Hunt Seat Training in England

Yorkshire, England

Yorkshire Riding Centre's Hunt Seat program boasts excellent and attentive instructors combined with one of the best equipped equestrian facilities in England. The program is designed by two of the world's top coaches: Jane Bartle-Wilson and Christopher Bartle. Jane was the Chef D'Equipe of the British Dressage team for eight years and Christopher is the 1998 Badminton Three Day Event Champion and was the coach to the British Eventing Team from 1993 to 2000. Since 2001 he has been the coach to the German Eventing Team. Christopher is also known for his sixth place finish in Dressage at the 1984 Olympics aboard his famous horse, the great Wily Trout.

The program is designed for those who want to take their riding to the next level and to see significant improvement in their ability whether they are competition or pleasure riders. Riders should expect to spend two hours a day in mounted instruction, which is provided by the senior instructors at the Centre. These are competition riders who have achieved the prestigious British Horse Society Instructors Certificate.

The instruction is based on the rider's previous experience and objectives. Instruction may include work on the flat, jumping stadium and cross country obstacles in small groups of three and non-mounted instruction.

Time off is built into the schedule to allow riders an opportunity to see one of the most beautiful areas in England: Yorkshire. This is the countryside that James Herriot ("All Creatures Great and Small") made famous through his touching stories of his veterinary patients. The countryside is mostly rolling hills which seem to go on forever. The City of York, is an excellent example of a medieval walled city and also boasts a magnificent cathedral. It is well worth a visit.

Riders stay at the centre's main building in private rooms. This is a beautiful building which was once a manor house. Meals are served at the Centre where riders get a chance to discuss the day's triumphs and challenges.