Get involved
Fast, fun, different
It's action
packed riding
As a rider
Sussex Peggers Riding Club is based at Ditchling Common Stud Riding School which offers mounted skill at arms lessons for horse riders aged from 8 to 60+, with expert tuition, a focus on safety and great facilities. If you're looking to learn a new equestrian discipline that will teach you new skills and improve your all-round horse riding then mounted skill at arms is the sport for you.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Anyone from 8 to 60+ who is able to ride can take up the challenge of mounted skill at arms. You'll be amazed how it helps improve your riding.
Sussex Peggers Riding Club has a wide mix of members with varied backgrounds and riding experience.
Before picking up weapons you need to be a confident, competent rider who is able to ride one-handed at walk, trot, canter and gallop. If you aren't yet able to do this, go to Ditchling Common Stud to learn these skills first and progress at mounted skill at arms from there.
No, although it can be an advantage to have your own horse, Ditchling Common Stud own horses who know the sport of mounted skill at arms that you can learn on and hire for competitions.
Practically any horse, provided it is not too tall, is brave, willing to learn and has an element of speed.
Ditchling Common Stud Riding School specialize in teaching the skill at arms and is the home stables for Sussex Peggers Riding Club. It is located a short distance east of Burgess Hill and 8 miles north of Brighton. See Map and directions.
Training is given by experienced skill at arms riders who compete regularly, both nationally and internationally, and have an intimate knowledge of the sport. This guarantees training sessions are professional, safely conducted and you will learn the sport from expert coaches.
Mounted skill at arms is taught at Ditchling Common Stud Riding School (DCS) which is open five days a week - Wednesdays to Sundays inclusive. For the cost of lessons please call DCS on 01444 871900.
Initially weapons are supplied by Ditchling Common Stud and Sussex Peggers Riding Club but ultimately you will need to buy your own.
The safe handling and use of weapons, all of which are potentially lethal, is the first thing that is taught and this is initially done on foot.
Thereafter the safe handling of weapons is always of paramount importance, be it when training, competing or giving displays to ensure your safety and that of the horse.
As ground crew
You don't need to ride a horse to be involved in skill at arms. Our team of ground crew always welcomes an extra pair of hands.
Although they do a number of serious tasks, from setting up targets and handing out weapons to ensuring the smooth flow of training sessions and competitions, their role is enjoyable and good fun.
As a spectator
Come and see the excitement of mounted skill at arms close up.
It's free to watch Sussex Peggers Riding Club competitions at Ditchling Common Stud, and spectators get close to the action.
If the weather's good pack a picnic, a folding chair and a camera. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead and under control at all times.
