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.
Note: Prices listed are correct at the time of writing but may change—always confirm with the riding school before booking.
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.
Private lessons
Group lessons
Countryside hacks
Pony Club days
Private: £42–£75
Group: ~£62–£70
Hacks: ~£85
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.
Outdoor arena
Half-mile track
Scenic hacking routes
Lecture/demo spaces
RDA Accessibility Mark
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.
Tiny tot pony rides
Private and group lessons
Pony Club rallies
Holiday Fun Days
Club: £7
Tasters (Groom & Go / Get Ready): £23–£25
Fun Day: £48–£50
Taster (Groom & Go / Get Ready): £32–£34
7-week course (Take Back the Reins): £245–£266
Ideal for children and families. ABRS & BHS approved, RDA Accessibility Mark, and Clubmark certified for youth-friendly sport.
Two floodlit arenas
XC field (seasonal)
Quiet hacking routes
Equipment loan (hats, boots, protectors)
A cheerful, inclusive school known for its community feel and excellent Pony Club programme. Great for small group learning and long-term progression.
Private and small group lessons
Pony Club sessions
Holiday fun days
Adult social riding club
Outdoor arena with show jumps
XC fences
Quiet country lanes for hacks
Clubhouse
A modern, inclusive centre focused on well-rounded horsemanship. Known for its thoughtful coaching and youth programs under BHS’s Changing Lives initiative.
Private and group lessons
Groundwork and Pony Stars
Horseback Archery
Clinics and adult groups
Group: £25–£35
Individual: £35–£40
Semi-private: £30
Changing Lives (kids/adults): £90–£92
1 horse: £20
Extra horse: +£10
Great for personal growth and confidence. Offers riding and horsemanship pathways for all levels and includes special youth programmes.
Floodlit arena
Horse walker
Classroom space
Accessible mounting & facilities
Part of Bridgwater & Taunton College, this centre offers professional-grade instruction and facilities. A great choice for teenagers, adults, and BHS exam students.
Private and group riding lessons
Stable management and theory classes
Clinics and competitions
Group: £32
Private: £51 (school horse), £35 (own horse)
Excellent teaching standards and structured progression. Perfect for serious learners or those wanting to gain formal qualifications.
Indoor & outdoor arenas
260-acre grounds
Horse walker
Classroom and stable blocks
A prestigious riding and eventing centre with a friendly approach. Great for beginners to advanced riders, with top-notch instructors and varied lesson levels.
Private and group lessons
Lunge sessions
Pony Club & Pony Days
Competitions and clinics
Group: £31–£46
Private: £46–£76
Pony Days: £50–£60
Well-schooled horses and elite-level instruction in a beautiful rural setting. Offers competition-level prep in an approachable environment.
Indoor & outdoor arenas
XC course and show jumping paddock
On-site hacking
Clubhouse and viewing areas
A long-established, family-run yard with a strong local following. Friendly, down-to-earth instruction on a spacious 260-acre farm.
30–60 minute private/group lessons
Jumping with Liv sessions
Kids Club Days
Child 30-min: £23
Child 1-hr: £33
Adult 1-hr: £35
Jumping: £29
Budget-friendly and inclusive, with varied riding activities for all levels. Great starter option with wide-open space for hacking.
Outdoor & covered arenas
Show jumping paddock
On-site hacking trails
Large livery yard
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.