7 Best Riding Schools in Devon, South West England

Devon’s beautiful countryside and coastline make it a fantastic place to learn horse riding or enjoy a scenic hack. Below, we’ve compiled 8 top riding schools in Devon. 

Each entry includes the school’s location, what they offer, age/weight limits, lesson pricing, highlights, and facilities. From beach rides and moorland treks to indoor arenas and pony clubs, these centers have something for everyone.

(Note: “Hacks” are relaxed rides out on trails/fields, while “lessons” are typically instruction in an arena. Prices are current at time of writing but may change.)

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• Calvert Devon Equestrian Centre – Kentisbury, Barnstaple (EX31 4SJ). 

• Oaklands Riding School – Alphington, Exeter (EX2 9JA). 

• Cheston Farm Equestrian Centre – Wrangaton, South Brent (TQ10 9HL). 

• Dean Riding Stables – Dean, Parracombe (EX31 4PJ).

• Wembury Bay Riding School – Wembury, Plymouth (PL9 0DZ). 

• Budleigh Salterton Riding School (Heatherways) – Budleigh Salterton (EX9 7AS). 

• Dittiscombe Equestrian Centre – Slapton, Kingsbridge (TQ7 2QF). 

• Devenish Pitt Farm & Stables – Farway, nr Honiton (EX24 6EG).

Note: Prices listed are correct at the time of writing but may change—always confirm with the riding school before booking.

Calvert Devon Equestrian Centre – Kentisbury, Barnstaple (EX31 4SJ)

A fully accessible, BHS-approved centre inside Calvert Devon’s adventure campus. The team specialises in inclusive coaching for riders with and without disabilities, offers adaptive sessions (including carriage driving), and focuses on confidence, safety, and fun in a supportive environment.

Prices:

• From £45 (Changing Lives Through Horses educational session)

• £35 per child (birthday pony party session; optional party room add-on)

Why Go:

• Inclusive riding with experienced BHS coaches and adaptive options

• Warm, confidence-building approach across all abilities

Facilities:

• Indoor arena, accessible stables, woodland/Reservoir trails

• On-site campus amenities and accessible accommodation

Oaklands Riding School – Exeter (EX2 9JA)

A long-running, family-owned BHS-approved school (est. 1972) with a large, well-matched horse/pony herd. Friendly instructors cater to tots, juniors, and adults — from first lessons to confidence rebuilds — plus RDA sessions and Pony Club activities.

Prices:

• £25 (30-min group, child)

• £54–£58 (1-hr private, adult)

• ~£40 (1-hr hack; guide)

Why Go:

• Huge horse/pony selection to suit every rider and goal

• Strong reputation for beginners, returning riders, and RDA inclusion

Facilities:

• Indoor school, two flood-lit outdoor arenas, jumping paddock

• Fields/lanes for short hacks; 5-star council licence

Cheston Farm Equestrian Centre – Wrangaton (South Dartmoor, TQ10 9HL)

A professional, welcoming yard near Dartmoor offering lessons from beginner to advanced, junior clubs, camps, and moorland hacks for competent riders. Coaching is progression-focused with supportive, BHS-qualified instructors.

Prices:

• Arena lessons — Kids (5–16):

  • 30min starter £23/£26 ·

  • 45min private £43/£47 ·

  • 60min shared/semi £37–£44pp

• Arena lessons — Adults & Teens (16+):

  • 60min private £57/£60 ·

  • 60min group £34/£37

• Dartmoor hacks (L3+):

  • 1hr £37/£40 ·

  • 1.5hr £49/£52 ·

  • 2hr £62/£65 ·

  • 3hr adult £90pp ·

  • 1hr private tuition £55/£65 ·

  • Beach canter £100pp ·

  • Private day ride ~£500 (flat)

• Holiday tasters (L1–2):

  • 30min 1:1 £30 ·

  • 30min group £25pp ·

  • 45min 1:1 £47 ·

  • Pony Fun Days £45–£60

  
  

• New riders:

  • 15min pre-assessment £15

Why Go:

• Step-by-step coaching plus kids’ clubs and holiday camps

• Dartmoor access for scenic, faster hacks (for capable riders)

Facilities:

• Indoor & outdoor arenas, showjumps and XC field

• Clubhouse café, full livery, on-site shop

Dean Riding Stables – Parracombe (Exmoor, (EX31 4PJ))

A small, friendly BHS & ABRS-approved yard on Exmoor National Park. Ideal for relaxed, confidence-building lessons and guided hacks with sweeping moorland views. Personal instruction and well-schooled cobs/ponies keep things calm and safe.

Prices:

• £25 (30-min group) | £30 (30-min private)

• £40 (1-hr group) | £50 (1-hr private)

• £45 (1-hr mix: part lesson + part hack, group)

Why Go:

• Gentle, scenic Exmoor rides tailored to ability

• Confidence-first instruction for new and nervous riders

Facilities:

• Outdoor arena and direct bridleway access to the moor

• Small, well-kept yard with reliable school horses

Wembury Bay Riding School – Wembury, Plymouth (PL9 0DZ). 

Family-focused and great for kids and beginners, with creative sessions (Tots Club, weekend pony clubs) and friendly guidance. Licensed yard with coastal-country hacks and a welcoming team.

