Ham House Stables

I don't think that there are enough stars on Google Review to adequately express how I feel about Ham House Stables. I am an adult learner and a 1st-time horse owner. Last November, after careful research of livery yards within London (my preference), and a one-hour drive from London, I moved my very young, very un-trained horse here. We have not looked back since. For starters, the teaching that Minette (and her team) offer is simply of a different league. Minette not only teaches Classical Dressage, she embodies it in the way she leads her staff and in her interactions with all clients and visitors. The tone of the yard is thus one of quiet kindness, of heart and generous support. Lessons are centered on the client's specific needs, so too the care and schooling of each horse. The physical environment is beautiful, atmospheric and well-tended to. There is excellent hacking locally and at Richmond Park. The Stable Manager Suzy is a hard-worker, knowledgable and fastidious. Once when my horse lost a shoe while out in the field, she combed the area to retrieve it, arranged for the farrier to come immediately. Nothing is ever too much trouble for them to do, and any questions I have are always welcomed. Ham House Stables has given me a chance to experience horse ownership and partnership in the manner I have always longed for. I have leased horses at established yards in America and Singapore, taken many lessons there as well as at other yards in London. Nothing comes close to what I am enjoying now. I am finally learning correct riding technique, and as stated on the website, the art of riding.""

Under the brilliant care of Minette Rice-Edwards, you cannot do better than Ham House on any level. The horses are intelligent, robust and full of fun; the team who work with Minette Rice-Edwards the very best, and the place itself an absolute joy. I have taken several lessons there, each one teaching me something extremely valuable and at the same time, life-affirming. A wonderful place from beginning to end. Thank you to all who have made this possible.

I’ve been having riding lessons at Ham House Stables for 2.5 years. The horses are all extremely well schooled and cared for. I’m currently sharing one of the school horses who is absolutely fabulous in every way. Having had lessons at a variety of places since I was a child, I can honestly say, the teaching at Ham House Stables is the best i’ve had. Whether you are experienced or a beginner this is the place to go.

This stable yard is not only set in beautiful surroundings, but offers first class riding instruction on exceptionally well trained and cared for horses. The overall quality, along with the friendliness of everyone involved, makes this an excellent environment to learn and well deserves its 5 star rating. I have been riding with Minette and her team for many years and I can honestly say I've loved every minute and my progress, with their constant attention has been outstanding.

I have been having weekly lessons at Ham House stables for the last few years. It is in such a beautiful place which makes you relax as soon as you get there. The staff are really polite and friendly and make you feel welcome. The horses and instructors are great and have taught me so much about riding. I feel very fortunate to be able to go there.

I started riding with Minette at Ham House Stables in 2004 when I moved to London to study the Alexander Technique. At the time I already had a wide experience in the horse industry, having worked as a rider, instructor, yard manager, veterinary assistant and stud farm hand. I was passionate about classical dressage and struggling to find a way to learn to be a better rider. It only took one visit to Ham House Stables to realise that this was the right place. To be honest I wasn't used to such 5 star treatment. The stables were immaculate, my horse was beautifully groomed and the staff offered to lead my horse to the arena if I didn't feel confident. The lesson was tailored to me and helped me to understand fundamental issues that were holding back my progress as a rider. And after the lesson I got to watch Minette doing some rather fancy dressage with her horse Tippy!It's now 15 years later and I am still at Ham House Stables for the same reasons. There are few riding schools in London with such high standards of horse care (saddle fitting, osteopaths, massage, etc) and staff that know and care for their horses so well. And there are few instructors around anywhere that actually understand riding at a deep level, can communicate this information and are willing to work with any level of rider. And to top it off, the stables and location are truly unique and picturesque, like none I've seen in all my 30 years of riding.So I highly recommend Minette and Ham House Stables to anyone who love horses and wants to learn to ride correctly in a beautiful environment.

Ham House Stables is a first rate livery with “Safety” as their number one priority for both horse and rider. The team is experienced and caters to each horse individual needs. Minette is brilliant and well respected. A lovely experience to have fun and learn.

Ham House Stables is a top-notch stables where the care of the horses and growth in the riders are the main priorities. I started taking lessons here 2 and a half years ago and the improvement in my position and understanding of classical dressage has improved considerably. My daughter also takes lessons at Ham House and loves it. All the instructors are fabulous and bring different and important strengths to the lessons. The staff are very professional and take great pride in the wonderful care of the horses. In my 38 years of riding and owning horses this is by far one of the best stables I have experienced.

I started riding at Ham House Stables four years ago and haven’t looked back. Minette, Vicky and Andy teach to an incredibly high standard, the horses are exceptionally well schooled and expertly cared for and the staff are very welcoming and easy to talk to. The stables are the original stables of Ham House - an incredibly picturesque setting. If you are interested in high-quality classical riding lessons, Ham House Stables is the place to go to. I cannot recommend Minette and her team highly enough.

I have been riding weekly at Ham House Stables since 2011 and I couldn't imagine riding anywhere else in the Greater London area (and quite far further afield).Having come back to riding as an adult, it was great to have Minette patiently go back to the basics with me, correct my bad habits and progressively improve my seat whilst building my confidence. Minette, Vicky and Andy have a profound understanding of the relationship between horse and rider and how one affects the other. It is amazing to feel the impact of their teaching on your partnership with a horse.The horses at Ham House are all highly schooled making them wonderful teachers and Minette carefully pairs each rider with the horse best suited for their experience level.Minette Rice-Edwards manages Ham House Stables with a team of enthusiastic staff who take great pride in the care and turnout of the horses.It is magical to experience dressage riding in such an environment.