon Poole, Centre Proprietor
If a complaint relates to allegations of ill treatment of a child or adult at risk, then the Centres (or BHS) Safeguarding Policy will be followed.
When a complaint is received
The following details of a complaint are recorded:
Name of complainant and contact details
Date of receipt
Nature of complaint
Complaint details will only be circulated to those with direct need to be informed upon the complaint. Complainant details will be deleted from the complaint when the complaint is closed, prior to the complaint being logged.
Responding to a complaint
The Centre Proprietor will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 2 working days.
Depending upon the nature of the complaint, the Centre Proprietor may choose either of the following options;
to telephone/meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint before initiating any investigation
initiate an investigation to ascertain the facts
respond to the complainant upon the outcome of the complaint, e.g. upheld or not within 5 working days.
In situations whereby the complaint may require further time allowance to enable further investigation then the Centre Proprietor will inform the complainant.
Upon closure of investigation, the Centre Proprietor will initiate appropriate action in response to the complaint.
Details of the investigation and any resulting outcome will be recorded in the complaints log.
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