Leweston Chedington Riding Academy
Leweston Equestrian Centre
Leweston Chedington Riding Academy
We are thrilled to introduce the Leweston Chedington Riding Academy. Opening in October 2024, our equestrian centre boasts 20 stables, one flood-lit arena, and a dedicated classroom. The school offers a range of livery packages to pupils as well riding lessons suitable for all ages and abilities.
The Centre has strong links to Chedington Equestrian, a world class facility home to Olympic competitors. By invitation, pupils have access to their elite training facilities which include competition jumps, dressage arena, large indoor school, indoor lunge pen, grass dressage and jump arenas. There is also large XC schooling field catering for BE Novice through to Advanced.
Meet the Team
Lorraine Roberts
Director of Riding Academy
Lorraine has a lifetime of experience with horses, starting as a working pupil for her Aunt at a young age. She is an accredited Pony Coach for over 35 years, passionate about teaching children to ride and care for their horses. She has mentored riders to national and international success and led Leweston riders to multiple achievements and titles.
Kieran Higson
Senior Yard Manager
Kieran (BHS Stage 3) has extensive experience managing a busy school yard. He trained at Wellington Riding Centre and worked for David Doel Eventing as a rider and groom. Now focused on Coaching and Yard Management, Kieran is working towards his Full BHS Stage 4 and has a young horse to train. Dedicated to his students' progress, Kieran has a special interest in delivering a Wellbeing programme like Changing Lives Through Horses.
Sophie Underwood
Equine Management BTEC Teacher
Sophie's life has been intertwined with horses from a young age, excelling in riding and winning prestigious competitions, including the Prince Philip Cup. She later transitioned to a career in journalism, collaborating with top equestrian personalities. Sophie also contributed to the development of "Your Horse Live," a major event in the equestrian world. Eventually, she followed her passion for teaching, holding various leadership positions in education.
Nana Dalton
Coach
Nana started in pony club and then progressed eventing through the youth system representing GB at Young Rider European Eventing Championships in 1999 and 2000, winning a team silver medal. She continued professionally with much success at International level, numerous competitions at Badminton and Burghley and represented GB on Nations Cup teams (winning individually in Belgium in 2015), was reserve for European Championships and listed for Rio Olympics. Nana has specialised in producing and training many young horses to top level and throughout her career has trained with the worlds best coaches. She is now focusing on helping others train correct foundations to help them fulfil their ambitions and enjoy their equine journeys.
Millie Vickery
Coach
Millie, a seasoned and devoted instructor, is recognised as a British Horse Society Accredited Professional Coach and an affiliated British Eventing Coach. She participated in the GB Coach Pathway programme under the guidance of Yogi Briesner and had the opportunity to train alongside accomplished individuals like Pippa Funnell and Carl Hester. Millie has taught Equine NVQ courses at Kingston Maurward College and has competed at the 5* level in eventing with different horses. Her passion lies in educating riders on understanding their horses to maximise their potential, and considers it a crucial life skill.
Emma Fisher
Coach and Sports Psychologist
Emma, an accomplished athlete and coach, has competed internationally in athletics, eventing, and triathlon. With a degree in Sports Science and Psychology, a masters in Psychology, and various coaching accolades, Emma brings a wealth of expertise to her mentoring and coaching business. She believes in fostering strong communication, development, and support with her athletes to help them achieve their specific goals.
See information for the full team in our Equestrian Handbook below.
Leweston Equestrian Handbook
Download our Handbook to find out more about the Equestrian Centre, staff, our packages and prices, and more!
L.C.R.A Agreements
If you would like to see our L.C.R.A Long Term Agreement please contact Lorraine Roberts on robertsl@leweston.dorset.sch.uk
BTEC Equine Management
From September 2024 Leweston will offer BTEC Equine Management in Sixth Form. There are two different options available: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A Level) or BTEC National Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A Levels). This qualification offers an engaging programme to students who want a career in the equine sector as well as a range of higher education courses in equine management.
For more information download our Sixth Form Course Directory