7 Best Horse Riding Schools in Wiltshire, South West England

7 Best Riding Schools in Wiltshire for Lessons and Hacks

Wiltshire, known for its rolling countryside, historic trails, and Salisbury Plain, is a fantastic place to learn or return to horse riding. The county offers a mix of welcoming riding schools and equestrian centres, some with BHS approval, others with strong local reputations.

From kids' pony lessons to adult hacks through ancient woodland, these 7 riding schools in Wiltshire combine strong instruction with beautiful settings. 

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• Grovely Riding Centre – Wilton (SP2 0JB)

• Rein & Shine Equestrian Centre – Braydon (SN5 0AD)

• Warminster Saddle Club – Warminster (BA12 0DZ)

• Widbrook Equestrian Centre – Bradford-on-Avon (BA15 1UD)

• Lucknam Park Equestrian Centre – Colerne (SN14 8AZ)

• Tedworth Equestrian Centre – Tidworth (SP9 7AW)

• White Horse Equestrian Centre – Westbury (BA13 3ED)

Grovely Riding Centre – SP2 0JB

Grovely Riding Centre sits on the edge of Grovely Woods near Wilton, offering forest hacks and private lessons for all levels. It’s a friendly, family-run yard with well-schooled horses and a peaceful countryside vibe.

Prices:

• Private ½ hr lesson – £52

• Private 1 hr lesson – £61

• Forest hacks – £45-£65

• Pony Morning – £52

Why Go:

• Peaceful woodland hacks through Grovely Woods

• Calm, confidence-building horses perfect for nervous riders

Facilities:

• 30m x 50m Combi Ride outdoor arena
• 20m x 40m Combi Ride outdoor arena 
• 2 complete sets of British Showjumping show jumps
• Arena eventing jumps
• Fantastic hacking
• Covered gallery for watching lessons
• Lecture/Class room
• 5 stall Horse walker
• Solarium
   

Rein & Shine Equestrian Centre – SN5 0AD

Located near Braydon, Rein & Shine is a BHS-approved centre offering structured programs for all ages and a strong focus on safety and progression. It’s ideal for beginners, adults returning to riding, and families. They also offer optional hacking and pony experiences.

Prices:

• Group lessons (4–5 riders): £38–£46

• Semi-private (2–3 riders): £49–£53

• Private lessons: £63–£76 (weekday/weekend)

• Advanced coach (Johanna McDonald): £91

• Experiences: 2 hr £90–£105 · 3 hr £170–£182

• Simulator lessons: £52–£65

• New Starter Pack (7×2 hr): £806–£881

• Shire Horse Experience: £100

Why Go:

• Award-winning customer service and rider progression plans

• Highly trained BHS instructors and modern systems

Facilities:

• Large outdoor arenas (including 20x60)

• Online booking system

• Pony parties and mini clinics

Warminster Saddle Club – BA12 0DZ

This not-for-profit riding school within the military garrison caters to civilian and military riders. It’s known for good instruction and excellent facilities. Open to all, with a range of horses and instructors who take pride in helping riders progress safely.

Prices:

• Group lessons (Adults) ~ £37 

• Group lessons (Juniors) ~ £29  

• Private lessons (45 minutes) ~ £55

• Semi-private lessons (45 minutes) ~ £40 / £47

• Membership options for riding school ~ monthly £11 / £13.

Why Go:

• Inclusive, community-focused atmosphere

• Excellent facilities and experienced teaching staff

Facilities:

• • Outdoor arena: 30 m × 60 m, flood-lit, full set of “Jump for Joy” show jumps. 

  • Indoor arena: 20 m × 40 m, viewing area, good surface.

  • Both arenas use a Martin Collins wax surface for quality footing. 

  • Additional grass arenas, cross-country grade courses, livery yard: 21 riding school stables + 16 livery stables. 

  • Lecture room, hard-standing for competition hire, hacking/grazing land around.

Widbrook Equestrian Centre – BA15 1UD

A small, friendly yard in Bradford-on-Avon, Widbrook is known for gentle ponies, countryside hacks, and intro-level lessons. It's perfect for kids, new riders, and those seeking calm, low-pressure learning.

