New Hall School Opens Learn-to-Ride Centre
We are proud to announce the official launch of our Learn-to-Ride Centre – a new facility that blends centuries of equestrian tradition with innovative technology. First unveiled during the School’s recent Open Day on Saturday 3 May, the Centre is set to become a cornerstone of equestrian education and excellence at the School.
Central to this new development are two state-of-the-art Racewood simulators; ‘Genesis’, focused on dressage, with advanced capabilities, as well as engaging programmes for beginner riders, and ‘Eos’, an eventing simulator which supports dressage, show jumping, and cross-country disciplines. These simulators, already in regular use, enable students to train year-round, using advanced biometric feedback to refine technique and enhance performance. The New Hall Learn-to-Ride Centre also features a purpose-built arena and new stables, further enhancing the School’s equestrian provision.
“At New Hall, we are proud to build on our long tradition of equestrian success. With this fabulous new facility, we are able to support every rider, from beginner to national competitor. Investment in our Learn-to-Ride Centre, and our livery service for boarders, reflect our commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum and co-curriculum, with a special focus on outdoor learning. We are excited to be starting riding lessons on site, and a range of equestrian courses, using our stunning 170-acre parkland. We now offer the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport, a vocational qualification in which students can offer riding for one of the performance elements,” said Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, Principal.
New Hall boasts a vibrant and successful Equestrian Team that competes in a range of disciplines at National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions, including a thriving grass roots team. Students regularly participate in county, regional, and national competitions, including the National Schools Championships at both Addington and Hickstead. Recent strong performances in dressage, show jumping, and arena eventing reflect the team’s continued commitment to excellence.
New Hall’s Equestrian team has achieved outstanding success this year, with the senior team of Amelia (Year 13), Claudia (Year 13), and Claudia (Year 11) qualifying for the 90cm Eventers Challenge at the NSEA National Championships at Hickstead in May 2025, alongside individual qualifications in multiple Eventers Challenge and Show Jumping classes ranging from 80cm to 1.10m. Bethany (Year 9) will also represent the school as an individual in the Prelim Dressage Championships, while Willow (Year 7) has earned a place in the Pop-Up Dressage Championships following a series of strong performances in the NSEA Pop-Up Dressage Series. Additionally, New Hall’s Grass Roots team has secured both individual and team qualifications for the Grass Roots National Championships at Hickstead in August 2025, following a 2nd place team finish in the 60cm qualifier and 1st place in the 70cm qualifier.
The School has a rich equestrian history, including a Royal Visit by HRH Princess Anne in 1979, and national-level success dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. Notable alumni include Dr Veronica Lac, founder of The HERD Institute and a practitioner in equine-facilitated psychotherapy, who recently returned to New Hall to share her inspiring journey of combining her lifelong passion for horses with a distinguished career in psychology. The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) regularly attended New Hall, bringing people with disabilities for therapeutic walks with horses, supported by trained staff and New Hall riders. New Hall has a long tradition of charity support for RDA.
Looking ahead, New Hall is developing New Hall Park Farm, a 70-acre site in nearby Little Baddow. Currently undergoing refurbishment, the site will offer expanded opportunities for student riders, including livery services, advanced riding camps and specialised training programmes.
Our next Open Day, taking place on 27 September 2025, will include guided tours of the Learn-to-Ride Centre, opportunities to try the equestrian simulators, and the chance to meet the School’s coaching team and student riders.
