---
title: Best Horse Riding Schools in West Sussex, South East England
description: Explore the best BHS-approved riding schools in West Sussex for beginners, children, and experienced riders. Includes prices, hacks, lesson types, and FAQs.
---
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Best Horse Riding Schools in West Sussex, South East England
# Best Horse Riding Schools in West Sussex, South East England
Nov 09, 2025
[Shaafay Zia](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/author/shaafay-zia)
West Sussex is a dream location for horse lovers, with rolling countryside, the South Downs National Park, and a wide variety of excellent riding schools. Whether you're a total beginner, a parent looking for weekend pony rides, or a seasoned rider training for BHS exams, there's something here for everyone. This guide explores 8 of the best BHS-approved riding schools in the county, each with public pricing, great reviews, and its own standout atmosphere.
### **Navigation**
- [Lavant Equestrian – Chichester](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/best-horse-riding-schools-west-sussex#Studland)
- [Arundel Riding Centre – Arundel](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/best-horse-riding-schools-west-sussex#Luccombe)
- [Ferring Country Centre – Ferring](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/best-horse-riding-schools-west-sussex#Rosewall)
- [Lancing Equestrian Centre – Lancing](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/best-horse-riding-schools-west-sussex#Eastmoors)
- [Bridge House Equestrian Centre – Slinfold](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/best-horse-riding-schools-west-sussex#Chesil)
- [Happy Valley Equestrian Centre – Shoreham-by-Sea](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/best-horse-riding-schools-west-sussex#Green)
- [Forest Farm Riding School – Mannings Heath](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/best-horse-riding-schools-west-sussex#Bryan)
- [The Stables at Cissbury – Nuthurst](https://blog.cavago.com/en/blog/best-horse-riding-schools-west-sussex#Bryan)
## **Lavant Equestrian – Chichester**
Lavant Equestrian is a friendly, professional centre just outside Chichester. Known for its top-tier coaching and nearly perfect safety record, this BHS-approved centre caters to riders of all levels, from complete beginners to those aiming for competitive goals. Riders love its warm, inclusive vibe and strong focus on rider progression.
**Prices:**
- Introductory Ride (1 hour / 45 mins riding) – £85
- Group Membership Lessons – from £215/month (children) or £259/month (adults)
- Private 45-min Lessons – from £364/month (weekday package)
**Why Go:**
- Excellent rider progression in a supportive setting
- Beautiful location with access to off-road farm tracks and South Downs
**Facilities:**
- Indoor and outdoor arenas with all-weather surfaces
- Farm hacking trails and South Downs access (members only)
- Clubhouse, tack room, and livery services
## **Arundel Riding Centre – Arundel**
Set in the countryside near historic Arundel, this family-run riding school welcomes riders of all ages and levels. With a large team of horses and small group sizes, Arundel offers quality lessons with lots of individual attention. It's perfect for children, families, and adults getting back into the saddle.
**Prices:**
- Group Lesson (per week) – from £40 (children), £43–£50 (adults)
- Private 30-min Lesson – £45 (child), £50 (adult)
- 1-hour Hack (private) – £80 / (semi-private) – £60
**Why Go:**
- Small class sizes ensure focused, friendly instruction
- Pony parties and stable management activities available
**Facilities:**
- Indoor 20x40m arena with viewing gallery
- Outdoor arena, cross-country schooling, and nearby bridleways
- On-site parking and family-friendly environment
## **Ferring Country Centre – Ferring**
This BHS-approved charitable riding centre offers inclusive, well-run lessons just outside Worthing. It welcomes children and adults of all abilities, including those with additional needs, and is especially known for its guided hacks and beach rides.
**Prices:**
- Group Lesson (1 hour) – £42
- Private or Assessment Session (30 mins) – £42
- Guided Hack or Beach Ride (1.5 hours) – £42–£65
**Why Go:**
- Inclusive ethos with highly trained staff
- Great for therapeutic riding and first-time riders
**Facilities:**
- Indoor and outdoor arenas
- On-site nature trail, hacking to local village and beach
- Clubhouse, café and accessible restrooms on site
## **Lancing Equestrian Centre – Lancing**
Based at Hoe Court Farm near Lancing College, this BHS-approved centre offers a high-quality equestrian program open to the public. Riders benefit from well-schooled horses, an indoor arena, and direct access to South Downs bridleways.
