7 Best Horse Riding Centres and Coastal Treks in Dorset

Dorset’s coastline and rolling countryside make it a wonderful destination for horse lovers. From forest treks and beach rides to world-class equestrian centres, here are 7 of the best horse riding schools in Dorset offering lessons, hacks, and fun experiences for riders of all levels.

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• Studland Trekking Centre – Studland (BH19 3AQ)

• Luccombe Riding Centre – Milton Abbas (DT11 0BD)

• Rosewall Equestrian Centre – Osmington Mills, Weymouth (DT3 6HA)

• Eastmoors Riding School – St Leonards (BH24 2SB)

• Chesil Equestrian Centre – Weston, Portland (DT5 2DS)

• Green Cottage Riding Centre – Three Legged Cross (BH21 6RF)

• Bryanston School Equestrian Centre – Blandford Forum (DT11 0PX)

Studland Trekking Centre – Studland (BH19 3AQ)

This friendly trekking centre offers some of the UK’s most stunning beach and heathland rides. Riders can explore three miles of sandy beaches, dunes, and forest trails with options suited to every ability. (Note: No beach rides from July–September due to restrictions.)

Prices:

• 1-hour group hack – £65

• 2-hour beach ride (Oct–June) – £130

• Private hack – £150 weekday / £170 weekend

• Semi-private (2+ riders) – from £105 each

Why Go:

• Ride across National Trust land with incredible sea views.

• Perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike.

• Friendly guides and calm, well-schooled horses.

Facilities:

• Direct beach and heathland access.

• Qualified instructors and helmets provided.

• Horse livery and B&B options.

• Weighbridge and mounting block for accessibility.

Luccombe Riding Centre – Milton Abbas (DT11 0BD)

A BHS-approved and 5★ licensed riding school set on a peaceful country estate. Luccombe welcomes riders aged 4 and above, offering everything from farm rides to full-day pony experiences.

Prices:

• 30-min lesson – £25

• 1-hour hack – £35

• Own-a-Pony Day – £55

• Farm lead-rein ride – £25

Why Go:

• Family-friendly and inclusive, with Pony Club and RDA sessions.

• Indoor arena allows all-weather riding.

• Safe off-road hacking through private estate trails.

Facilities:

• Indoor and outdoor arenas.

• Private woodland hacking.

• BHS-qualified instructors.

• Pony Club and Riding for the Disabled sessions.

Rosewall Equestrian Centre – Osmington Mills, Weymouth (DT3 6HA)

Set within the Rosewall Camping Park, this BHS-approved centre offers relaxed rides overlooking Osmington Bay. Ideal for holidaymakers or first-time riders wanting a scenic and friendly experience.

Prices:

• 1-hour woodland trek – £60 per person

• 1.5-hour woodland trek – £90 per person (ages 12+ only, must ride independently)

• 1-hour private hack – £160 per person

Why Go:

• Beautiful setting with panoramic valley and sea views.

• Perfect for kids and families on holiday.

• Calm ponies and small-group instruction.

Facilities:

• 70 acres of private woodland adjoining Ringwood Forest.

• Floodlit 20×40 arena and round pen for warm-ups and lessons.

• Licensed by Dorset Council (5★ welfare rating).

• Parking, toilets, and mounting block on-site.

Eastmoors Riding School – St Leonards (BH24 2SB)

A 5★ licensed forest trekking school on the edge of the New Forest, known for peaceful woodland hacks with zero road riding. Great for beginners, families, and nature lovers.

Prices:

• 1-hour woodland trek – £60 per person (ages 7 +, all abilities)

• 1.5-hour woodland trek – £90 per person (ages 12 +, independent riders)

• 1-hour private ride – £160 per person (one-to-one with instructor)

Why Go:

• Forest rides for all abilities (ages 7+).

• Small group sizes and patient instructors.

• Ideal for nervous riders and confident canterers alike.

Facilities:

• 70 acres of private woodland.

• 20×40 floodlit arena and round pen.

• 5★ Dorset Council license.

• Toilets, parking, and social media updates for rides.

Chesil Equestrian Centre – Weston, Portland (DT5 2DS)

A friendly, family-run centre offering coastal hacks and sea-view treks around Portland Island. Lessons and Pony Club sessions are available for all ages.

Prices:

• Lessons (for beginners to advanced) – contact for current rate 

• 1-hour hack – ~£40 per person 

• 2-hour trek – ~£60 per person (experienced riders) 

Why Go:

• Offers structured lessons in an outdoor arena for all ability levels.

• Coastal rides with sea views of Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast.

• Friendly, family-run atmosphere; great for families or holiday riders.

Facilities:

• Outdoor sand arena (25×40) for lessons and training.

• Direct access to scenic coastal bridleways and open fields.

• Qualified instructors (ABRS / BHS/UKCC-level) present.

• On-site refreshments, play area for waiting children, and livery services.

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Green Cottage Riding Centre – Three Legged Cross (BH21 6RF)

A 5★ licensed, ABRS-approved centre near the New Forest offering lessons, hacks, and Pony Club activities in a warm, community-focused environment.

Prices:

• Adult ½-hour semi-private lesson: £35

• Child 1-hour private lesson: £46

• Child ½-hour private lesson: £36

Why Go:

• Great for children and nervous riders.

• Pony Club and RDA activities.

• Safe, calm ponies and friendly instructors.

Facilities:

• Floodlit outdoor arena.

• Heated viewing cabin.

• On-site stud and livery yard.

• Holiday camps and community events.

Bryanston School Equestrian Centre – Blandford Forum (DT11 0PX)

A BHS-approved, 5★ equestrian centre that welcomes public riders outside school hours. Offers top-tier instruction and state-of-the-art facilities on a scenic 400-acre estate.

Prices:

• 30-min private lesson – £31.25

• 45-min group lesson – £28.75

• 10-lesson term course – £350 + VAT

Why Go:

• Olympic-sized arenas and professional coaching.

• Great for adult riders and young competitors.

• Access to scenic estate hacking.

Facilities:

• 75mx30m outdoor arena
• 30mx40m outdoor school
• 20mx40m indoor school
• New portable XC fences
• 2 sets of showjumps

Price Disclaimer

Prices are accurate as of 2025 and may vary seasonally. Please confirm current rates directly with the riding centre before booking.

FAQ: Horse Riding in Dorset

1. Can you go beach riding in Dorset?
Yes! Studland Trekking Centre offers seasonal beach rides (October–June), and Chesil Equestrian provides coastal hacks year-round.

2. How much do lessons cost in Dorset?
Most group lessons range between £30–£40 per hour, while private sessions are typically £50+.

3. Do schools accept beginners?
Yes — every school listed caters to beginners, with lead-rein or walk-trot rides for new riders.

4. Are children welcome at these centres?
Absolutely. Most offer Pony Club, holiday camps, and beginner lessons for ages 3+.

5. What are typical rider weight limits?
Between 12–14 stone (76–89kg), depending on the horse and centre.

6. Do all schools operate year-round?
Centres with indoor arenas like Luccombe and Bryanston offer lessons in all seasons.

7. Do I need to bring my own helmet or boots?
No — helmets are usually provided. Riders should wear long trousers and small-heeled shoes.