In 1995, Tom and Melanie Thompson moved to Burton Constable with their horses and began to run a thriving British Horse Society approved riding centre catering for riders at all stages - from teaching beginners through to training students for British Horse Society examinations and NVQs. In addition, they run a variety of courses for both adults and children at various times throughout the year.

Tom Thompson is a BHSI with many years of experience in schooling horses and in training career riders as well as in teaching those who want to ride merely for pleasure. He began his riding career in the army and has run and taught at equestrian establishments all over the country. He has successfully competed in eventing, show jumping and dressage from his army days onwards and now spends his time passing on his knowledge and experience to others.

Melanie Thompson has been assisting Tom throughout his career, firstly as a groom, now as a secretary for Burton Constable Riding Centre and all connecting events.

About Burton Constable

Burton Constable Riding Centre is situated in the grounds of the Burton Constable Estate, the mainstay of the estate being Burton Constable Hall itself - a historic stately home dating back to the 14th Century.

The stables were built in the 18th Century to accommodate the horses needed to work the estate as well as riding horses for the Constable family. They are built in the typical style of the time with two adjacent cobbled courtyards comprising stables, stalls, haylofts, storage, feed and tack rooms. All the original stables and stalls remain as do many other fixtures and fittings including mangers, saddle racks, fireplaces, tying up rings etc. At the far end of the South courtyard is the indoor school added in the 19th Century.

Since the decline in the use of horses for agricultural purposes at the beginning of the last century, the stables became used less and less until, by the latter part of the 20th Century, they were left empty. In recent years, since Burton Constable came under the aegis of Burton Constable Foundation, the stables have been partially renovated and reinstated to their original use. Today, the indoor school is equipped with lighting and a sprinkler system and includes a heated spectators' gallery. An outdoor manege has been added with an all weather surface and floodlights. The stables have light, running water and smoke detectors in each section. Other more recent features include the licensed bar and converted accommodation for staff, students and visitors.