Leweston Chedington Riding Academy — Equestrian Education in Dorset
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The Leweston Chedington Riding Academy (LCRA) is a purpose-built equestrian centre set within Leweston School's 50-acre Dorset campus. It is open to all pupils from Nursery through to Sixth Form, whether your child has never sat on a horse or is competing at national level.
Riders can bring their own horse or pony, access our school horses, take coaching in all main disciplines, and pursue a formal Equine Management qualifications. The Academy competes as one of the country's top NSEA school teams and trains at Chedington Equestrian, a facility that works with Olympic-level competitors. Find out about equestrian boarding.
Leweston Chedington Riding Academy is more than just a riding school and livery yard; it’s a place where a passion for horses meets exceptional education. Here, the country's top NSEA teams thrive, an understanding of horses is born and nurtured, and pupils are supported in pursuing their equestrian goals, whether this is learning to ride as a beginner, competing at prestigious competitions across the country, or building a career in the equine industry.
We believe in making equestrian sports accessible to all, from our youngest nursery pupils to those aspiring to build a career in the equine world. Our unique curriculum enhances academic excellence by integrating equitation from Year 5 to Year 8 and offering Level 3 qualifications in Sixth Form. As home to the country's top NSEA team, we provide unparalleled opportunities for pupils to learn to ride and care for horses, develop their skills in all main disciplines under the guidance of expert coaches, and achieve qualifications that pave the way for a variety of careers or higher education.
The Riding Academy is privileged to have strong links with Chedington Equestrian, a world-class facility that trains Olympic competitors. This partnership grants our pupils access to their elite training resources, including competition jumps, dressage arenas, and extensive indoor and outdoor schooling areas. The creation and ongoing success of LCRA is deeply rooted in the generous vision and support of Dr and Mrs Guy, whose commitment enables us to provide exceptional opportunities for our pupils.
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What we offer
Our purpose-built headquarters includes over 20 stables, a floodlit all-weather arena, year-round turnout, a solarium and a dedicated classroom, rated at the highest level by Dorset Council. Pupils can bring their own horse or pony, or ride one of our school horses. The Academy operates from Leweston's main campus with full access to Chedington Equestrian's elite training facilities, including competition jumps, dressage arenas and extensive indoor and outdoor schooling.
Expert Coaching At Every Level
Coaching is available for every level from complete beginners to national competitors, across all main disciplines. Our coaches include professionals with top-level competition experience, strength and conditioning specialists and leading experts in horse welfare. Pupils are coached in small groups with individual attention, the same teaching philosophy that runs through everything at Leweston. Equestrian scholarships are available at Year 9 and Sixth Form entry.
Where Passion Meets Career
In Years 10 and 11 pupils can study for BHS Certificates as part of their GCSE programme. Sixth Form students can take Level 3 Equine Management qualifications alongside other A Levels or BTECs, covering practical horse care, equine anatomy, business skills and stable management. These qualifications open pathways to university, higher apprenticeships and professional roles across the equine industry. Students graduate with both academic credentials and a professional network built through the Chedington partnership.
What the Riding Academy looks like
Open to every rider, every level. The Academy is not just for serious competitors, it is genuinely open to pupils from Nursery through to Sixth Form, regardless of ability. Beginners learn to ride on school horses. Experienced riders bring their own ponies and compete nationally. Both are equally welcome, and both get expert coaching tailored to where they are. Find out about riding for all →
Livery and loan, on your doorstep. Pupils who want to bring their own horse or pony can keep them in our on-site livery, with full care, turnout and schooling facilities available. For those who want the experience of a horse without owning one, loan arrangements are also available. The yard is part of the school, not a separate facility pupils travel to. Find out about livery and loan →
Competing at the top of NSEA. The Leweston equestrian team is consistently among the leading NSEA school teams in the country, competing in showjumping, dressage and cross-country at regional and national level. Competing is never compulsory, but for pupils who want it, the pathway and the support are there. See our competition record →
A qualification that opens doors. For Sixth Formers, the Level 3 Equine Management courses at LCRA are a genuine academic qualification not an add-on. They can be combined with A Levels or BTECs, and they lead to university courses, degree apprenticeships and careers across the equine world. This is one of very few schools in the country where this combination is possible. Explore Level 3 Equine Management →
Questions families often ask us about the Riding Academy
Does Leweston offer equestrian education as part of the school curriculum?
Yes. Equitation is integrated into the curriculum from Year 5 to Year 8, giving every pupil in those years a structured introduction to riding and horse care as part of their school week, not as an extra. In Years 10 and 11 pupils can add BHS Certificates to their GCSE programme. Sixth Form students can pursue formal Level 3 Equine Management qualifications alongside A Levels or BTECs. Find out more about our curriculum →
Can my child bring their own horse or pony to Leweston?
Yes — this is one of the things families most often ask us about. Pupils can bring their own horse or pony to live in our on-site livery, with full care and access to all Academy facilities. Loan arrangements are also available for pupils who want the experience of a regular horse without owning one. Find out about livery and loan →
Does Leweston offer an equestrian scholarship?
Yes. Leweston awards a dedicated Equestrian scholarship at both Year 9 (13+) and Sixth Form (16+) entry. It recognises exceptional riding talent and commitment — not just competition results, but attitude, potential and the contribution a pupil will make to the Academy. See scholarship details →
Does Leweston offer horse riding lessons?
Yes, for all pupils from Nursery upwards. Lessons are available across all main disciplines — showjumping, dressage and cross-country — and are tailored to each pupil's level, from complete beginner to experienced competitor. Our coaches work with every pupil individually, not in large undifferentiated groups. Find out about coaching →
What competitions does the Leweston equestrian team compete in?
The Leweston Chedington Riding Academy competes under the NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) in showjumping, dressage and cross-country at regional and national level. The team has consistently ranked among the top NSEA school teams in the country. Individual pupils also compete in county and national shows outside the school calendar. Find out about competing →
Can my child bring a horse to Leweston from abroad?
International pupils are welcome to bring horses with them, though this involves import health regulations and DEFRA requirements. Our admissions and equestrian teams are experienced in supporting families through this process. The first step is to get in touch so we can talk through the practicalities for your specific situation. Contact our admissions team →
Take the Next Step
Why not come and visit the Riding Academy to see why it could be the right fit for you. Every visit includes a tour of the whole school as well as the opportunity to meet the Headmaster, Director of Riding, Director of Boarding, teachers and pupils. You will get to see behind the scenes on a normal day at our school.
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