Looking for a welcoming yard to learn or get back in the saddle? These Gloucestershire riding schools are all within easy reach of Hartpury, Gloucester, and Cirencester, and each one is beginner-friendly with great facilities.
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Note: Prices listed are correct at the time of writing but may change—always confirm with the riding school before booking.
1) Stonelea Riding Centre – Minsterworth (GL2 8JG)
Tucked away in a peaceful private yard, Stonelea is an adult-focused centre that specialises in rebuilding confidence for nervous or returning riders. Lessons are one-to-one or semi-private for relaxed, personal coaching.
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Ages limit:
- Adults (18+)
Starter options:
- Private lesson
- Semi-private lesson (no large groups)
- Occasional “tiny tots” experiences
Price (guide):
- Semi-private ~£50 per rider
- Private Lesson ~£90 per rider
- Lung Lesson ~£60 per rider
- Hacking ~£50 - £90
Why go:
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Confidence-specialist coach
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Calm, well-schooled horses
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Highly commended “Small Riding School of the Year” (2022)
Facilities:
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Full-size outdoor arena
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traffic-free private hacking track
- Viewing areas
- Quality schoolmasters
- Safety kit available
2) Mill Farm Stables – Greet, Cheltenham (GL54 5NZ)
A friendly, family-run Cotswold yard with a supportive vibe for all ages. From age-4 first rides to adults returning after years away, instruction is patient and tailored.
Ages & weight limit:
- 4 yrs +
Starter options:
- Private
- Semi-private
- Gentle group classes
- Pony Club rallies
- Weekend countryside hacks
Price (guide):
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~£40–£60 per lesson (packages/discounts at times)
Why go:
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Confidence-boosting coaching
- Broad range of steady horses/ponies
- Experienced, highly qualified instructors
Facilities:
- Two outdoor arenas (flatwork + jumps)
- Small XC/SJ areas
- Scenic off-road hacking on private tracks
- tack room; helmet hire
- Livery on site
3) Barton End Stables – Nailsworth (GL6 0QF)
A popular Cotswolds centre with 40+ horses and a friendly “all abilities welcome” approach. Great structure for true beginners through to returning adults.
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Age limit:
- 4 yrs
Starter options:
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Private assessment
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Small group lessons (30–45 min)
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Semi-privates (2 riders)
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30-min pony rides
Price (guide):
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Child group from ~£41 (30 min)
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Adult group from ~£46
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Private ~£55–£93 (30 min)
Why go:
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Supportive instructors
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Huge horse/pony variety
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Known for helping nervous riders progress
Facilities:
- Two indoor arenas (incl. 60×20 m)
- Outdoor jumping arena with full course
- Lunge pen & horse walker
- Excellent off-road hacking
- Parking & viewing gallery
4) Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre – Cam, Dursley (GL11 5HZ)
A 5★-licensed, family-run yard (est. 2003) with a safe, fun learning environment. Big programme for beginners, Pony Club, and confidence-building days.
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Ages:
All ages welcome
Starter options:
- Beginner group classes
- Private lessons
- Pony Club Centre meetings
- Holiday “Fun Days”
Price (guide):
- Group ~£25–£35 (30 min)
- Hacks ~£40–£50 (1 hr)
- Privates from ~£45
Why go:
- Relaxed, family atmosphere
- Large, well-matched horse/pony pool
- Progress at your own pace with safety first
Facilities:
- Floodlit indoor arena
- Large all-weather outdoor arena
- Cross-country course & Eventers Challenge track
- Clubhouse café, viewing/parking
- Direct access to off-road riding
5) Talland School of Equitation – Ampney Knowle, Cirencester (GL7 5FD)
World-renowned yet welcoming for beginners. Learn correct basics with a friendly team, top instructors, and superb schoolmaster horses.
Age limit:
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Children & adults
Starter options:
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Beginner group (often small)
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Private lessons
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Children’s lessons
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Adult day courses
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Holiday pony camps
Price (guide):
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Adult group ~£49 (45 min) •
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Adult private from ~£62 (45 min)
Why go:
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Elite coaching made approachable
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Schoolmasters that teach kindly
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Supportive, family feel
Facilities:
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60×40 m indoor (splittable) with raised viewing
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60×60 m outdoor with full SJ course
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On-site XC areas
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Café and tack shop; hat hire
6) Tewkesbury Riding School – Twyning (GL20 6JH)
A small, welcoming yard with both indoor and outdoor schools. Known for its personal, friendly teaching that suits complete beginners and rusty riders.
Age limit:
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All ages welcome
Starter Options:
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Ability-based group classes
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Private lessons
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“Stay All Day Saturday” days (two rides + stable management; ask about current format)
Price (Guide):
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Group: ~£30–£35 (1 hr)
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Private: ~£40 (30 min)
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Confirm on enquiry
Why Go:
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Family feel with individual attention
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Indoor arena for wet days
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Wide selection of confidence-giving horses
Facilities:
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Indoor and outdoor arenas
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Heated viewing gallery
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Clubroom for Pony Club/rider socials
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Stables & paddocks
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Groundwork confidence encouraged
7) Noverton Farm Riding Stables – Prestbury, Cheltenham (GL52)
A friendly, licensed yard offering private and small-group lessons for children and adults — ideal for true beginners building core skills.
Age Limit
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Children from 4 years old
Starter Options
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Private lessons
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Small-group lessons
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Sessions include grooming and tacking up opportunities
Price (Guide)
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1 hr group session: £35
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50 min private session: £45
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Cancellation policy: minimum 24 hrs notice to avoid payment
Why Go
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Calm lesson environment
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Convenient access from Gloucester and Cheltenham
FAQ
How much are riding lessons near Hartpury, Gloucester & Cirencester? (“horse riding Gloucester prices”)
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Kids’ group (30–45 min): ~£25–£40
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Adults’ group (45–60 min): ~£30–£50
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Private (30–45 min): ~£45–£70+
Always check the school’s site for current rates, as they vary with lesson length, group size, and whether it’s peak/off-peak.
What age can children start?
Most centres offer pony rides/lead-rein sessions from ~2–3 years and structured lessons from ~5–6 years. Each yard sets its own minimums depending on pony size and instructor availability.
Do centres have indoor arenas?
Several of the bigger ones (e.g. Barton End, Tumpy Green, Talland) have indoor arenas for all-weather training. Smaller yards may be outdoor-only, which is fantastic in good weather but more weather-dependent.
Do schools run Pony Club, holiday camps, or stable-management?
Yes. Pony Club is popular, with badges in horse care as well as riding. Many also offer holiday pony days, “fun days” and stable-management workshops for kids who want more than just time in the saddle.
Do centres support riders with disabilities?
A number work with the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) or have accessible mounting blocks and adapted lessons. Always email ahead with details so they can match the right instructor and horse.
Can adults focus on dressage or jumping?
Definitely. Once the basics are secure, most schools offer dressage-focused lessons, jump clinics, or graded groups. Larger arenas (like at Talland or Barton End) usually have a full showjumping course set up.
Price Disclaimer: Lesson prices, age limits, and weight restrictions were correct at the time of writing but may change. Always check directly with the riding school for the latest rates and policies before booking.
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