South Yorkshire is renowned for its stunning countryside and equestrian heritage. From the edges of the Peak District to the woods around Doncaster, riders of all levels can enjoy lessons and hacks against beautiful backdrops. The region’s BHS‑approved schools offer high standards of instruction, safety and facilities. Below we introduce the best BHS‑approved riding schools in South Yorkshire, with their key features.
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Sheffield Equestrian Centre
Located on the edge of the Peak District at Stocksbridge, Sheffield Equestrian Centre offers structured private and group lessons on well-schooled horses and ponies. It is fully BHS‑approved and run by experienced coaches. Riders can benefit from regular in-house competitions and advanced training programmes to build their skills over time
- Price: Typically around £30–£40 for a 45-minute private lesson (exact pricing varies; contact the centre for current rates).
- Why go: The centre emphasises progression, offering exam and training sessions to achieve riding goals, plus club competitions. It has a friendly, professional environment near the Peak District.
- Facilities: Well‑equipped with stabling and schooling areas (both indoor and floodlit outdoor arenas), plus facilities for clinics and events. The venue’s countryside setting also makes it ideal for riding out on nearby bridleways.
Cloughfields Riding School (Cloughfields Equestrian Centre)
Cloughfields Riding School is part of the award-winning Cloughfields Equestrian Centre near Sheffield. It is run by fully qualified instructors, including a BEF Level 5 coach, providing lessons from beginners up to competitive riders. This centre was a “Highly Commended” BHS Approved Yard 2024, reflecting its excellence.
- Price: Group lesson blocks typically start around £20–£25 per session (private lesson pricing upon enquiry).
- Why go: Cloughfields is known for its friendly, family atmosphere and top‑level coaching team. The school invests in rider education and even offers alternative provision programs.
- Facilities: Large modern facilities including a 30‑stable yard, a massive indoor school (sand/fibre surface) and an outdoor floodlit arena. It also has a covered horse walker, solarium and wash area. The extensive grounds allow for hacking as well.
GrenoSide Equestrian Centre
Set in Grenoside Woods, GrenoSide Equestrian Centre (Sheffield) is a BHS‑approved and Pony Club‑registered riding school. It offers lessons and hacks for all levels – from first‑time beginners (age 5+) up to advanced riders. Unique activities include pony grooming rides and themed events (treasure hunts, gymkhanas and picnic rides) that make learning fun).
- Price: Horse-riding lessons start from about £25 per person for a standard session. Pony parties and longer hack rides cost extra.
- Why go: GrenoSide is famed for its woodland setting and creative activities. Riders can participate in pony parties, “own-a-pony” grooming sessions, treasure hunts and chocolate picnic hacks. It’s also Pony Club friendly, ideal for young riders.
- Facilities: A floodlit outdoor school (menage) on site supports lessons. Beyond the arena, there are miles of trails through GrenoSide Woods and Wharncliffe Heath perfect for hacking. A party/meeting room is available for pony parties and events.
Grove House Stables (Doncaster)
Grove House Stables (LLP) is an award-winning BHS riding school and training centre in Misterton, Doncaster. Established in 1991, it caters to beginners through exam-level riders, and is also an RDA and Pony Club centre. The school boasts a team of qualified, caring coaches and versatile lesson options.
- Price: Approx. £25–£35 for a one-hour private lesson (prices subject to change; enquire for details).
- Why go: Grove House is renowned for its quality instruction and facilities. It runs the i-Pegasus riding club, ‘Stablemates’ kids programme, and hosts BHS qualification courses. Riders praise the friendly atmosphere and the instructors’ expertise in eventing, dressage and showjumping.
- Facilities: A 60m×20m indoor arena (fibre/sand surface with mirrors) and a 60m×20m outdoor arena (wax-based surface). There is a full cross-country course including water complexes, a jump paddock (summer show jumping), horse walker, solarium and 30 stables. An onsite meeting room (“Granary Room”) serves for events and clinics.
