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A concise, private 30-minute riding lesson with elite trainer Fay Lai at Coombe Stables in Sway—perfect for riders aged 4+ who want fast, focused progress. Short enough for travelers, technical enough for ambitious students.
A concise, private 30-minute riding lesson with elite trainer Fay Lai at Coombe Stables in Sway—perfect for riders aged 4+ who want fast, focused progress. Short enough for travelers, technical enough for ambitious students.
Book with Coombe Stables Riding School
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coombe Stables Riding School · Sway, England
On the edge of Sway, England, Coombe Stables at Coombe House offers a focused half-hour with Fay Lai, a rider and trainer who rose to National Grand Prix dressage and competed in eventing through British Eventing Novice. Located on Coombe Lane near Lymington (COOMBE STABLES COOMBE HOUSE, Coombe Ln, Sway, Lymington SO41 6BP, UK), this private riding lesson condenses technical coaching into a tight, confidence-building 30-minute session for anyone aged four and up. The lesson takes place in a working stable environment: you’ll meet the yard, the horse selected for your level, and Fay’s direct, discipline-spanning approach that blends dressage precision with eventing practicality. Key features of the experience are hands-on coaching, foundation work for position and balance, and exercises chosen to suit beginners through advanced riders. Fay’s record—selected to ride at Grand Prix level for Great Britain—means you are learning from someone who understands both the subtle biomechanics of dressage and the boldness required for cross-country schooling. This is more than a ride; it’s a concise clinic that resets bad habits and sets up a plan for improvement. Beginners will be assessed and given a tailored progression; experienced riders can refine lateral work, transitions, or jumping basics depending on goals. The stable’s horses are used to mixed-level lessons, and helmets are provided; riders should wear long sleeves and boots rather than trainers. Coombe Stables sits in a landscape good for after-lesson hacks and cool-downs, with access to lanes and open fields typical of the Sway–Lymington area. Expect to see New Forest ponies and farmland hedgerows on the approach; the local light and low stone walls make for clear sightlines while mounting and walking out. Practical details: book a 30-minute slot, arrive warmed up and ready, and let Fay assess your mounting, stirrup length, and rein contact before you begin. Why book this with Fay? The combination of elite competitive experience and a friendly, corrective teaching style translates to rapid gains in confidence and technique. For families, the minimum age of four opens the door for early lessons; for adults, the short format fits into travel days without taking a full afternoon. Whether you want a single tune-up or a start to regular coaching, this private lesson at Coombe Stables is a sharp, efficient way to ride with purpose in a classic southern English riding setting. Sessions are scheduled through the stable’s booking system and can fit around local tides and ferry schedules for travellers coming from the Solent; the lesson length makes it easy to pair with a day exploring Lymington or the nearby New Forest. Expect clear briefings, a calm mounting area, and post-ride feedback focused on follow-up drills you can practice between visits to maintain momentum regularly.
moderate.
30 minutes.
Moderate–basic fitness and balance; children should be comfortable holding reins and following instructions.
Minimum age is 4 years; children will be assessed and provided an age-appropriate plan.
Yes—hard hats are provided at the stable. Riders should still wear long sleeves and proper footwear.
Meeting point is Sway, UK—Coombe Stables at Coombe House, Coombe Ln, Sway (address as provided).
Yes—beginners are welcome and will be assessed; the instructor will focus on foundations and safety.
Book through the stable’s reservation system; consult the booking page for cancellation policies as they vary by slot.
Long sleeves, close-fitting trousers, and boots with a heel are recommended; avoid trainers.
Equestrian activity in the Sway and New Forest area has deep roots; dressage and eventing are well established locally, reflected in Fay Lai’s competitive background.
Stay on marked bridleways, close gates behind you, and give grazing animals wide berth to protect pasture and native habitats.
Coombe Stables Riding School is a riding school based in Sway, England that runs a range of riding experiences and lessons for children and adults. The school offers structured sessions including the Kids Club — a 2-hour activity for children aged 4–14 that combines pony care, grooming and tacking up with a private 20-minute riding lesson. Group Lesson sessions are 30 minutes long and participants are grouped by ability to provide safe, level-appropriate instruction. Private Riding Lessons are available as 30-minute one-on-one sessions that begin with an assessment to create a tailored riding plan. For riders who want to explore the countryside, Private Hacks and Walking Hacks take guests along country lanes and into open forest; Private Hacks can include small exclusive groups of up to 8 participants. The Walking Hack and other guided rides are led by experienced staff to ensure a relaxed, scenic experience. Shorter family-friendly options include the Kids Arena Walk, a guided 20-minute walk in the outdoor arena with hard hats provided, and longer outings like the Picnic Hack — a 4-hour trek through the New Forest featuring a 90-minute ride to a picnic spot and a bespoke lunch before the return ride. All activities emphasize practical pony skills, safety and enjoyment, with clear guidance for riders of differing abilities.
Book with Coombe Stables Riding School