£50,000 simulator lets you saddle up for a riding lesson ... without venturing outside

Londoners who have never quite forgotten their childhood ambition to have riding lessons can finally get in the saddle — without having to brave the great outdoors.

Instead, they can try out a spot of cantering or dressage on a £50,000 simulator located in the warmth and comfort of a renovated stable in Wimbledon.

The Racewood dressage riding simulator is ideal for beginners wishing to emulate the likes of Victoria Pendleton, Sara Cox, and Olympian Zara Phillips.

Standing at 15.2 hands (5ft 2in to the withers), the state-of-the-art machine has sensors on its head, side and under the saddle to make it respond like a real horse.

Riders can walk, trot and canter on the machine, which is most commonly used by professionals to hone their technique and improve fitness. Computers analyse their performance and provide feedback on how to improve.

When the Standard gave it a go, the computer suggested there was work to be done on strengthening core muscles and achieving a more controlled movement.

The machine provides a range of options, from simulated dressage lessons to rehabilitation sessions and post-natal training. Users can also canter around a countryside setting.

The simulator is part of Equicise, a “complete equine training and exercise programme” newly launched at Wimbledon Village Stables by owner Carol Andrews. Mrs Andrews said: “The simulator is very good at showing up people’s fitness and their weaknesses. It will also be great for people nervous about getting on a horse and beginners as it will build confidence before they get on a horse. It is also all-weather.”

She added: “Equicise is all about being fit. We ride better when we are fit. We have always tried to evolve our services here and this is the next part of that.” As well as the simulator, Mrs Andrews is offering studio classes that aim to improve fitness and “make people better riders”.

Designed by personal trainer Vanessa Stanfield and starting on April 18, the sessions combine cardio moves with yoga and Pilates stretches.

Ms Stanfield said: “The classes will help stability, fitness and make people better riders. There are no other classes like it — catering to improving riders’ ability and fitness. They are also good classes to improve fitness generally for non-riders too.”

A 30-minute session on the simulator costs up to £55, while classes cost £25 for 55 minutes.

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