Bardwell Manor Equestrian Centre
About this yard
Bardwell Manor Equestrian Centre is an ABRS-approved riding school in the village of Bardwell, near Ixworth and Bury St Edmunds in north Suffolk, run by husband-and-wife team Sharon and Karl Dawson since 1996. Both are experienced, qualified instructors: Sharon holds the BHSAI and BHS Intermediate Teaching and Stable Manager certificates, Karl the BHSAI, UKCC Level 2 and ABRS Initial Teaching Award, and both compete in affiliated dressage. Around 25 horses and ponies, from small first ponies up to 17.2hh weight carriers, suit lessons for all ages and abilities from age five upwards, from complete beginners to career students and competition riders. Facilities include an indoor school for all-weather riding, a 20m x 40m outdoor menage, a grass jumping paddock and a horsewalker. Hacking out comes at three levels, from a gentle hour's walk and trot around the village to two-hour rides with long canters and gallops for capable riders, all with fully qualified escorts and a short assessment for anyone new; riders must be at least 12 to hack out, on the Stanton Rides, a network of around 18 miles of bridleways and tracks through the north Suffolk countryside. Unusually, the centre also runs a small campsite from April to October, welcoming riding and non-riding guests alike, and offers holidays for visitors bringing their own horse. Riders are encouraged to work through the ABRS tests in both riding and horse care.
Facilities
Pricing
Lessons run from around £28 to £42 depending on length and rider age. Half-hour beginner group lessons (max 3) are £31 adult, £28 child; hour group lessons (max 6) £35 adult, £31 child; and an hour experienced group (max 3) is £42. A half-hour assessment lesson is £37 adult, £34 child, and a 40-minute lunge lesson is £40. Hour hacks are £41. Hacking comes at three levels, from a gentle walk-and-trot hour around the village to two-hour rides with long canters and gallops; riders must be at least 12 to hack out and 5 to take lessons, with a short assessment for anyone new. Toddle led rides for small children are £23, and hat hire is £1, with footwear (boot) hire also available. Club members (£15 adult, £10 child a year) get £1 off each lesson. The school is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. Prices are from the centre's published list (valid from July 2020); confirm current rates with the yard.
This venue takes bookings by phone.
Call Bardwell Manor Equestrian Centre 01359 233010Send an enquiry
Message Bardwell Manor Equestrian Centre through Saddl. They reply to you directly.
What to wear
Standard guidance for equestrian yards in the UK. Check with your yard if you're unsure.
A hat to a current recognised safety standard. Requirements can vary, so check with the yard before you ride.
Subject to availability, contact the yard to confirm before your visit.
Sturdy boots with a small heel. Trainers and flat, smooth-soled shoes are not suitable for safety reasons. Check with the yard for their exact requirements.
Close-fitting, weather-appropriate clothes. Shoulders and legs should be covered, and waterproofs are worth having for outdoor lessons. Check with the yard if you are unsure.
Long hair should be tied back before putting on your hat, and jewellery removed before riding.
Heading out on a hack from here? Read our guide to what to bring hacking , what to bring, what to buy, and where to get it.
Clients arriving in unsuitable clothing or footwear may not be permitted to ride, for their own safety. If in doubt, contact the yard before your visit.
Send an enquiry
Message Bardwell Manor Equestrian Centre through Saddl. They reply to you directly.
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