Oliver and Alexander’s First Horse Riding Lesson

Sponsored post.

Growing up in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, a haven for horse riders, I always dreamt of riding my own pony. Many of my friends rode themselves and some even owned their own horses but my Mum was (and still is) the worrisome type and was adamant I shouldn’t ride in case I fell off and hurt myself.

No offence to my wonderful Mum but I don’t want my own kids to fear anything in life (fear stops you from living life to the full in my opinion) so booking horse riding lessons for my sons Oliver, 9, and Alexander, 6, have been on my mind for a while.

While both of my kids have enjoyed a gentle trot on the back of horses at various equestrian events over the years, Sunday was the first time they’d experience their first full lesson and it was just a short drive from Windsor where we live, at the Snowball Farm Equestrian Centre in Burnham, Buckingham.

A beautiful stables with acres of land, it was a joy to visit for the morning.

Both my boys were a little apprehensive to start with as it had been a while since they were last on the back of a horse, but they pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and I was utterly proud of them.

The horse riding sessions were kindly care of Great British Racing who we are working with again this summer, experiencing their super duper under 18s race free initiative where kids can race free at over 60 venues across the UK (at most fixtures), with every paying adult.

The fun-filled Family Day at Ascot Racecourse you can see pictured above has been one of our summer highlights and it was where the launch of the initiative was hosted by fellow mum and horse-lover, Tess Daly.

The kids can’t wait for the next Family Day in Epsom over the Bank Holiday weekend for more thrilling races, fairground rides and al fresco feasting.

I’m personally besotted by the exquisite Black Beauty-esque ponies and horses we’ve been in the company of over the summer, I’ve started researching riding lessons for myself. It’s never too late to make your childhood dreams come true, right?! Look away now, Mum!

When it came to my own little riders’ lessons, a pretty pony fittingly named Star was paired with the boys and certainly lived up to her name. Alexander at 6, didn’t want Zoe the teacher, to let go of the reigns as he slowly circled the indoor stables but Oliver, 9 was off trotting for the majority of the time with ease, enquiring when his next lesson would be, by the end. His initial reservations were unfounded and before we knew it he was off!

I know with time, Alexander’s confidence too, will grow and he’ll be back in the saddle (literally) in no time!

Both boys also commented that they loved their Chelsea style riding boots (‘They’re so comfy and cool Mum’ Oliver declared, so I know what I’ll be getting them for A/W!

Aw, what a brilliant way to spend a Sunday morning!

Thanks so much to the Equestrian team, Zoe, and Great British Racing.

Have you or your children had horse riding lessons?

Check out the little film we made of the morning.

This is a sponsored post but as always, my words are honest.