Spring and summer are the most popular times to start horse riding in Cambridgeshire’s open countryside, but many local schools have covered arenas so lessons can go ahead year-round. The county boasts several BHS-accredited riding schools and centres with structured lesson programmes for kids and adults (from around age 3–5 up). These family-friendly stables focus on beginner tuition in arenas and paddocks – with friendly instructors and safe school horses – rather than hacking trails.
Navigation
South Cambridgeshire Equestrian Centre (Barrington)
A BHS-approved school set on 260 acres near Cambridge. This family-run centre welcomes riders from about age 4 up (up to 13.5 stone). Lessons range from child group classes to private adult tuition.
- Pricing:
- Group 30-min lesson: £22.50 (or £202.50 for 10)
- Private 30-min lesson: £35 (or £315 for 10)
- Full-hour lessons available
- Facilities:
- 20×40m floodlit indoor arena (with mirrors)
- 20×40m outdoor arena (sand/rubber)
- Sand/rubber jumping paddock
- 360 acres of riding tracks, turnout paddocks
- Why go: Expert BHS-qualified instructors and high-quality, spacious arenas make it ideal for relaxed beginner learning.
Witcham Equestrian Centre (near Ely)
A BHS-approved riding school on the edge of Witcham, catering for absolute beginners up to experienced riders. Both children and adults are taught in a very welcoming, relaxed environment.
- Pricing:
- Adult group (1 hour): ~£40
- Child group (1 hour): ~£37.50
- Child 30-min lesson: ~£24.35
- Private lesson (own horse): ~£33.75 (1 hour)
- Facilities:
- Floodlit 30×50m indoor school (with mirrors)
- Outdoor arena (floodlit)
- Stable yard, secure tackroom
- "Fred’s" function room, mechanical practice horse ("Gideon")
- Why go: A relaxed, confidence-building environment with unique extras like a mechanical horse for nervous learners.
Monach Farm Riding Stables (Hilton)
A friendly, family-run farm-school in the Huntingdon area. Monach specialises in total beginners: they even run short “angel” rides for age 3–4 and focus on nervous novices.
- Pricing:
- 15-min "Angel" session (age 3–4): £17
- 30-min group lesson: £25
- (Group only; no private sessions)
- Facilities:
- Outdoor all-weather arena
- Secure stable yard and tack room
- Small farm shop/café for spectators
- Why go: Ideal for very young or anxious beginners, with calm, farm-style lessons and friendly ponies.
Hall Farm Stables Riding School (Waterbeach, Cambridge)
A small BHS-affiliated school near Cambridge, run by dressage specialist Tessa Frost. Hall Farm focuses on good basics and confidence in a professional but personal setting.
- Pricing:
- 1-hour lesson (non-member): ~£58
- 30-min lesson: ~£48
- Child pony-led sessions: ~£30
- Facilities:
- 20×60m all-weather floodlit outdoor arena
- Stable yard, turnout paddocks, toilets, parking
- Why go: Very individual attention and excellent schooling horses make this a strong choice for beginners wanting to learn correct technique.
Sawston Riding School (Sawston)
A 5-star licensed school south of Cambridge. The council-approved yard offers group and private lessons for children (5+) and adults.
- Pricing:
- Group (1 hour): £40
- Group (45 min): £35
- Private (45 min): £55
- Private (30 min): £35
- Shared-private 45 min: £40; 30 min: £30
- Facilities:
- Two floodlit all-weather arenas
- Cross-country course and jump field
- Viewing area and seasonal café
- Why go: High-quality facilities and fun events (e.g. pony club, equi-fun) in a lively, inclusive riding community.
Fenland Equestrian Centre (Begdale, Wisbech)
A 5-star rated, modern riding centre in northern Cambridgeshire, welcoming all ages and abilities. The centre is Olympic-funded and very inclusive.
- Pricing:
- Private (30 min): £38; (50 min): £58; weekend: £70
- Group (30 min): £26; (60 min): £48
- Tiny Tots (2–5, Sat): 30 min: £15
- Facilities:
- Indoor arena and floodlit outdoor arena
- Show jumps, cross-country fences
- Sport England-funded infrastructure
- Why go: Great for children and beginners of all types, including SEN needs. Many fun events and supportive instructors.
Bartlow Equestrian Centre (Castle Camps)
A family-run riding school near the Suffolk border. Bartlow is ABRS-approved and offers pony days, group lessons, and lead-rein riding for young beginners.
- Pricing:
- Private 30-min lesson: ~£35
- 1-hour session (group/private): ~£70
- Facilities:
- Indoor and floodlit outdoor arenas
- Grass jumping paddock
- Grooming bays, tack rooms, tearoom, toilets
- Why go: A warm, welcoming centre with well-schooled ponies and great variety for kids and beginners.
Price disclaimer: Lesson prices are current as of 2025. Please contact each school directly to confirm up-to-date rates before booking.
FAQ: Horse Riding in Cambridgeshire
What ages can start riding in Cambridgeshire? Most schools begin lessons from age 4–5, with some like Monach Farm offering pony rides from age 3, and Fenland running Tiny Tots classes from age 2.
Are there indoor arenas for winter lessons in Cambridgeshire? Yes. Schools such as South Cambs EC, Witcham, Fenland, and Bartlow all have indoor arenas for year-round lessons.
What’s the best time of year to start riding here? Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor lessons, but with many schools offering indoor facilities, beginners can start anytime of year with the right clothing.
