Smugglers Mechanical Horse

Welcoming Legless.

Smugglers Equestrian Centre is delighted to announce the acquisition of our latest feature here, our very first Simulated Mechanical Horse, named Legless.

We are the one of very few privately owned companies to offer this fantastic service.

Our fully interactive Dressage simulator is one of the most popular simulators.  The Dressage Simulator, accommodates riders of all levels from beginners to the advanced. This horse enables students to perfect advanced dressage movements, such as Piaffe, Passage and Half Pass, as well as being able to carry out basic arena work and test riding.  

​The fully Interactive aspect of the Dressage Simulator offers a revolutionary way to focus on skills and balance by viewing immediate visual feedback on seat position and riding movements. It is used worldwide by professionals and amateur riders as an essential aid to training.

Delivering A Service For Everyone.

For many with physical and/or mental disabilities, horse riding offers a therapy that they simply cannot achieve elsewhere. The Smugglers Dressage Simulator offers the same, rhythmical, life-like motion, and can carry riders of up to 16 stone. The simulator can be run all day, whatever the weather, allowing us to offer riding lessons and therapies round the clock, in a safe and controlled environment.

Specialist RDA Software.

Working directly with RDA in the UK, Racewood has developed a NEW, digital landscape. Based on the countryside challenge, riders can explore over 4,000 acres of land, ranging from a stroll through a village, a hack through the woods or a ride on the beach.

Interactive features allow the rider to engage with the environment e.g. posting a letter, collecting eggs, visit the farmyard.

The software keeps track of how far each rider has travelled, the locations they have visited and the things they have seen. It also has the option to provide a printed certificate.

Key Features:

  • Balance

    Balance and position in the saddle is displayed on screen – this allows the instructor to analyse and assess what a rider is doing, using information also collected from the rein sensors, seat sensors and leg sensors.

  • Practise a Test

    As well as basic ground work, the Dressage Simulator allows riders to practise a number of pre-programmed tests or practice their own. Each test is recorded and can be then played back afterwards for further analysis.

  • Auto Training Routine

    The auto-training routine is a firm favourite with instructors as it provides a meaningful and repeatable assessment of rider balance, bit contact and leg pressure though the gaits. It is excellent for assessing what a rider does in the saddle whilst moving completely automatically through walk, trot and canter. All sensors activity is recorded for 1 or 2 minutes and results can be printed off afterwards.

Why book a mechanical horse session?

This question is often asked by riders of all abilities. The benefits of mechanical horse sessions are far reached. They include:

  • Developing riding skills while maintaining rider safety
  • Developing rider confidence
  • Developing rider balance and co-ordination
  • Developing an independent seat and core stability
  • Developing rider position, framework and symmetry

In addition to the above, learning new techniques on a mechanical horse also allows learning to become consolidated and muscle memory to develop without the added complexity of the horses behaviour.

It also allows the coach to identify and rectify problem areas as the rider is in such close proximity. The skills developed on the mechanical horse can easily be transferred when riding your horse and you can enjoy the results of an improved partnership and understanding.

What types of riders benefit from mechanical horse lessons?

  • Beginners of all ages
  • Children
  • Happy hackers
  • Dressage riders
  • Event riders
  • Show jumpers
  • Returning to riding after injury
  • Riders with Disabilities
  • Nervous Riders

Lessons are available on an individual basis or semi-private sessions. We can also offer team building sessions, Pony Club rallies and small group work.  Please contact us for more information via our ‘Contact Us’ page or ring 01495 226658.

Sessions are bookable on our interactive diary, follow the ‘Book A Lesson’ link.

What should I wear?

You need to be comfortable so wearing your normal riding clothes is ideal. Close fitting trousers or leggings are also suitable.

Clean riding boots are important as well as gloves.