Prep School Life

    Prep School

    Equestrian

    Equestrian

    Riding and horses are an integral part of life at Bryanston Prep and has been since the school’s foundation in the 1950s

    With our own equestrian centre on site, home to our 13 ponies, it provides the opportunity for a unique sense of fulfilment and joy unlike any other place in the school. 

    Reception children have a weekly pony care lesson and Upper and Lower Prep enjoy breaktime grooming sessions.

    Children from Reception through to Year 8 can have riding lessons, and what better way to explore the countryside surrounding Bryanston Prep than on horse-back!

    With the wonderful facilities on site, we are able to offer riding as a weekly extra. Local hacks alternate with lessons on the all-weather surface arena and when ground conditions are suitable, the show jumping field. 

    Taught by highly qualified riding instructors, the riding sessions are determined according to ability within year groups.

    Bryanston Prep is an approved BHS approved riding centre. This provides parents and riders with the confidence that we will provide a welcoming, inclusive, safe and professional environment.

    Horse at Bryanston Prep School

    Pony Stars

    Lessons can run from 4.45pm – 6.15pm. This includes a 45-minute riding session and a 45-minute theory session.

    Our theory sessions are run through a brilliant programme called Pony Stars – a junior challenge award scheme helping children to discover, develop and nurture their love for ponies and the outdoors.

    With over 100 topics for children to explore, this is learnt within our lecture room with many tasks allowing them to be hands-on in and around the yard.

    Our children have plenty of opportunity to groom and plait during break times too if a member of staff is in the yard.

    Prep Equestrian Stables

    Equestrian events and competitions

    Popular in-school events are organised in which all riders can take part if they would like to. Parents are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon watching the one-day event, summer gymkhana and fun riding events for the little ones.

    Bryanston Prep teams also enter inter-school competitions throughout the year. Competition is strong at these events where Bryanston Prep has a great success rate and is building a reputation as a serious contender.

    In addition, we join a local polo club once a week where the children train and compete in local and national competitions.

    Riding opportunities

    Riding is very much focused on pupil experience. Priority is given not only to the quality of coaching and rider development but also to the personal growth and wellbeing that a relationship with a horse enables.

    We believe that our riding opportunities enable pupils not only to become better riders and horsemen and women, but also teach valuable life skills.