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.)
Calvert Devon Equestrian Centre – Kentisbury, Barnstaple (EX31 4SJ).
Cheston Farm Equestrian Centre – Wrangaton, South Brent (TQ10 9HL).
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.