Somerset’s peaceful landscapes make it an ideal setting to learn to ride or refine your skills. From friendly local yards to BHS-approved centres, here are seven of the best riding schools for children and adults alike.
Navigation
Note: Prices listed are correct at the time of writing but may change—always confirm with the riding school before booking.
1) Divoky Riding School – Shepton Mallet (BA4 4LG)
A welcoming BHS-approved school ideal for nervous or returning riders. Divoky offers classical and confidence-focused coaching with well-schooled horses and a calm environment.
Starter options
-
Private lessons
-
Group lessons
-
Countryside hacks
-
Pony Club days
Price (guide)
-
Private: £42–£75
-
Group: ~£62–£70
-
Hacks: ~£85
Why go
Confidence-focused teaching led by accredited coaches, ideal for both adults and children. Divoky is BHS Highly Commended and known for its kind, structured instruction.
Facilities
-
Outdoor arena
-
Half-mile track
-
Scenic hacking routes
-
Lecture/demo spaces
-
RDA Accessibility Mark
2) Pevlings Farm Riding Stables – Templecombe (BA8 0DA)
A relaxed, family-run yard with decades of experience. Great for children starting out and adults returning to the saddle, with a big focus on safety and fun.
.jpg?width=832&height=399&name=Overview%20pages%20(1).jpg)
Starter options
-
Tiny tot pony rides
-
Private and group lessons
-
Pony Club rallies
-
Holiday Fun Days
Price (guide):
- Kids
-
Club: £7
-
Tasters (Groom & Go / Get Ready): £23–£25
-
Fun Day: £48–£50
-
- Adults
-
Taster (Groom & Go / Get Ready): £32–£34
-
7-week course (Take Back the Reins): £245–£266
-
Why go:
-
Ideal for children and families. ABRS & BHS approved, RDA Accessibility Mark, and Clubmark certified for youth-friendly sport.
Facilities:
-
Two floodlit arenas
-
XC field (seasonal)
-
Quiet hacking routes
-
Equipment loan (hats, boots, protectors)
3) Bowdens Riding School – Chiselborough (TA14 6TY)
A cheerful, inclusive school known for its community feel and excellent Pony Club programme. Great for small group learning and long-term progression.
.webp?width=1360&height=766&name=unnamed%20(10).webp)
Starter options
-
Private and small group lessons
-
Pony Club sessions
-
Holiday fun days
-
Adult social riding club
Price (guide)
- Not available
Why go
- Known for its hands-on coaching and tight-knit community. Perfect for kids and adults who want to feel part of a supportive yard.
Facilities
-
Outdoor arena with show jumps
-
XC fences
-
Quiet country lanes for hacks
-
Clubhouse
4) Currypool Equestrian – Cannington, Bridgwater (TA5 2NH)
A modern, inclusive centre focused on well-rounded horsemanship. Known for its thoughtful coaching and youth programs under BHS’s Changing Lives initiative.
Starter options
-
Private and group lessons
-
Groundwork and Pony Stars
-
Horseback Archery
-
Clinics and adult groups
Price (guide)
- Lessons
-
Group: £25–£35
-
Individual: £35–£40
-
Semi-private: £30
-
- Programs
-
Changing Lives (kids/adults): £90–£92
-
- Arena Hire
-
1 horse: £20
-
Extra horse: +£10
-
Why go
Great for personal growth and confidence. Offers riding and horsemanship pathways for all levels and includes special youth programmes.
Facilities
-
Floodlit arena
-
Horse walker
-
Classroom space
-
Accessible mounting & facilities
5) Cannington Equestrian Centre – Cannington, Bridgwater (TA5 2LS)
Part of Bridgwater & Taunton College, this centre offers professional-grade instruction and facilities. A great choice for teenagers, adults, and BHS exam students.
Starter options
-
Private and group riding lessons
-
Stable management and theory classes
-
Clinics and competitions
Price (guide)
-
Group: £32
-
Private: £51 (school horse), £35 (own horse)
Why go
Excellent teaching standards and structured progression. Perfect for serious learners or those wanting to gain formal qualifications.
Facilities
-
Indoor & outdoor arenas
-
260-acre grounds
-
Horse walker
-
Classroom and stable blocks
6) Urchinwood Manor – Congresbury (North Somerset) (BS49 5AP)
A prestigious riding and eventing centre with a friendly approach. Great for beginners to advanced riders, with top-notch instructors and varied lesson levels.
Starter options
-
Private and group lessons
-
Lunge sessions
-
Pony Club & Pony Days
-
Competitions and clinics
Price (guide)
-
Group: £31–£46
-
Private: £46–£76
-
Pony Days: £50–£60
Why go
Well-schooled horses and elite-level instruction in a beautiful rural setting. Offers competition-level prep in an approachable environment.
Facilities
-
Indoor & outdoor arenas
-
XC course and show jumping paddock
-
On-site hacking
-
Clubhouse and viewing areas
7) Alstone Court Riding Establishment – Highbridge (TA9 3DS)
A long-established, family-run yard with a strong local following. Friendly, down-to-earth instruction on a spacious 260-acre farm.
Starter options
-
30–60 minute private/group lessons
-
Jumping with Liv sessions
-
Kids Club Days
Price (guide)
-
Child 30-min: £23
-
Child 1-hr: £33
-
Adult 1-hr: £35
-
Jumping: £29
Why go
Budget-friendly and inclusive, with varied riding activities for all levels. Great starter option with wide-open space for hacking.
Facilities
-
Outdoor & covered arenas
-
Show jumping paddock
-
On-site hacking trails
-
Large livery yard
FAQ
Q: What age can my child start riding lessons?
Most schools start at age 4; some offer “tiny tot” rides for under-4s with adult support.
Q: What’s the average price of a lesson in Somerset?
Group: £25–£40 · Private: £40–£75 · Hacks: £30–£60. Always confirm directly.
Q: Do these schools loan helmets and gear?
Yes, most offer helmets (and sometimes boots/body protectors) for beginners.
Q: Are there riding schools for nervous adults?
Yes – Divoky, Bowdens, and Alstone are great for confidence-building and adult returners.
Q: Do schools support riders with disabilities?
Many do – look for BHS Accessibility Mark or call ahead for adapted lessons.
Q: Can I go hacking as a beginner?
Most schools offer hacks once you’ve got basic control. Some offer farm hacks for learners.
Note: Prices and availability may change. Always confirm details directly with each riding school before booking.
