Bucks Meadow
Riding School
Long established, family run riding school conveniently located near Watford, Bushey and Harrow overlooking open countryside yet just 5 minutes walk from Bushey Station with frequent train & bus services.
We cater for adults and children from 3 years old with a wide selection of ponies and horses to suit all ages and standards of rider. We teach gentle horsemanship without the need for whips. We practise natural horsemanship without artificial aids. The ponies and horses are voice trained and will respond to simple clear commands. 
All the horses and ponies live out in peer groups. In summer they have grassy fields and in winter secure sheltered yards. The only time they come in to the stables is when they are wanted for riding lessons or if at any time they are unwell. We have recently acquired some new horses for the many adults who ride here including a gentle giant for the taller riders.
training methods
Many old fashioned methods of training horses involve punishment and reward. Natural horsemanship methods create an environment where the horse is encouraged to choose the right behaviour and is praised for his correct choice.
Riders are taught how to sit correctly and safely on the horse and that their posture and position will affect the way the horse moves. Sitting incorrectly will impede the horse’s action. Wooden riders create wooden horses and wooden horses do not move! Our horses are gentle and responsive. Learn to sit quietly and give clear signals that the horse can easily understand. The horses are ridden in soft rubber snaffles or happy mouth bits or even bitless bridles. Come and experience the difference. We believe that less is more.
You can now book lessons on our riding simulator, a full size computerised horse, to get fit, gain confidence and improve your seat and position on a horse that can walk, trot and canter effortlessly for long periods (assuming the rider is fit enough!). Ideal for nervous beginners or returners wishing to regain confidence and competence.
If you have ridden before, then we ask you to book an introductory private assessment lesson so that we can help you understand our methods and appreciate our willing responsive mounts. Please feel free to ring and speak to us to discuss.
Recent client comment "A truly inspirational experience" - yes we agree.....
JOB VACANCIES
STABLE HAND - we are looking for a part time person (min age 16yrs) to join our team mornings (flexi hours) max 16 hours pw. Mucking out so you must be fit and capable of heaving lifting! No previous experience with horses necessary but we want some previous manual work experience and remember it is an outdoor all weather job.
PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR/GROOM - mainly Sundays. Experienced but not necessarily qualified. Will need to be fit as we run with the children's ponies!
PART TIME HANDYPERSON - flexi-hours weekday mornings. Repairs to fences, sheds, low height roofs with felt or bitumen sheets. Basic polypipe skills fitting troughs and automatic drinkers.
site info
© 2008 Watford Equestrian Ltd T/AS Bucks Meadow Riding School.