Berkshire’s green rolling countryside and historic parks make it a fantastic place to learn and enjoy horse riding. The county’s riding schools are mostly BHS-approved with friendly, expert instructors. Whether you want weekday lessons in an arena or weekend hacks through woodland, Berkshire’s equestrian centres have a lot to offer.
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Berkshire Riding Centre – SL4 4TN
Berkshire Riding Centre (Windsor) is a highly commended, BHS-approved school that prides itself on being friendly and professional. It welcomes riders of all ages and abilities, from absolute beginners to advanced competition riders. The teaching is tailored to each rider’s goals, with a full range of activities including Pony Club, dressage, and cross-country.
Prices:
- Private lesson (30 min, flat) – £64
- Jump lesson (45 min) – £90
- Group lesson (1 hour) – £56
Why Go:
- Highly commended BHS school with expert instructors
- Offers Pony Club, Ride Safe exams, and competition coaching
Facilities:
- Three all-weather arenas (two outdoor, one indoor)
- Cross-country course and livery yard on-site
Hall Place Equestrian Centre – RG31 5UB
Hall Place is a long-established, highly regarded BHS and ABRS centre located in Tilehurst, Reading. It provides lessons for all ages and levels, from lead-rein to showjumping, plus Pony Club and unaffiliated competitions. The instructors are knowledgeable and welcoming.
Prices:
- (Contact Hall Place directly for updated lesson prices)
Why Go:
- Wide variety of activities including Pony Club and holiday camps
- Hosts dressage, showjumping, and cross-country events
Facilities:
- Floodlit outdoor rubber arena and large indoor sand school
- On-site café, showjumping paddocks, and viewing gallery
Enborne Equestrian Centre – RG20 0JL
A friendly and professional BHS-approved centre near Newbury, Enborne Equestrian offers private and group lessons, pony days, and countryside hacking. It has a strong reputation for encouraging riders of all ages to progress with confidence.
Prices:
- Private lesson (30 min) – £45
- Private lesson (1 hour) – £70
- Group lesson (1 hour) – £45
- Pony day (9am–4pm) – £90
Why Go:
- 5-star council-rated centre with experienced instructors
- Great for family riding, beginners, and confidence-building
Facilities:
- Indoor and outdoor arenas, cross-country course
- Livery stables, trails, and countryside hacking routes
Spanish Bit Riding School & Livery – SL4 6QD
A family-run school located near Windsor and Maidenhead, the Spanish Bit welcomes riders of all levels and offers Pony Club, hacking, and lessons. It’s especially good for beginners and children, with kind ponies and supportive coaching.
Prices:
- Junior private (30 min) – £37
- Junior group (1 hour) – £35
- Adult group (1 hour) – £44
- Hack (1 hour) – £45
- Adult private (1 hour) – £70
Why Go:
- Very beginner- and child-friendly with Pony Stars program
- Scenic hacks and family-run atmosphere
Facilities:
- Outdoor arena and access to Windsor countryside hacks
- Livery stables and pony paddocks
Little Hidden Farm – RG17 0PN
Set on a 150-acre organic farm, Little Hidden is a rustic, welcoming yard focused on natural horsemanship and personal growth. It offers a great balance of fun and structure for children and adults alike.
Prices:
- Group lesson (1 hour) – £38
- Private lesson (30 min) – £45
- Pony day (9am–4pm) – £90
- Stable management session – £20
Why Go:
- Organic, horse-friendly environment with relaxed vibe
- Very inclusive and community-oriented
Facilities:
- Outdoor arena and 150 acres of trails and turnout
- Tack room, stables, picnic spots, and paddocks
Santolina Stables – RG41 4EA
Santolina is a warm and nurturing children’s riding school in Wokingham, ideal for first-time riders under age 10. The team are patient, fun and professional – well-loved by local parents.
Prices:
- (Contact Santolina for current pricing)
Why Go:
- Ideal for small children (accepts under-4s for “Tot’s Trots”)
- Family-run with excellent safety and encouragement
Facilities:
- Small grass and sand arena, paddocks and farm setting
- Child-sized ponies and safe learning environment
Wayside Stables – SL6 2PG
A charming school in Fifield, Wayside Stables is best known for guided hacks into Windsor Great Park and friendly, small-group lessons for all ages. Great for scenic rides and chilled-out lessons.
Prices:
- (Contact Wayside for lesson and hack prices)
Why Go:
- Windsor Great Park rides with great views and horses
- Supportive instruction, happy riders, fun learning
Facilities:
- Riding school, boot hire, helmet fitting
- Easy access to park gates and local livery
Cloud Stables Riding Centre – RG2 9JA
An established Wokingham-area school known for its experienced coaches, Cloud Stables teaches all levels and offers RDA sessions. Their professional yet friendly approach makes this a great all-round centre.
Prices:
- (Contact Cloud Stables directly for pricing)
Why Go:
- Long-standing reputation with inclusive teaching
- Offers specialist RDA and confidence-building programs
Facilities:
- Indoor arena, floodlit outdoor school, cross-country field
- Barn stables, viewing areas, and on-site livery
Price Disclaimer
All prices were accurate at time of publication. Always confirm current rates with each riding school before booking.
FAQ for Horse riding in Berkshire
Do I need prior experience?
No – every school here welcomes beginners and will match you to a suitable horse.
What’s the minimum age?
Most schools start children at age 4–5. Some (like Santolina) offer rides for under-4s.
What should I wear?
Long trousers and boots with a small heel. Most schools lend hats and boots for beginners.
Can I go hacking?
Yes – Spanish Bit, Wayside and others offer scenic rides, including Windsor Great Park.
