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.
Note: Prices listed are correct at the time of writing but may change—always confirm with the riding school before booking.
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.
Ages limit:
Starter options:
Price (guide):
Why go:
Confidence-specialist coach
Calm, well-schooled horses
Highly commended “Small Riding School of the Year” (2022)
Facilities:
Full-size outdoor arena
traffic-free private hacking track
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:
Starter options:
Price (guide):
~£40–£60 per lesson (packages/discounts at times)
Why go:
Confidence-boosting coaching
Facilities:
A popular Cotswolds centre with 40+ horses and a friendly “all abilities welcome” approach. Great structure for true beginners through to returning adults.
Age limit:
Starter options:
Private assessment
Small group lessons (30–45 min)
Semi-privates (2 riders)
30-min pony rides
Price (guide):
Child group from ~£41 (30 min)
Adult group from ~£46
Private ~£55–£93 (30 min)
Why go:
Supportive instructors
Huge horse/pony variety
Known for helping nervous riders progress
Facilities:
A 5★-licensed, family-run yard (est. 2003) with a safe, fun learning environment. Big programme for beginners, Pony Club, and confidence-building days.
Ages:
All ages welcome
Starter options:
Price (guide):
Why go:
Facilities:
World-renowned yet welcoming for beginners. Learn correct basics with a friendly team, top instructors, and superb schoolmaster horses.
Age limit:
Children & adults
Starter options:
Beginner group (often small)
Private lessons
Children’s lessons
Adult day courses
Holiday pony camps
Price (guide):
Adult group ~£49 (45 min) •
Adult private from ~£62 (45 min)
Why go:
Elite coaching made approachable
Schoolmasters that teach kindly
Supportive, family feel
Facilities:
60×40 m indoor (splittable) with raised viewing
60×60 m outdoor with full SJ course
On-site XC areas
Café and tack shop; hat hire
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:
All ages welcome
Starter Options:
Ability-based group classes
Private lessons
“Stay All Day Saturday” days (two rides + stable management; ask about current format)
Price (Guide):
Group: ~£30–£35 (1 hr)
Private: ~£40 (30 min)
Confirm on enquiry
Why Go:
Family feel with individual attention
Indoor arena for wet days
Wide selection of confidence-giving horses
Facilities:
Indoor and outdoor arenas
Heated viewing gallery
Clubroom for Pony Club/rider socials
Stables & paddocks
Groundwork confidence encouraged
A friendly, licensed yard offering private and small-group lessons for children and adults — ideal for true beginners building core skills.
Age Limit
Children from 4 years old
Starter Options
Private lessons
Small-group lessons
Sessions include grooming and tacking up opportunities
Price (Guide)
1 hr group session: £35
50 min private session: £45
Cancellation policy: minimum 24 hrs notice to avoid payment
Why Go
Calm lesson environment
Convenient access from Gloucester and Cheltenham
Kids’ group (30–45 min): ~£25–£40
Adults’ group (45–60 min): ~£30–£50
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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