The
stables have been in Empress Avenue for over 30 years.
The links on the left will introduce you to the yard, the
staff and most importantly, the horses.
Since
1973...
In 1973, Ida wanted
to get ponies and children together for their mutual benefit.
That aim remains today. Over 20 years ago, by popular demand,
a livery stables was established. Both businesses continue
to express the same ethos with which it started.
"Well
cared for horses are good for everyone!"
Ida has always cared
about animal well being. As an ex-teacher and experienced rider,
Ida used to make young horses, re-school problem ones, and exercise
point-to-point horses and show jumpers. She was grateful
for the help of Mrs. Myrna Brewer whose experience was in teaching
children to ride. The two ladies brought all their skills together,
obtained their BHSAI qualifications and developed the riding
school from a piece of wooded waste land.
"Learning
to follow the horse's movement before seeking to influence
it, is a necessary but often neglected foundation for riding.
The objective is unity, harmony, not the dominance of one
creature by another."
Aldersbrook Riding
School organises activities for children
and for adults all year, as well as
special activities for children with our lovely horses and ponies
during the school holidays.
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Why
ride at Aldersbrook Riding School?
BHS Qualified
Staff
Small group
lessons
Friendly and happy horses
For fun
To get fit
Improve your posture
Good local hacking
Our physiotherapist
tells us that riding will exercise and strengthen all muscles,
and ligaments. It will also improve your posture. "An hour's
horse riding is the same as a good jog or game of tennis, and
can use 220 calories per hour " - BHS website
Aldersbrook
Riding School's staff
Meet our team at
Aldersbrook:
Ida
is always available to discuss specific problems about riding
or horses.
Julie
is a wonderful
riding teacher - particularly for nervous children and adults.
Noel
is an excellent, if more demanding teacher. His riders develop
good seats and sympathetic hands.
Rikki,
a much valued member of the team, a good teacher and rider.
Because our instructors do not "freelance", they do not need
to register as they are covered by the Riding School's insurance
and have been over the last 25 years of their employment here.
Their certificates are available for inspection.
Tracy
loves animals
and has amazing strength!
Ann
is our tactful lightweight rider who does wonders with any new
pony and helps with our group of visually impaired riders. She
does not teach ridingTop
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We have recently received
an award from the British Horse Society for operating as an approved
riding school for 25 years or more during their 25 year Diamond
Jubilee (1947-2007). This award was actually received on Ida Thorne's
(the Proprietress) 70th birthday, 29th August 2007, so it was a
double celebration.

Aldersbrook Riding
School Ltd has received their first Riding School licence in
June 1974 and so have actually been an approved Riding School
for 33 years. The led pony in the picture is of Alfie our 33
year old pony, who is now retired, who has been with Aldersbrook
Riding School for the whole 25 year period along with the Proprietress
and 2 of our instructors.Aldersbrook
Riding School and Livery Stables has provided riding facilities
for the local community for over 33 years and the recent
acquisition of an indoor riding arena, funded by the founder,
Ida Thorne's, personal legacy, has kept staff, clients and ponies
dry during this wet Summer. During
the Summer many children have enjoyed pony mornings, holiday
weeks and hacking on Wanstead Flats and The Forest, culminating
in their annual Bank Holiday show. It is very much hoped that
the Riding School will survive the ever increasing financial
demands and be able to continue to provide the community with
a local riding school.
Click
here to see pictures of our much loved horses
Aldersbrook Livery Stable
For over 20 years,
Aldersbrook Livery Stables has enabled people to enjoy horse
ownership.
Because it is only a 5min walk to Wanstead Flats (the beginning
of Epping Forest) owners are always able to go for a long or
a quick ride even in winter.