Bookings & FAQ

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR BALLYLEIGH RIDING JOURNEY

Booking your riding experience at Ballyleigh is simple.

We use Hopoti, an online platform designed specifically for riding schools and equestrian centres. It brings your riding information, bookings, payments, rider profiles and much more together in one place.

Whether you're booking for yourself, managing lessons for your children or just starting your riding journey, Hopoti makes it easy to stay connected with Ballyleigh.

From creating your rider profile and completing important forms to choosing your lessons and keeping up with what's happening at the yard, your riding journey can all be managed online.

YOUR RIDING JOURNEY. YOUR PROFILE. YOUR HORSES. YOUR COMMUNITY.

HOW TO BOOK

Booking your Ballyleigh activity is simple.

1. CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY

Choose from riding lessons, pony camps, courses or upcoming events.

2. LOG IN OR JOIN HOPOTI

Create your Hopoti account or log in if you already have one.

3. SELECT THE CORRECT RIDER

If you're booking for a child, make sure you select the correct rider profile.

4. CHOOSE YOUR DATE & TIME

Select the available lesson, camp or activity that suits you.

5. PAY & CONFIRM

Complete your payment online and check your booking confirmation.

RIDING LESSONS

FROM FIRST-TIME RIDERS TO DEVELOPING & EXPERIENCED RIDERS

Our riding lessons are suitable for a range of ages and abilities, from complete beginners to riders looking to develop their skills.

  • Minimum age: 5 years old
  • Children and adults welcome
  • Complete beginners welcome
  • Group lessons available
  • Private lessons available
  • 30-minute and 1-hour lessons available
  • Maximum rider weight: 13 stone / 182 lb / approximately 82.5 kg

Your instructor will help match you with a suitable horse or pony based on your age, size, experience, ability and confidence.

RIDING AS A FAMILY

MAKE BALLYLEIGH A FAMILY EXPERIENCE

We love welcoming families to Ballyleigh.

If more than one member of your family rides, Hopoti allows families to manage individual rider profiles and bookings together.

Parents and guardians can manage their children's profiles and bookings through their family account.

Each rider should have the correct individual profile so that bookings and rider information are recorded accurately.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST LESSON

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Never ridden before?

Don't worry.

Our instructors regularly work with complete beginners and will help you feel comfortable and confident from the moment you arrive.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.

Suitable footwear should have a small, defined heel and a secure fit.

Avoid loose clothing, open-toed shoes, sandals or footwear that is unsuitable for riding.

DO I NEED A HELMET?

An appropriate riding helmet must be worn when riding.

Helmets may be available to borrow on request and subject to availability.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

Your instructor will help you get settled, introduce you to your horse or pony and explain what you need to know before you begin.

Your first lesson will focus on helping you feel comfortable, safe and confident.

DO I NEED RIDING EXPERIENCE?

No.

Complete beginners are very welcome.

If you have ridden before, let us know your experience so we can make sure you are booked into the most suitable lesson.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE WE NEED TO KNOW?

Please make sure any relevant medical, allergy, additional-needs or emergency information is provided and kept up to date.

If you're unsure about anything, just ask us.

PONY CAMPS & EVENTS

MORE THAN JUST A DAY WITH PONIES

Our pony camps, courses, competitions and special events give riders the chance to spend more time with horses, develop their skills, learn about horse care and make memories with friends.

Each activity has its own age, ability and booking requirements.

BOOKINGS, CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES

All bookings are made and paid for in advance through Hopoti.

Please check your booking carefully before completing payment, including the rider, activity, date and time.

We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance where possible.

Same-day walk-in bookings are not accepted.

If you can no longer attend, please contact us as soon as possible.

Cancellations, rescheduling, credits and refunds are subject to our current booking policy.

Activities may occasionally need to change because of horse welfare, weather, ground conditions, staffing, equipment or safety.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR BOOKING?

Not sure which lesson to choose?

Booking for more than one child?

Not sure which camp is suitable?

Have a question about your first visit?

