News

We finally did it ! Martin and Pat are now Mr and Mrs Lawrence we look forward to welcoming you all to our Riding School for many years to come.

What is the difference between a Hack and a Cross Country Ride?

We often get asked this question so here is the definition of each term

HACKING : A walk and trot ride to enjoy riding out in the countryside, at Divoky we are lucky enough to be able to access bridleways through woodland tracks and long paths with very little road work. The ancient Asham Wood provides us with the opportunity to see nature at its finest and is a treat at any time of year weather you ride in Springtime with the wonderful array of spring flowers and stunning carpets of wild garlic and bluebelles or later in the Summer when the Orchids can be found to Autumn when the protected Autumn Crocus appears. We see badger sets, deer, rabbits and many birds including Buzzards and Woodpecker to name but a few. We do not take beginners hacking if you have not been accurate in describing your ability on a horse we may have to keep your ride to the farm track. No refund will be given in this instance under any circumstances. All riders must wear full length trousers and a boot or shoe with a heel. Please wear outer clothing according to the weather conditions on the day.

CROSS COUNTRY RIDE: This is only for the experienced rider as cross country riding means you can expect to ride up and down slopes at various speeds and gaits, you must be able to control your horse at speed and negotiate both low branches and avoid bad going i.e. holes in the ground, ruts and stones. You must be confident and competent and arrive correctly dressed including an up to date back protector. We would not expect to have to loan you a riding helmet or other equipment for a ride at this level. The cost of cross country is significantly higher than any other ride due to the additional risks involved. You will be assessed before taking part in such a ride and if you have overestimated your ability your ride will be converted to a hack with no refund of the additional fee.

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS: We accept cancellations with 2 clear days notice from the start time of your ride: any notice that is less than 2 clear days will mean that you cannot reschedule or expect a credit for the ride. We do not give cash refunds. When 2 clear days notice is given we will give you a credit for a future booking, less a £5 administration charge. If you have not been accurate about your ability or overestimated your ability and we are unable to offer you a suitable alternative ride, or declared yourself to be under our weight limit of 14 stone but on weighing found to be over this limit we will not issue a credit note or give a refund. Any client may be asked to weigh to ensure the horse is not asked to carry more than its personal weight limit; this is for the welfare of our horses and not negotiable. .

Pony Stars – A bit like Brownies and Cubs with ponies

Our Shetland Strides, Dartmoor Dazzlers and Welshie Wizards meet on Thursday and Friday after school. These special clubs for young riders during term time after school Start at 4.30 pm – 6pm and provide a fun learning environment for children. You will commit to 6 weeks each term most sessions include riding occasionally When the weather is awful we may concentrate on our badge work but this is usually only on the very worst of days. We charge just £40 to join the club and £40 a week for the session. Each student will receive a book of activities and will work in their group on a different topic each week. Please ask Holly for more information. Booking essential.

Thursday Coffee club is moving to a Friday morning

Please note we will meet at 10am to prepare our horses, Ride, put the horses away and meet for coffee and biscuits the session concludes at 12 noon. Adults only booking essential.


H.R.H Sophie Countess of Wessex visiting Divoky

We were so pleased to welcome the Countess who kindly awarded certificates and rosettes to the riders of St Pauls school. The riding was funded by the Back on Track Charity Chaired by Sally Whittaker who also attended with Anne Maw Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. It was a lovely sunny day and the children rode beautifully, the ponies looked beautiful and the staff really pulled out all the stops to make it as perfect a day as possible to welcome the children and their families for this exciting event. Pictures in our gallery. 

RDA at Divoky: Pat and Martin were so honored to be presented to

HRH Princess Anne at the RDA conference in recognition of the work with disabled riders carried out at Divoky. With an ever increasing demand for places we have decided in order to expand what we do we need the help of a committee of fund raisers and organisers. If anyone wishes to help disabled people access riding but don’t feel able to assist with the leading of ponies or side walking (volunteers always needed) then please consider either joining or helping the committee with fund raising.





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