**Prices:**
- Group Lesson (30–60 min) – from £40–£49
- Private Lesson (30 min) – from £60
- Hack (group) – from £59
**Why Go:**
- Professional instructors and exam-focused coaching
- Access to showjumping, dressage and horseball clinics
**Facilities:**
- Indoor arena, outdoor schools, cross-country field
- Trail access into South Downs
- Tack shop, clubhouse, and livery
## **Bridge House Equestrian Centre – Slinfold**
Bridge House is a well-equipped centre near Horsham with a strong reputation for both leisure and competitive training. It offers a wide range of lessons and is home to the South Downs RDA group.
**Prices:**
- Private, semi-private, and group lessons – contact for up-to-date rates
- Hacks arranged based on rider level and availability
**Why Go:**
- Showjumping and dressage facilities on site
- Friendly team with options for Pony Club and RDA
**Facilities:**
- Indoor dressage arena, outdoor jumping school
- Tack shop, viewing areas, tea room
- Livery stables and secure hacking fields
## **Happy Valley Equestrian Centre – Shoreham-by-Sea**
Tucked at the foot of the South Downs, this ABRS-approved centre offers BHS-level instruction in a fun, welcoming environment. Happy Valley focuses on small group sessions and is a favorite for children just starting out.
**Prices:**
- Group Lesson (30–60 mins) – £30 (beginner), £36 (intermediate)
- Private Lesson (30 mins) – £45
- Hack (1 hour group / 2 hour group) – £35 / £70
**Why Go:**
- Small, safe, and very beginner-friendly
- Offers scenic pub rides and pony camps
**Facilities:**
- Grass schooling field, small floodlit arena
- South Downs hacking trails
- Clubhouse and loan ponies for regular riders
## **Forest Farm Riding School – Mannings Heath**
This community-focused riding school offers affordable lessons for children and adults, with a down-to-earth approach. Forest Farm blends high-quality instruction with a warm, supportive learning atmosphere.
**Prices:**
- Group Lesson (30–40 min) – £40–£47
- Private Lesson (45 min) – £52–£57
- Hack (1–1.5 hours) – £50–£65
**Why Go:**
- Great value and highly rated by parents and adult learners
- Wide range of clinics, pony days and group activities
**Facilities:**
- Outdoor arena with full jump course
- Local woodland and bridleway access
- Pony camp area, snack hut, and tack shop
## The Stables at Cissbury – Nuthurst
Located on the scenic Cissbury Estate, this small yard specializes in hacking and relaxed tuition. It's ideal for riders who want to explore nature on horseback, with a peaceful vibe and miles of off-road trails.
**Prices:**
- Lessons and hacks – available on request (booked by enquiry)
- Group and private hacks arranged weekly
**Why Go:**
- Quiet, personalised approach with small group sizes
- Exceptional countryside rides in the South Downs
**Facilities:**
- Large outdoor school and open fields
- Trail access to Cissbury Ring and beyond
- Rustic stable yard, lounge area, and parking
### ***Price Disclaimer***
*Prices are correct as of 2024 and subject to change. Always confirm with the riding school before booking.*
### **FAQ for Horse riding in West Sussex**
**What’s the average cost of a riding lesson in West Sussex?**
Group lessons typically range from £30 to £50 for 30–60 minutes. Private lessons start from £45 and go up to £65+, depending on the centre.
**Do these schools cater to beginners?**
Yes. All schools listed above welcome beginners, including children aged 4+, adult returners, and nervous riders. Many offer intro sessions and pony mornings.
**Can I go hacking in the countryside?**
Most of these schools offer guided hacks. Some (like Ferring and Cissbury) even provide beach rides or pub rides in the South Downs.
**Do any of these centres prep for BHS exams?**
Yes. Lavant, Lancing, and Forest Farm in particular offer exam-focused coaching and stable management training.
**What should I wear to ride?**
Wear long trousers and boots with a heel. Riding hats are often available for hire (£1–2). Gloves and body protectors are also recommended, especially for jumping.
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