Prices:

• Group lessons: £42–£44

• Semi-private: £41–£49.50

• Private lessons: £46.50–£53

• Lead-rein (ages 5–6): £33

• Arena hire: £25/hour

• Hat hire: £4

Why Go:

• Great for young children and beginners

• Relaxed setting close to the town centre

Facilities:

• Indoor & outdoor arenas (silica sand + rubber surface)

• Floodlights and viewing gallery

• Full set of jumps and dressage arena

• Family-run, BHS-approved riding school

• Scenic location beside the Kennet & Avon Canal

Lucknam Park Equestrian Centre – SN14 8AZ

This luxury equestrian centre is part of the Lucknam Park Hotel estate and offers high-end riding experiences. It’s open to hotel guests and outside riders for lessons and woodland hacks, with top facilities and expert coaching.

Prices:

• Private lesson (5 yrs +) – £250 per person · £200 pp (2+ riders)

• Group lesson (max 6 riders) – £150 pp

• Pony ride (children) – £150 pp

Why Go:

• Premium facilities and expert tuition

• Woodland hacking on a private estate

Facilities:

• 35 well-schooled horses for all levels

• 500-acre private estate with scenic off-road trails

• Large all-weather arena and training pen

• Cross-country, dressage, and jumping areas

• On-site luxury stables and viewing spaces

• Part of Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa – riders can pair lessons with dining or spa experiences

Tedworth Equestrian Centre – SP9 7AW

Located near Tidworth, Tedworth is a BHS-approved centre with military roots that welcomes all riders. Known for inclusive values, it supports riders with disabilities and provides safe, structured learning at all levels.

Prices:

• Lead-rein lesson (junior) – £29 non-member / £26.10 member. 

• Junior group lesson – £35 non-member / £31.50 member. 

• Senior group lesson – £41 non-member / £36.90 member.

• Private lesson – 30 mins £48. 

• Private lesson – 45 mins £65

Why Go:

• RDA-accredited and disability-inclusive

• Strong progression pathways from beginner to advanced

Facilities:

• Indoor arena and multiple outdoor floodlit arenas (including 40 m×80 m & 20 m×60 m). 

• Good access to hacking on Salisbury Plain. 

• Approved riding school, 5★ licensed establishment.

White Horse Equestrian Centre – BA13 3ED

Based in Westbury, White Horse Equestrian Centre is a full-service riding school offering hacking, jumping, and dressage tuition. They welcome children, adults, and novice riders looking to build confidence in a friendly setting.

Prices:

• Children: £32–£65 (group or private, 30–60 mins)

• Adults: £42–£75 (group or private, 30–60 mins)

• Pony experience: £25 (15 mins)

Why Go:

• Friendly instructors and calm horses

• Choice of arena lessons or country hacks

Facilities:

• Indoor and outdoor arenas

• Scenic treks and lessons for all levels

• Family-run farm setting near the Westbury White Horse

FAQ for Horse Riding in Wiltshire

How much do riding lessons cost in Wiltshire?
Most lessons range between £30–£46 for groups and £45–£75 for private sessions, depending on the school, duration, and instructor level. Luxury centres like Lucknam Park are priced higher due to their premium setting.

Do any riding schools offer countryside hacks?
Yes — several, including Grovely, Rein & Shine, Tedworth, and White Horse, offer scenic hacks across farmland, woods, or the open Salisbury Plain.

At what age can children start riding?
Children can usually start lead-rein sessions from age 4 or 5, with some pony experiences available from age 3.

Are there indoor or covered arenas?
Yes — Warminster Saddle Club and Tedworth Equestrian Centre both have indoor or covered arenas, ensuring lessons continue year-round.

Do these schools cater to adult beginners?
Absolutely. Every featured centre welcomes adult riders, whether starting fresh or returning after a break. Some, like Rein & Shine, even run structured adult riding courses.

Do the schools offer Pony Club or holiday programs?
Yes — Grovely, Tedworth, and Widbrook run Pony Club sessions, camps, and “Own a Pony” days for younger riders during holidays.

Do I need my own riding gear?
Basic safety gear such as riding hats and body protectors is often available to hire or borrow, though bringing your own correctly fitted gear is recommended.