Private or group lessons, taster clinics and getting back in the saddle, all year round thanks to the indoor arena. Valentin Rey welcomes riders of every level, with or without western experience. From complete beginners to experienced riders, come and give western riding a try!
In Contigné (Les Hauts-d’Anjou), 30 km north of Angers, the ranch teaches western riding all year round, from a first taste to advanced level.
Western riding, also known in French as “équitation américaine”, grew out of the work of cowboys on ranches: the horse is ridden one-handed, on a long rein, with light aids, to keep the other hand free. The rider sits in a deep, wide western saddle, which helps the rider feel secure.
Reining is its dressage discipline: a pattern of set manoeuvres at the lope, made up of circles, sliding stops and spins, which shows a horse that is precise and attentive to its rider.
A rider coming from English riding will find the same balance, position and attentiveness to the horse, with a different set of conventions. At the ranch, you can come to discover western riding or ranch sorting, or to take your riding further.
Lessons run all year round, as private or group sessions, for all levels. Valentin offers sessions for getting back in the saddle and for improving your riding in every discipline, from leisure riding to competition, including ranch sorting.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Group lesson | €40 |
| Private lesson | €50 |
| Block of 10 group lessonsplus 1 free lesson | €400 |
| Block of 10 private lessonsplus 1 free lesson | €500 |
Lesson prices as listed by the ranch in 2025.
Length of the lesson, a ranch horse or your own: Valentin will tell you when you book, on +33 6 47 62 92 51.
The western riding taster clinic lasts half a day. It is open to all levels and to everyone: individual riders, riding schools or people who are simply curious. Each option includes caring for the horse and a short ride around the ranch.
In 2026, Saturdays were given over to discovering western riding and Sundays to discovering ranch sorting, with one session in the morning (starting at 9am) or in the afternoon (starting at 3pm), on 11 and 12 April and then 16 and 17 May. The next dates are announced on the events calendar and on our social media.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Western taster with cattle3 hours including horse care and a short ride, 4 to 8 people | €95 |
| Western taster2½ hours including horse care and a short ride, 4 to 8 people | €75 |
| Individual western taster2 hours including horse care and a short ride, up to 4 people | €80 |
| Hire of a ranch horseOn top of the clinic | €30 |
| Overnight stay for your horse at the ranchPer horse, per night | €20 |
2026 price list for taster clinics, prices per person (overnight stay: per horse). Group clinics may be cancelled if there are fewer than 4 participants.
After the taster, the ranch runs clinics throughout the year for those who want to go further, in a friendly atmosphere.
The ranch welcomes many adults returning to riding, and Valentin offers sessions for getting back in the saddle at all levels. Patricia describes hers:
“I am delighted with getting back in the saddle. I particularly appreciated the kindness and skill of Valentin, who adapted his teaching to my particular request. […] The quality and training of the horses, chosen for each type of session, also played a big part in building my confidence and let me enjoy every minute without fear of falling.”
2024 French reining champion in the limited open class, and holder of the BPJEPS western, a French state qualification for teaching riding. Based at the ranch, Valentin teaches western riding at all levels and in all disciplines, and also takes horses into work: starting, training and schooling.
He is known for his teaching skills, his kindness and his passion for passing on what he knows.
Booking for lessons and clinics: Valentin Rey, on +33 6 47 62 92 51.
No. Lessons and taster clinics are open to all levels, from your very first ride to advanced work, whatever discipline you come from.
No. For taster clinics, 3 ranch horses are available for hire (€30); places go first to riders who bring their own horse. For lessons, discuss it with Valentin when you book.
Yes. Taster clinics welcome riding schools, and the accompanying instructor comes free of charge, with their horse.
Yes. Thanks to the indoor arena, lessons and clinics go on whatever the weather.
Yes. You can stay in one of our gîtes and your horse can stay overnight on site, for €20 per horse per night.
With Valentin Rey, on +33 6 47 62 92 51, or through our contact form.
Tell us your level and what you would like to try: we will suggest the next date that suits you.