We're happy to help.

Get in touch with the Ballyleigh team before booking and we'll help you find the right option.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

STARTING RIDING

WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD START RIDING

Our riding lessons are available from 5 years old upwards.

DO YOU TAKE COMPLETE BEGINNERS

Absolutely. You don't need any previous riding experience to start at Ballyleigh.

CAN ADULTS RIDE AT BALLYLEIGH?

Yes. We welcome adult riders as well as children and young people.

DO I NEED TO OWN A HORSE?

No. Our horses and ponies are here to help you learn, progress and enjoy your riding journey.

BOOKING WITH HOPOTI

HOW DO I BOOK A RIDING LESSON?

All lessons, pony camps and courses are booked and paid for online through Hopoti.

Simply create your account, find Ballyleigh Riding School, choose your lesson or activity and follow the booking instructions.

WHAT IS HOPOTI?

Hopoti is the online riding-school platform we use at Ballyleigh to manage bookings, rider profiles, payments, forms and other parts of your riding experience.

You can access your information and manage your bookings online.

I'VE NEVER USED HOPOTI BEFORE. WHERE DO I START?

Don't worry.

Hopoti provides step-by-step guides and tutorials to help you set up your account and learn how to use the system.

We can also help point you in the right direction if you're having difficulty getting started.

DO I HAVE TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?

We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance where possible.

Popular lessons, camps and activities can fill quickly.

CAN I WALK IN OR BOOK A LESSON ON THE SAME DAY?

No. All lessons, camps and courses must be booked and paid for in advance through Hopoti.

HORSES & PONIES

CAN I CHOOSE WHICH HORSE I RIDE?

We love seeing riders develop special relationships with their favourite horses and ponies.

Hopoti can allow riders to mark horses as favourites where this feature is available.

However, we cannot guarantee that a favourite horse will be available for every lesson.

Horse welfare and rider suitability always come first.

CAN I MEET THE HORSES BEFORE MY FIRST LESSON?

You'll be introduced to the horse or pony you're riding and given guidance on how to safely approach and interact with them.

Learning about horses, their personalities and how to care for them is an important part of the Ballyleigh experience.

WHAT TO WEAR

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY FIRST LESSON?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.

We recommend:

Long trousers

Comfortable, fitted clothing

Suitable footwear with a small heel

A properly fitted riding helmet

You don't need expensive riding gear to get started.

DO YOU PROVIDE HELMETS?

Helmets are available on request and subject to availability.

If you have your own riding helmet, please ensure it is suitable for riding and correctly fitted.

STILL NOT SURE?

I DON'T KNOW WHICH LESSON I SHOULD BOOK. WHAT DO I DO?

If you're unsure which lesson or activity is right for you or your child, please contact us before booking and we'll be happy to help.

I CAN'T FIND A SUITABLE TIME ON HOPOTI. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Available spaces can change, so keep checking Hopoti.

If you're still unsure, contact Ballyleigh and we'll do our best to help.

I HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN'T ANSWERED HERE.

We're always happy to help.

Get in touch with Ballyleigh Riding School and we'll help you with any questions about riding lessons, pony camps, bookings, horses or getting started.

021 206 6540

ballyleighridingschool@gmail.com

READY TO START YOUR BALLYLEIGH JOURNEY?

Maybe you've always dreamed of riding.

Maybe your child has been asking for lessons for months.

Maybe you're already a rider looking for somewhere to progress.

Or maybe you simply love horses and want to find your place around them.

Whatever brought you here, we'd love to welcome you to Ballyleigh.

From your very first lesson, to discovering your favourite horse, making new friends, building confidence, learning about horse care, joining pony camps and creating memories along the way — there's always something new to discover.

COME AS YOU ARE.

FIND YOUR PLACE.

MEET THE HORSES.

MAKE FRIENDS.

GROW IN CONFIDENCE.

CREATE MEMORIES.

Your riding journey starts with one step.

READY TO TAKE IT?

 

We can't wait to welcome you.