We are a family run Riding School based in Lewes which has been running for over 30 years. We provide riding lessons and hacks for all ages and abilities from ages 5 years to 99 years. Horses and ponies of all sizes (and speeds). We have ponies from 12 hands high to ex- racehorses!! Indoor group lessons or hacks out across the South Downs for the more capable rider. For the younger rider we have the 'Downs Walk' every saturday where its a good introduction to riding and just a nice fun walk for half an hour to learn the basics. Jumping lessons are also available on a weekly basis.
Under 16 years: £23 for one hour
Over 16 years: £24 for one hour
I've been using Hamsey Riding Stables since 1999, initially as a client and then I bought a mare from them, who is in livery with them. They pay great attention to the children's lessons, and Ray is such good fun with them, and gets them progressing really quickly by filling them with confidence. As an ex-jockey he is very knowledgeable and always shares this knowledge and provides encouragement. Sue also provides much fun on her escorted hacks on the downs. They have horses and ponies of all types there, so there is something for everyone. The only improvement I could think of would be to choose some different routes when hacking out, although riders are always guaranteed to get up onto the downs and have a good canter.
All the family ride - I've been riding here for 14 years and the twins started when they were 5 and 6. I feel that it is the best place to learn - you can go to some riding schools and be on lead reins for months on end, whereas here you get real quality lessons which help to build up confidence. I can't praise Hamsey Riding School enough - I'm sure none of us would have progressed as quickly somewhere else. My son wants to be a jockey now and both my children have joined Pony Club. The rates here are very reasonable and the horses and ponies here are brilliantly looked after. I can't think of anywhere else where you could get such a fabulous ride out - really safe and plenty of good areas to canter and gallop.
We booked for a 6th birthday Downs Walk and the whole family had a really lovely time. Ray and the girls were so patient and helpful, as some of us are good riders and others beginners - our ages ranging between 6 and 66. We all enjoyed ourselves and one or two of the novices amongst us will be back for more!. Thanks, Ray - wishing you and Sue and everyone a very happy New Year!
Ray at Hamsey Riding Stable is the best riding teacher that I've come across. He makes the children feel relaxed and then learning comes easy.
Simply add a password and you are good to go!
Sue has been a qualified teacher for over 40 years and teaches advanced riders
Ray Goldstein used to be a jump jockey and now teaches people to ride with his wife Sue at their stables. Ray was a licensed professional jockey for 20 years and the leading jockey at Plumpton for 11 years in succession. Ray also rode in the Grand National on Hettinger in 1989. Ray trained his two sons, Jamie and Marc, who are now both professional jockeys and Jamie is a champion jockey in Jersey.
I have been going to the Hamsey Riding School for over 13 years now - the atmosphere there is very relaxed and easy going. Ray and Sue are very careful about who they match with the horses - they never put people with horses that they are not ready for, and always check height, weight and ability before they even go near a horse. I think they have the balance between safety and fun just right and I always enjoy my time there.
Barbara 16 May 2013