Smithstone Equestrian Centre

Smithstone Equestrian Centre Horse Riding School, Equestrian training and equestrian events venue in Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, Scotland

๐ŸŽ‰ ITโ€™S BACK ๐ŸŽ‰ ๐’๐ญ๐š๐ง๐ ๐”๐ฉ ๐’๐ž๐ฉ๐ญ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐‚๐ก๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ž ๐Ÿฅ‡ Itโ€™s September already ๐Ÿ’ก Thatโ€™s means โ€ฆ.. Stand up September ๐Ÿ’ฅ A wee challe...
03/09/2026

๐ŸŽ‰ ITโ€™S BACK ๐ŸŽ‰

๐’๐ญ๐š๐ง๐ ๐”๐ฉ ๐’๐ž๐ฉ๐ญ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐‚๐ก๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ž ๐Ÿฅ‡

Itโ€™s September already ๐Ÿ’ก
Thatโ€™s means โ€ฆ.. Stand up September ๐Ÿ’ฅ

A wee challenge we like to run on the yard.

Beginner level:
Week 1: 2.5mins
Week 2: 5mins
Week 3: 7.5mins
Week 4: 10mins
Walk or trot (optional)

Advanced:
Week 1: 10mins
Week 2: 15mins
Week 3: 20mins
Week 4: 20mins - Canter mandatory
Walk, trot & canter

๐–๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐จ ๐ฐ๐ž ๐’๐ญ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐’๐ž๐ฉ๐ญ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ?
Riding in two-point position (sometimes called โ€œhalf seatโ€) has lots of benefits for both the rider and the horse. Here are the key ones:

๐Ÿ”น For the Rider
1. Improves Balance & Stability โ€“ Standing slightly out of the saddle with weight in the heels helps riders develop a strong, independent seat and a better leg position.
2. Strengthens Core & Legs โ€“ Holding two-point engages your thighs, calves, and core muscles, building strength and endurance.
3. Enhances Position Over Jumps โ€“ Two-point is the foundation for jumping, teaching correct weight distribution and allowing the rider to stay with the horseโ€™s motion.
4. Develops a Quiet Upper Body โ€“ Since youโ€™re not relying on the reins for balance, you learn to keep your hands soft and steady, vital for any discipline.
5. Improves Fitness โ€“ Itโ€™s physically demanding, so itโ€™s a great way to build riding fitness and stamina.

๐Ÿ”น For the Horse
1. Relieves Pressure on the Back โ€“ By lifting out of the saddle, you give the horse freedom through its back, especially at trot, canter, and gallop.
2. Encourages Forward Movement โ€“ Horses often move more freely when the rider is in two-point, making it easier for them to lengthen stride and build rhythm.
3. Prepares for Jumping & Galloping โ€“ Since two-point lightens the load, itโ€™s the natural position for cross-country, jumping, and faster work.
4. Increases Comfort โ€“ Helps back movement, especially during conditioning or long rides.

๐Ÿ‘‰ In short: riding two-point builds strength and balance for the rider and comfort and freedom for the horse.

Speak to your coach any questions or give us a message ๐Ÿ˜Ž

Muirmill roundup from Saturdays BS Show ๐Ÿ†Marybeth & Daisy 2nd & 4th 95 & 105 NALucy & Ash 1st & 1st BN & DiscoZara & Mar...
01/09/2026

Muirmill roundup from Saturdays BS Show ๐Ÿ†

Marybeth & Daisy 2nd & 4th 95 & 105 NA
Lucy & Ash 1st & 1st BN & Disco
Zara & Mariah 2nd & 3rd 85 NA & BN
Isla & Sweetie 3rd & 4th 60 & 70 Club
Hallie & Gypsy 1st & 5th 60 & 70 Club
Jodie & Barney just out of placings this time

First time BS for most of the girls, and what a show they had. Superb rounds, giving it their all. Plenty to learn from as always ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿป

All on McLaren Archibald horses & ponies under Smithstone training ๐Ÿ’ฅ

McLaren Archibald Equestrian
Next Generation Coaching
Equiscot Photography
Muirmill Equestrian Centre

Weโ€™re at Overton Farm Shop for pony rides with the crew today ๐Ÿ˜ Head down for a great day out for the kids!!
30/08/2026

Weโ€™re at Overton Farm Shop for pony rides with the crew today ๐Ÿ˜

Head down for a great day out for the kids!!

One of our favourite times of year!!Early start this morning for a great view of the hot air balloons from Strathaven Ba...
29/08/2026

One of our favourite times of year!!

Early start this morning for a great view of the hot air balloons from Strathaven Balloon Festival ๐ŸŽˆ ๐ŸŽˆ

Fresh farm eggs for sale ๐Ÿฅš๐Ÿ“Self service fresh farm eggs available on the left as you drive in from our lovely free range...
25/08/2026

Fresh farm eggs for sale ๐Ÿฅš๐Ÿ“

Self service fresh farm eggs available on the left as you drive in from our lovely free range hens ๐Ÿ‘€

ยฃ2 per box, 3 weeks expiry from laying, please stick money in cash box ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป

19/08/2026

A little snippet of Sundays show at Turlood Equestrian Centre ๐Ÿ’›

A great opportunity to gain ring experience and put training into practice!!
Well done to everyone who took part ๐ŸŽ‰

13/08/2026

Soaking up the last of the summer evenings โ˜€๏ธ

Well done to tonightโ€™s riders who enjoyed lessons outside! Happy riders and happy ponies ๐Ÿ˜Š

Wouldnโ€™t be a field ride without some races to the top ๐Ÿ‡

Address

Udston Mill Road
Stonehouse
ML93FL

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441698209939

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