Frequently Asked Questions
The frequently asked questions page will endeavour to answer your most common enquiries and questions. If you cannot find the answer that you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact us.
For buyers:
What is the cost of dialling an 0845 number?
Does my horse come with tack?
Can you arrange transport?
What if I encounter difficulties, can I call?
What training can I expect my horse to have been through?
Can I bring my horse back for the courses?
Can I take a horse on trial?
What if I and my new horse don’t get on?
Can I return my horse if it doesn’t work out, and how does that work?
Where do you get your horses from?
Are all the horses Cobs?
Do you ever have ponies?
How long do horses spend with you prior to being sold?
How will I try a prospective horse – can I try them more than once and can I go out on my own?
For courses:
How will you match me with an Natural Horsemanship Centre horse?
Will I stay with the same horse throughout the course?
Can I change horses during the course if I am uncomfortable with the horse allocated?
How much one to one training will the course involve?
How many people will there be on a course?
Can I bring my own horse – and what facilities can I expect for him / her?
Can I come on a course to try out a horse I am thinking of buying?
Do I need my own insurance for the course?
Can I send my own horse to you for training?
Can children come on the course?
Can I come on a course with my son / daughter?
What about husbands? are there any activities locally for non-riders?
What is the difference between courses, clinics and workshops?
What is the cost of dialling an 0845 number?
This is equivalent to a local rate call at all times.
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We recommend the Duett range of saddles which are purchased separately, and qualify for a 10% discount. These are normally held in stock and fitted by a qualified saddle fitter. We also advise on suitable bits and bridle sizes etc., some of which are available at the Natural Horsemanship Centre.
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We can arrange transport. If you live locally you may qualify for free delivery; please ask for details of any special offers relating to travel.
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What if I encounter difficulties, can I call?
We are always available to help, you can call the advice line, email us, or leave a message and we will get back to you.
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What training can I expect my horse to have been through?
Our horses have completed a programme of education in accordance with their description and further outlined in Our Training Process on the website. We are always happy to discuss anything you are not sure of.
Horses vary in character and ability; please refer to the Star Rating System as a guide to your current level of riding.
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Can I bring my horse back for the courses?
Yes; coming back on a course with your new horse is particularly beneficial in working towards partnership goals.
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We believe the safeguards for potential purchasers are best served by the warranty, therefore a trial is not normally offered. A successful match between horse and rider is always a priority, so individual circumstances are taken into consideration. For example NHC acting as an agent, or the main rider being a child.
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What if I and my new horse don’t get on?
We ask that new owners be aware of what is involved during the settling in process, and the length of time required for a partnership to develop. In situations where it is clear the horse/rider combination is not working, referring to the Warranty section outlines your options.
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Can I return my horse if it doesn’t work out, and how does that work?
Horses can be returned within the Warranty period, please read the Terms and Conditions of Sale for further details.
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Where do you get your horses from?
Unspoilt horses are always in short supply, so our horses have a variety of origins, mainly from farmers and breeders in continental Europe.
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The majority of our horses are cobs, or cob types, since they are generally most suitable for leisure and all round activities. We don’t like being partisan; we are happy to select horses from a variety of breeds providing they have the correct temperament and soundness that we expect from our cobs.
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Yes, we do, although not many. We only occasionally have ponies because our main focus is on providing horses for the adult rider. [top of page]
How long do horses spend with you prior to being sold?
That depends on the horse; they are all individuals with different needs. Our policy is to allow sufficient time for each horse to reach the required level of understanding and behaviour new owners expect. This can take from a month to a year. On average they will stay with us two to four months.
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How will I try a prospective horse – can I try them more than once and can I go out on my own?
We encourage our clients to try a horse in situations that are relevant to them. If you are going to ride on busy roads, we encourage you to try the horse with heavy traffic and so on. You are welcome to ride the horse at different times on different days; it is also a good idea to go out alone so you can assess how you will feel once take your horse home.
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How will you match me with a Natural Horsemanship Centre horse?
When you book a course at NHC, you will be sent a questionnaire to help build a profile for you as a rider. This helps us match the right horse to you. Sometimes this isn’t finalised until the first day of the course because we are not always aware of the hidden chemistry between some horses and riders!
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Will I stay with the same horse throughout the course?
It is better for you to keep the same horse so you can work at getting to know and understand each other.
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Can I change horses during the course if I am uncomfortable with the horse allocated?
Yes, if the horse chosen for you clearly isn’t working, we will arrange a replacement for you.
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How much one to one training will the course involve?
The courses are designed to maximise a group learning experience. Sharing and identifying with others’ difficulties is a valuable learning curve. However, there will be the opportunity for individual attention where needed.
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How many people will there be on a course?
A maximum of six is sufficient to ensure everyone benefits during their time with us.
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Can I bring my own horse – and what facilities can I expect for him / her?
Yes you can, provided your horse can integrate successfully with other horses on the course. Should your horse be particularly unsettled hacking out in company for example, it will be safer to work on this separately at a different time.
Horses are stabled in an American Barn system, or outside in conventional loose boxes. There is extensive grazing in well managed paddocks, with many other facilities listed on the web site.
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Can I come on a course to try out a horse I am thinking of buying?
Yes, certainly. This is a good opportunity for you to learn more about your horse in a supported environment.
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Do I need my own insurance for the course?
The the Natural Horsemanship Centre complies with all regulatory insurance requirements in addition to advising clients to take out personal accident cover.
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Can I send my own horse to you for training?
Yes, call us to discuss training for your horse tailored to his/her specific needs.
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Can children come on the course?
The courses/ clinics/workshops are designed for adults only.
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Can I come on a course with my son / daughter?
Yes. The minimum age for attending a course is 18 yrs.
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What about husbands? Are there any activities locally for non-riders?
There is plenty to do locally for non-horsey husbands and partners, including sailing on Weirwood Reservoir, coarse fishing, bird watching, exploring the off road cycle trail, a 19 hole golf on the Royal …….Golf Course, and more. Please ask for details.
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What is the difference between courses, clinics, and workshops?
Full details of the courses are available on the web site, and are run throughout the year. Clinics are taken by visiting Instructors who work closely with us and are sympathetic to the underlying philosophy at the Natural Horsemanship Centre. Workshops provide the opportunity to explore a particular area or theme in greater depth. Please check the web site regularly for details and dates.
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