Riding at West Hill Park School
West Hill Park Riding School in an integral part of school life for our pupils. All pupils have the opportunity to sign up for lessons, from Nursery to Year 8. David Hancock BHSII has been managing the riding school since 2018 and brings a wealth of experience from all areas of the equestrian world. David's teaching ethos is to make learning to ride fun, whilst keeping it a safe activity.
We are very fortunate to have all the school grounds to ride in plus an all-weather arena, a small cross-country course and a full set of show jumps. David uses a variety of facilities to keep the children and ponies pushing their own boundaries!
David is supported by his partner Jill, and full-time member of staff Cordelia. Jill also works on the main reception desk in school. Cordelia has recently passed her BHS Stage 1 coaching qualification and is working towards Stage 2. Both Jill and Cordelia have a diverse range of equestrian knowledge, which they enjoy imparting to the children.
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Riding lessons for pupils are on Monday to Friday, fitting in and around the pupils' lesson timetables. In school holidays, the riding school hold a Saddle Club, which is from 9:00 – 16:00 and is open to the public. For more information please do contact David and Jill on ridingschool@westhillpark.com.
Arena Hire
We hire out our all-weather arena at weekends and in the holidays. It is 20m x 40m railed arena with floodlights. There are various poles and jump wings available. We charge £20.00 per horse, plus £5.00 for an extra horse. To book the arena please phone 07938 162 883.
Competitions at West Hill Park
We are now holding show jumping and dressage events please follow this link:
Meet The Ponies
Molly
Molly is a 12hh Welsh Section A grey mare. At 27 years old Molly is the granny of the team, she has taught countless children to ride. Molly is owned by West Hill Park and loaned at present by a Year 3 pupil. Molly has a lovely nature, is bombproof to ride but no slug!
Max
Max is a 13.2hh Black cob gelding. At 9 years old Max is a great all-round pony, who competed in Gymkana Games with his owner. Max is now owned by a student in Year 6, and he is the favourite of many children.
Magic
Magic is 13.2hh liver chestnut purebred New Forest 16 year old mare. Magic is an extremely greedy pony but has a very kind nature. Magic is a lovely pony for the children to learn to canter on because she has a very smooth stride. Magic is such a genuine kind pony and is now on her 2nd WHP family!
Angel
Angel is a 14hh Flea-bitten grey mare who has an Irish Sports Pony breeding. Angel is now 13 years old, previously she competed at British Show Jumping and is now teaching her owner the tricks of the trade; she is a another super all-rounder with a lovely nature.
Dave
Dave is a 15hh Dun gelding, 6 years old with an Irish Sports Horse passport. Dave is owned by David, and Jill competes him at the weekends in various competitions. Like all our ponies he is used for lessons throughout the week and in holiday clubs.
The Staff
David Hancock
I hold the BHSII teaching qualification and I am a registered Accredited Professional Coach. I learnt to ride through the Pony Club and went on to represent the country on a number of occasions in Horse Trials. I thoroughly enjoy passing on my experiences, and encourage riders to become confident and to gain all round equestrian knowledge.
Jill Ellis
I learnt to ride as a child and on leaving school went to work in the racing industry. I have had many varied equestrian experiences which include taking horses to: Badminton Horse Trials, Horse of the Year Show, Aintree and Cheltenham racing festivals. Along the way I have also gained qualifications in bookeeping and secretarial skills, all of these I hope to put to good use at West Hill Park.
Cordelia Foden
Born and bred in Locksheath, she has been around ponies all her life. At present she has two of her own and has just joined the riding school team.