Experienced instructors offer horse riding lessons for all skill levels in London. Individual and group sessions available at Xamodu.

About Xamodu

Since our establishment in 2012, we have guided riders of all abilities through their equestrian journey in North London. Our riding school combines traditional horsemanship with modern teaching methods.

Xamodu riding school facilities

Our Beginning

Xamodu started when three experienced riding instructors decided to create a riding school that would prioritise safety, proper technique, and genuine connection between horses and riders. We purchased our Liverpool Road site with 12 stable boxes and an indoor arena measuring 20x40 metres.

Our first year saw 47 students enrol in weekly lessons. Today, we work with over 200 active riders each month. The facility has expanded to include 24 horses, an outdoor arena, and dedicated spaces for tack storage and theory classes.

Our Mission

We teach riding skills that develop coordination, confidence, and respect for horses. Each lesson focuses on practical horsemanship – from mounting and basic aids to navigating courses and understanding equine behaviour.

Looking Forward

Our aim is to maintain a riding school where safety standards remain high, horses receive proper care, and students progress at their own pace. We plan to add two more instructors in 2024 and introduce evening sessions for working professionals.

12 Years Operating
24 School Horses
6 Qualified Instructors
Riding instruction at Xamodu

Experience and Expertise

Our six instructors hold British Horse Society qualifications ranging from Stage 3 to BHSAI level. Combined, they bring 73 years of teaching experience. Three instructors specialise in children's lessons, two focus on adult beginners, and one works exclusively with advanced riders preparing for competitions.

We maintain instructor-to-student ratios of 1:6 for group lessons and offer individual sessions for those requiring focused attention. All horses undergo veterinary checks every six months and receive daily care from our stable management team of four.

Core Values

Safety First

All riders wear approved helmets and body protectors when appropriate. Our horses are selected for calm temperaments and undergo regular health assessments. Arena surfaces are maintained weekly to ensure proper footing.

Progressive Learning

Students advance through structured lesson plans that build on previous skills. We assess readiness before introducing new techniques such as trotting, cantering, or jumping. Written progress records track each rider's development.

Horse Welfare

Each horse works a maximum of five hours daily with rest periods between sessions. Feed is tailored to individual needs, and turnout happens daily in our paddocks. Horses showing signs of discomfort are immediately assessed by our veterinarian.

Student Success Stories

Our students come from diverse backgrounds and pursue different goals. From absolute beginners finding their confidence in the saddle to experienced riders refining advanced techniques, each journey demonstrates the progress achievable through structured instruction and dedicated practice.

Complete beginner programme
Beginner Programmes

Foundation Skills Development

Sarah started with no prior experience and completed our 12-week foundation programme. The structured curriculum covered mounting, basic seat position, walk and trot work, and elementary stable management. She now rides independently twice weekly and handles horses confidently on the ground.

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Advanced dressage training
Advanced Training

Dressage Technique Refinement

James brought five years of riding experience and specific goals for dressage improvement. Through focused work on collection, lateral movements, and transitions, he progressed from preliminary to novice level tests within eight months. Regular video analysis helped identify areas for refinement.

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Adult returner programme
Beginner Programmes

Adult Returner Success

After 20 years away from horses, Emma rejoined through our adult returner programme. The approach addressed both physical retraining and confidence building. Starting with lunge lessons to re-establish balance, she progressed to independent riding and now participates in weekend trail rides across the Surrey countryside.

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Show jumping preparation
Competition Preparation

Show Jumping Progression

Lucy prepared for affiliated show jumping through systematic grid work, course practice, and mental preparation sessions. Starting at 80cm height, she developed the timing and confidence needed for 1m classes. Her competition debut resulted in three clear rounds and a second-place rosette at a British Showjumping event.

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Cross-country skills
Advanced Training

Cross-Country Confidence

Michael wanted to develop cross-country riding skills for eventing. The programme included position work over poles, introducing natural obstacles, and practising different terrain. Six months of progressive training built the necessary boldness and technical ability to tackle BE90 level courses with competence.

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First affiliated competition
Competition Preparation

First Affiliated Dressage Test

After two years of training, Rachel entered her first British Dressage competition. Preparation included test riding, venue familiarisation, and turnout standards. She achieved 64% in the Intro B test and qualified for regional championships. The experience provided valuable baseline data for continued development.

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Why Choose Our Riding School

We provide structured instruction for riders at every level, with a focus on safety, proper technique, and building confidence in the saddle.

Qualified Instructors

Our team includes 5 British Horse Society certified instructors with a combined 47 years of teaching experience. Each instructor holds Level 3 or higher qualifications and undergoes annual safety training to maintain current standards.

Well-Trained Horses

We maintain 12 school horses selected for their calm temperament and reliability. Each horse receives veterinary checks every 6 months, daily grooming, and works a maximum of 4 hours per day to ensure their wellbeing and consistent performance.

Safety First Approach

All riders wear approved helmets and body protectors. Our 60m x 40m outdoor arena features rubber-fibre footing that reduces impact. We maintain a 4:1 maximum student-to-instructor ratio and keep a first aid kit with trained personnel on site during all sessions.

Tailored Lesson Plans

We assess each rider's current ability and create progression plans that match their pace. Whether you're learning to post at the trot or refining lateral movements, instructors adjust exercises within each 60-minute session based on your development and comfort level.

Flexible Scheduling

We offer lessons Tuesday through Sunday between 8:00 and 18:00. Book single sessions or purchase packages of 5 or 10 lessons. You can reschedule up to 24 hours in advance without penalty, and we accommodate both regular weekly slots and occasional riders.

Quality Facilities

Our site includes an all-weather outdoor arena, a covered schooling area for year-round riding, heated viewing room for guests, and clean changing facilities. The stable yard is maintained to British Horse Society standards with concrete floors and automatic waterers in each box.

Structured Progression

We follow a clear curriculum from beginner through advanced levels. Students can work towards British Horse Society riding badges or simply develop skills at their own pace. Each rider receives written feedback after lessons to track improvement in specific areas like balance, position, and communication with the horse.

Our Track Record

Numbers that reflect our commitment to quality instruction and rider development. Each figure represents real progress, genuine partnerships, and consistent dedication to equestrian education across London.

6
Years of Experience
established in 2018
340+
Active Students
currently enrolled
1,850
Lessons Delivered
in 2024 alone
94%
Satisfaction Rate
based on 320 reviews
8
Qualified Instructors
BHS certified
127
Exam Passes
since 2018
18
School Horses
various breeds and sizes
12,400+
Training Hours
total since opening
89%
Progress Rate
students advancing levels
3
Training Arenas
indoor and outdoor
100%
Safety Record
zero major incidents
4.8/5
Average Rating
from 320 reviews
76%
Return Rate
students continuing courses