Prices:

• Lessons — Private / Semi / Group:

  • 30 min: £35 / £30 / £25 pp

  • 45 min: £45 / £40 / £35 pp

  • ¼ lesson + ¼ hack (3–6 yrs): £27.50 / £22.50 / £17.50 pp

  • ½ lesson + ½ hack: £50 / £45 / £40 pp

  
  
  

• Hacks:

  • Pony ride 15 min (3–6 yrs): £10 pp

  • 30 min: £25 pp

  • 1 hr: £35 pp

  • 1 1/5 hr: £50 pp

  • 2 hr: £60 pp

• Clubs:

  • Sat/Sun Clubs (6–14 yrs): 9:00–13:00 · £35 pp

  • Pony Club / Sunday Extra: 9:00–15:00 · £45 pp

  • Tots Club (3–6 yrs): 13:45 (Sat & Sun) · £25 pp

  • Ladies’ Club: Tue & Thu 10:00–11:00 · £25 pp

• Parties (4–10 riders):

  • 1 hr: £20 pp

  • 1½ hr: £25 pp

Why Go:

• Ideal for first-timers, families, and nervous adults

• Budget-friendly clubs and experiences near the sea

Facilities:

• Flood-lit outdoor arena, coastal bridleways

• Kids’ clubs, party rides, small petting area

Budleigh Salterton Riding School (Heatherways) – Budleigh Salterton (EX9 7AS). 

A large, BHS-approved centre by Woodbury Common with everything from arena lessons to off-season beach hacks. Busy, professional yard run by experienced BHS instructors; popular with both locals and holidaymakers.

Prices:

Not available online

Why Go:

• Seasonal beach rides, cream-tea/pub rides, Pony Club & awards

• Broad lesson pathway from first trot to exam prep

Facilities:

• Two arenas, round pen, small XC/jumps

• Access to common/woodland tracks; livery and clubroom

Dittiscombe Equestrian Centre – Slapton, Kingsbridge (TQ7 2QF). 

Friendly, BHS-approved school focused on affordable, progressive lessons for all ages. Supportive instructors, a relaxed atmosphere, and options to develop flatwork or jumping without pressure.

Prices:

• Group lessons: £15 (30 min) · £30 (1 hr)

• Private lessons: £20 (30 min) · £40 (1 hr)

Why Go:

• Great value and a patient, step-by-step approach

• Good pathway for kids and adult re-starters

Facilities:

• Indoor & outdoor arenas, small XC elements/jumps

• Livery services; peaceful countryside setting

Devenish Pitt Farm & Stables – Farway, nr Honiton (EX24 6EG).

Family-run, BHS-approved riding school and trekking centre in the East Devon AONB. Calm, farm-based environment with gentle instruction, plus quiet countryside hacks ideal for families and mixed-ability groups.

Prices:

• Typical guides: £25–£35 (1-hr rides)

• “Own a Pony” half-day sessions (enquire for current rate)

Why Go:

• Relaxed farm setting with friendly, safety-first instruction

• Lovely private bridleways and lanes for easy, scenic hacks

Facilities:

• Schooling arena and farm/bridleway access

• On-site holiday cottages for riding breaks

FAQ

1. How much do horse riding lessons cost in Devon?

Lesson prices vary by location and instructor qualification. On average:

• Group lessons: £25–£40 (30–60 min)

• Private lessons: £40–£60 (30–60 min)

• Hacks/treks: £30–£45 per hour
  Schools like Oaklands and Cheston publish detailed price lists, while others (like Budleigh Salterton and Devenish Pitt) offer rates on request. Always confirm the latest pricing directly.

2. Can beginners go hacking in Devon?

Yes! Many Devon schools offer gentle beginner hacks, often combined with a short arena lesson first to build confidence. For instance, Wembury Bay offers “half-lesson + half-hack” sessions perfect for newcomers.

3. What’s the difference between a riding lesson and a hack?

A lesson focuses on training within an arena — learning balance, steering, trot, and canter.
A hack is an outdoor ride through trails, moors, or countryside, led by an instructor. Many Devon centres combine both so beginners can enjoy the scenery safely.

4. What age can children start riding lessons?

Most Devon schools welcome riders from 4 years old, with special lead-rein or “tots” sessions for the youngest riders. Oaklands accepts children from age 3, while Dittiscombe and Cheston start from 5 years +. Pony Clubs and holiday camps are also widely available.

5. Do Devon riding schools have weight limits?

Yes — to protect horse welfare, weight limits usually range between 12 st (76 kg) and 14 st (89 kg).
Always check before booking, as each yard’s horses vary in size. Calvert Devon can also accommodate heavier riders via carriage driving sessions.

6. Are there options for riders with disabilities?

Absolutely. Calvert Devon specializes in accessible riding and carriage driving, and Oaklands Riding School runs RDA (Riding for the Disabled) sessions weekly. These centres have adaptive equipment and qualified therapeutic instructors.

7. Can I ride on the beach or Dartmoor as a beginner?

Some schools offer walk-only beach or moor rides for beginners, while faster gallops across Dartmoor or Woolacombe Beach are reserved for experienced riders who can canter confidently. Always be honest about your level so the school can tailor the right ride.

8. What should I wear for my first riding lesson?

Wear long trousers (no shorts) and sturdy boots with a small heel. Avoid trainers or sandals. Helmets are always provided at BHS-approved centres, and some can also lend body protectors for jumping or cross-country lessons.

9. What does it mean if a riding school is BHS-approved?

BHS approval means the centre meets the British Horse Society’s safety, welfare, and coaching standards. It’s a quality mark showing the school has qualified instructors, licensed horses, and proper insurance — ideal for beginners and families.

10. Are there riding holidays available in Devon?

Yes — schools like Cheston Farm, Devenish Pitt, and Calvert Devon offer riding holiday packages or have nearby accommodation partnerships. You can combine daily lessons or hacks with comfortable countryside stays for a full Devon equestrian escape.

Note: Prices and availability may change. Always confirm details directly with each riding school before booking.