Lily Lodge Equestrian Centre (Sheffield)
Lily Lodge Equestrian Centre is a small, family-run yard in High Green, Sheffield, fully licensed and BHS-approved. It caters to riders ages 3 and up, with experienced instructors ensuring each rider’s progress. The centre also offers pony parties, stable management lessons and equine therapy (“Changing Lives through Horses”) programmes.
- Price: Lesson pricing on request (packages and livery available). Pony parties run ~£50–£80 per child (depending on duration).
- Why go: Lily Lodge is valued for its friendly environment and flexible offerings. Beginners and young children are especially welcome, with lead‑rein hacks and personalized attention. The centre holds a 5‑star Sheffield City Council licence, reflecting its high standards.
- Facilities: The yard features secure stabling, turnout paddocks and a grass school for lessons. (They also use local off‑road bridleways for hacks.) A covered party room and horse wardrobe make it ideal for children’s events. All facilities meet licensed riding school regulations.
Smeltings Farm Riding Centre (Sheffield)
Smeltings Farm Riding Centre is a BHS-approved riding school and livery yard on Ringinglow Road, Sheffield. It offers tuition on its own horses and ponies under qualified instructors. The centre is convenient to the western side of Sheffield, making it easy for local riders to access.
- Price: Approximately £30–£40 for a 45-minute private lesson (verify current prices with Smeltings Farm directly).
- Why go: As a BHS-approved centre, Smeltings Farm guarantees qualified coaching and safety standards. The centre is known for its high‑quality instruction and well‑cared horses.
- Facilities: Modern stables and both indoor and outdoor schooling arenas. The yard provides livery as well as coaching, and has ample turnout. Its fields back onto open countryside, offering scenic hacking routes from the farm.
Riverside Equestrian Centre (Doncaster)
Riverside Equestrian Centre (Tickhill, Doncaster) is a large licensed equestrian facility run by International BHSAI instructor Michaela Preston. Established in 2001, it prides itself on a blend of fun and learning. Riverside has a huge 58×28m indoor arena (with mirrors) and a 61×21m floodlit outdoor arena, plus an Equicizer (mechanical horse) and solarium. Lessons are offered for all abilities (age 4+), with a maximum rider weight of 13 stone.
- Price: 30-minute group lessons ~£26; 45-minute group ~£35 Private lesson rates are higher (£36 for 30min, £60 for 45min) Equipment hire (hat/boots) is extra.
- Why go: Riverside is notable for its professional team and events. Owner Michaela Preston (BHSAI Int) provides expert coaching. The centre hosts clinics and competitions (dressage and jumping), giving riders extra opportunities. It is fully licensed (UK Licence No. LN/199501361) and keeps a high standard of safety. The varied arena surfaces (Sportsfibre indoors, Boynton’s fibre mix outdoors) suit serious training.
- Facilities: In addition to the indoor/outdoor arenas, Riverside has: 20+ stables, an indoor pole work area, and a large grass hacking area along the river bank. There is also a covered horse walker and a small cross-country schooling field. Riders can expect professional footing and full jump sets in both arenas.
General Price Disclaimer:
Lesson prices are approximate and may vary by season or instructor. Always check each school’s website or contact them directly for the latest rates and special offers. Membership packages or block bookings often give discounts at these centres.
FAQ: Horse riding in South Yorkshire
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What does “BHS-approved” mean?
A BHS‑approved riding school meets the British Horse Society’s rigorous standards for safety, coaching and horse welfare. Centres are inspected annually, ensuring qualified instructors, good facilities and insured rides. Choosing a BHS-approved school gives peace of mind about lesson quality and horse care.
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How much do riding lessons cost in South Yorkshire?
Prices vary by school and lesson type. From our survey, group lessons often start around £25–£30 per person (for ~45 min), while private lessons can range from about £30 to £60 depending on duration and centre. Many schools offer block booking discounts. Fees do change, so always confirm with the riding school.
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Can absolute beginners or children learn at these centres?
Yes. All the schools above welcome beginners and often run special beginner hacks or introduction courses. Many have small ponies and lead‑rein lessons for young children (age 3 or 4 upwards). Instructors tailor each lesson to the rider’s level. Be sure to mention your experience and goals when booking, so the school can match you with the right horse and coach.
