Riding Stables Monach Farm Cambridge


Monach Farms
Riding Stables ~ Pedigree Dairy Goats ~ Pigs ~ Sheep ~ Cattle

WELCOME TO

MONACH FARM RIDING STABLES.

Association of British Riding Schools approved for over 10 years
Qualified staff, all our staff hold nationally recognised qualifications
Over 40 years of teaching experience.
Pony Club centre
NVQ training Partner with the College of West Anglia
Connexions work experience provider
Licensed by Huntingdonshire District Council
Horses & ponies stay for life
Working farm
Organic meat sales
Caprilatte ice cream available here

We hope you enjoy learning to ride and improving your skills with our ponies and us.

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION

What to wear

Riding is a risk sport, whilst we make every effort to ensure your safety, we do need some co-operation from you.

Therefore, it is vital that you wear suitable clothing.

This means a hat and correct footwear are a must, and we have sizes for all that you can borrow. Please return your hats & boots tidily after use.

It is strongly recommended that you buy your own hat and boots if you are committed, as a proper fit will aid your comfort.

You may wear short riding boots and half chaps as an alternative to long rubber-riding boots.

If doing any jumping and definitely for cross-country we strongly recommend that you wear a body protector, again we have some that you can hire.

For your comfort and safety, we recommend a long sleeve shirt be worn – even in summer.

Shorts are not allowed to be worn, unless you wish to have a riding lesson without a saddle.

We recommend that riding gloves be worn all year round.

Long hair should be tied back and for safety, please note NO jewellery except wedding rings and studs are allowed. There is a lockable box in the office for storing valuables.

If you wish to buy your own riding equipment, we recommend you go to Heather Lewin, 3 Carlisle Terrace, St Ives. Tel: 01480 301993. Heather is an approved hat fitter and if what you require is not in stock, she can order it for you.

CAR PARKING

Can we please ask you to park on the gravel in front of CLARE COTTAGE, the bungalow next to the farm? This is Emy’s house so she really doesn’t mind. We would rather you block someone in, in the car park, than park on any of the grass in front of the farm, which the Parish Council minds very much. We can fit 12 vehicles in this area. Please park sensibly and thoughtfully. You can park as close to the hedge as you wish, as it is not a walkway for either property. If the car park is full when you arrive, please park in the farm driveway as close to the hedge as possible or the village hall car park and walk up the lane .

Please remember we are a working farm and we ask you to observe the Country Code and leave gates as you find them. In particular the front gate (at the entrance to the farm) should always be closed.

When can you have a lesson?

All lessons must be booked in advance. Payments can be made by cash or cheque; unfortunately we are unable to take credit/debit card payments.

Lessons are available Tuesday – Sunday. We are closed on Mondays to give the horses a day off.

Weekday lessons start at 11.00am with the last lesson at 7.00pm. .

Weekend lessons times start at 9.15am and the last lesson is at 3.45pm.

PRIVATE lessons are available but only by prior arrangement and availability may be limited.

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER LEAD REIN LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS UNTIL AFTER 4.30pm ON WEEKDAYS.

The lessons are all taken by staff with ABRS & or BHS qualifications.

During school holidays we run a variety of special events including Own A Pony Days. In the summer, we run evening pub rides and Sunday hacks

Please remember if you have any problems at any time, whether with bookings, progress, personality clashes etc, we need to know in order for us to give you the best service we can. So, do not hesitate to talk to Emy or Sarah about any queries you might have.

Our purpose built cross-country course is designed to let riders of all abilities experience the thrills of jumping in the open countryside. All fences have graded heights and opt outs.

With nearly 70 acres of our own land and access to several thousand acres of farmland around us, we can offer safe off road hacking to all.

For very small children we offer lead rein hacks with the leader being on foot, extra supervision is also provided.

We do not allow riders to hack until they have been assessed in the arena first and then only if we consider you to be safe to ride out.

As a guide we recommend 20 hours of tuition, that is 40 x ½ hour lessons based on a once a week lesson should see a complete beginner adult safe to hack out but remember each time you have a gap of more than 7 days between lessons you are slowing down your progression rate.

OTHER STUFF

WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW

NO VISITING DOGS PLEASE

We are a working livestock farm and for the health of our animals we request that you do not bring dogs or any other pets onto the farm & stables premises. There is a permitted footpath which we have established behind the farm & the village green where you may exercise your dog.

OUR DOGS

We own 2 dogs, a large one called Sophie & a border collie called Jem.

Both are very friendly, Sophie however has no concept of how big she looks to small people.

Neither of the dogs will hurt you & all the animals are used to sharing the farm with them.

FARM ANIMALS

We are more than happy for you to visit our animals as long as where they live is open, please remember the country code & leave all gates & doors as you find them.

We are a working farm & staff are well aware of the animals & what is happening to them at all times.

Please remember that at lambing time & when the goats are very little we ask that you do not disturb them or visit without permission in order to prevent the spread of disease.

Caprilatte Ice Cream

We make our own farmhouse ice cream sold under the trade name caprilatte, it is a luxury organic ice cream made with no artificial flavourings or colourings.

It is available to buy as ice cream cones from our serve over in the office, as 125 ml potion tubs with a spoon (less messy) & as ½ litre tubs – ideal to share or take home for tea.

There is a range of delicious flavours available – just look in the freezer in the office.

We are pleased to have gained two diploma's for our Ice Cream