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The Playbarn, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7LPSaturday 29 November 2025
What is a Mechanical Horse?
A Mechanical Horse is a state of the art equine simulator designed to replicate the rhythm and movements of a real horse, including Walk, Trot and Canter (with variations of these paces). Although they are a never going to replace the real thing they are an extremely valuable tool to include in your riding/training programme, whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned Professional, the riding simulator really will be a complete game-changer in your riding journey.
The mechanical horse we use is located indoors so no need to even brave the Great British winter weather!
We are very fortunate enough to be able to offer a choice of sessions:
Have a Go at Riding Side Saddle
Ever wanted to try the elegant art of riding riding side saddle, but you don't have your own horse or maybe you do but you not sure where to start? Now is your chance to come and have a go to see what it really feels like to ride side saddle!
Join us for a 'have a go' session (experienced SS riders are also welcome to book) in the warm and dry on the wonderfully trained mechanical horse 'Steady Eddie' with Philippa Kemp Welch a BHS APC Stage 4 Coach & SSA Qualified coach.
Discover the history of Side Saddle, learn about the different parts of the saddle whilst experiencing what it actually feels like to ride Side Saddle.
Each session will last up to 30min and you will be shown the basic position whilst the coach will put you and Steady Eddie through your paces of walk, trot and even canter, although you will not be asked to do anything you are not comfortable with, so if you want to spend your session in walk then that is fine with us!
Your session will be individual, working to meet your needs to ensure you have a great introduction to side saddle.
Due to the limitations on the mechanical horse and the heavier weight of the side saddle we do have a strict weight limit of 14 stone for side saddle sessions.
General Ridden Sessions
Don't fancy trying side saddle but want to have a session with our coach and the Mechanical horse in a normal saddle (General Purpose or Dressage). These are some of the many benefits of incorporating mechanical horse sessions into your training plan:
Boosts Confidence - Whether you need a boost in confidence in your overall riding capabilities or even after an injury, frightening event or following a fall, the mechanical horse and our empathetic, experienced coach can work to build your confidence and self belief in a safe controlled environment.
Improves Position & Balance - Whether you need to work on improving your suppleness, alignment, symmetry, posture, balance or all of the above. The mechanical horse, qualified coach and mirrored studio is the ideal place to work on your position weaknesses, faults or flaws without the worry of your real horses' reaction to you or outside distractions, it also enables you to repeat certain exercises as many times as needed without the concerns of tiring your horse.
Enhances Skills - Work on that annoying trot to canter transition or that wobbly lower leg in jumping position by using appropriate, relevant exercises and activities, such as riding with or without stirrups, with and without reins, standing up, sitting down, touching your toes - the list is endless on the mechanical horse as, unlike a real horse, Steady Eddie promises not to spook just as you ride the canter to trot transition without your stirrups!
Encourages Rehabilitation - Had a recent injury or a break from riding and want to get back on in a safe, controlled environment? Steady Eddie is the perfect reintroduction to getting back in the saddle, with his various rhythmical gaits, you can work on what feels comfortable for you without the worry of falling off and outside distractions.
These sessions really are suitable for anyone (we do have a minimum age and a weight limit - see T&Cs)
New to riding...No problem! - First timers are most welcome and actively encouraged! Mechanical horse sessions are a great introduction to familiarise yourself with the key elements of riding such as: correct position and balance, specific basic skills such as rising to the trot as well as learning about the aids used to communicate with the horse to allow for changes of pace all this without the worry of making mistakes and confusing a real horse.
Children - Is your little one struggling to get their rising trot, or maybe they are desperate to learn to canter but the pony they ride is a little more reluctant, Steady Eddie is a perfect choice to help younger riders practice these skills without contending with those cheeky pony moments 😉 We do have a minimum age of 5yrs for our sessions.
Very limited availability so book early to avoid missing out.
PLEASE NOTE The Mechanical horse does have a WEIGHT LIMIT of 16st (14st for Side Saddle Sessions)
Please ensure you read the full terms and conditions when booking which includes the dress code for this event as well as our refund policy.
Sessions cost £30 per person and last 30min
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The Playbarn, Poringland,Poringland, United Kingdom
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