Services
At Hopeful Earl we offer a comprehensive range of services. Whilst perhaps best known for our quality thoroughbreds (all are ex-racehorses) we can also provide teaching for both novice and more advanced riders, in a variety of disciplines. Children are welcome from the age of 10 and over and unusually for a riding centre, we offer childrens' rates up to the age of 16. (However, please be aware that we have only horses, no ponies, so children need to be of a reasonable height and fitness).
Below are details of some of our services, together with information on how to book your ride.
Hacking
We are renowned for the quality of our hacking, being blessed with the most beautiful countryside to ride in (we cross an odd road but don't have to ride on them). We only have small hacks - 4/5 customers would be a larger ride, and we don't mix abilities on our rides unless you are all friends who want to ride together. Our regular hacks can vary in length from 1 ¼ hours to 2 hours - to get an idea of what one of our regular rides might be like why not watch our short video below.
We also offer 1/2 day hacks to less visited parts of the Surrey Hills - why not browse our our Excursions page for more details.
Cross Country
Day trips and Short breaks
We offer fantastic day trips to the beach and elsewhere, as well as two or three day centre based short breaks from here at our stables in the Surrey Hills (just a few miles south west of London with regular mainline trains running from Waterloo/Clapham Jtn to nearby Guildford and Godalming).
In addition, we offer mid-week and weekend breaks with our thoroughbreds in the New Forest, and on the South Downs. See under Excursions for more details.
A number of our ex-racehorses were hurdlers and we can provide X-country schooling at two nearby quality venues - Heath Farm, and Stilemans, both of which, incidentally, periodically host one day events.
Flatwork Lessons
We cater for all levels from complete novice, and can offer training up to preliminary and novice level dressage. We don't normally do group lessons. Lessons may vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Show jumping
Want to learn to jump, or to improve your existing skills? We can offer tuition for more advanced riders both here and at other venues. If you would like to try jumping one of our thoroughbreds at a local show then we will prepare and support you in that too. Check out our News page for details of scheduled events.
If you don't have your own horse but have always wanted the opportunity to enter a show (and maybe even win a rosette!) we regularly enter our horses in show classes at shows throughout Surrey and beyond. Check out our News page for details of some of the shows we already plan to attend this year.
However, if you have your own horse but would like some advice and one-to-one training with Alex prior to an event, we can also help.
However, if you have your own horse but would like some advice and one-to-one training with Alex prior to an event, we can also help.
Corporate events and family celebrations
Why not consider holding a special event involving, for example, a group hack and luncheon - we are surrounded by traditional country pubs who can provide anything from private dining with silver service to just simple home cooked food or picnic fare.
How to book your ride
Payment should be made at time of booking. We accept all cards except American Express.
However, can we remind you that we do require a minimum 48 hours notice by phone or in person for cancellations*, whatever the reason. We cannot accept cancellations by email. Please note that we are unable to offer refunds unless we receive the correct notice.
(*A few of our longer breaks are not refundable but may be transferable if longer notice is given and it does not unduly inconvenience ourselves or other customers.)
How to book your ride
Interested? Just pick up the phone and call us at the yard, we'd be very happy to provide you with any advice and assistance.
Payment should be made at time of booking. We accept all cards except American Express.
If you havnt ridden with us before, or have not ridden with us for some time you will be asked to complete the on-line registration form beforehand. All of our Terms and Conditions can be found on there.
However, can we remind you that we do require a minimum 48 hours notice by phone or in person for cancellations*, whatever the reason. We cannot accept cancellations by email. Please note that we are unable to offer refunds unless we receive the correct notice.
(*A few of our longer breaks are not refundable but may be transferable if longer notice is given and it does not unduly inconvenience ourselves or other customers.)
Hats are available for loan, however we strongly recommend that regular riders purchase a professionally fitted hat.
Finally, please remember that horses can be unpredictable. Whilst we are covered
by Public Liability insurance we
do recommend that, particularly if you ride regularly, you take out your own
Personal Accident insurance which can be obtained via membership to the BHS or
from other reputable insurance companies.
