The Athens Riding School was founded in 1961 and is one of the oldest schools in the country, teaching riding with professional experts, who prepare athletes to take part in competitions. Many students have been awarded for their excellent results. The school, located in the area of Gerakas, includes a large space for training and races, with lighting for the hours after dark, a closed course for the winter months, stables, facilities and a cozy living room with a fireplace for relaxing after training. The Athens Riding School, pays great attention to choosing the right horse for each rider, depending on age and experience and children can start lessons at the age of 6 with small horses or ponies. All students learn grooming and behavior towards horses and later on take part in groups depending on their progress and can choose to get their ¡license¢ so as to take part in competitions.