County Durham offers a great range of riding schools for hacks through the Wear Valley countryside or train in dressage and jumping.
Below we list seven top riding schools in County Durham (all with local council licences or BHS accreditation) along with their locations. You’ll find lesson types, current prices, and highlights of each. (Always check with the school for the latest rates and availability!)
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Field House Equestrian Centre – Crook (DL15 8EE)
Field House is a friendly, family-run riding school approved by the BHS and located in Howden-le-Wear near Crook. It welcomes all ages and abilities, from complete beginners through to serious competitors. Staff provide safe, structured instruction on well-schooled horses – including introductory assessments and progressive lessons in flatwork, showjumping and even cross-country. Riders also enjoy hacking out on private bridleways in the scenic Wear Valley.
Prices:
- Intro assessment (30 min) – £20 (approx.)
- Group lesson (1 hr) – £30 (approx.)
- Private lesson (45 min) – £45 (approx.)
- Hack (1 hr) – £25 (approx.)
Why Go:
- BHS-approved centre with experienced, qualified instructors
- Small, friendly atmosphere; horses suited to each rider’s level.
- Pony Club programs and rides out in beautiful countryside
Facilities:
- Outdoor sand school and floodlit arena for year-round riding.
- Spacious paddocks and private bridleways for hacking.
- Clubhouse and on-site stables, tack rooms and wash areas.
- Licensed by Durham County Council (DCC/ALA/077703).
Pockerley Riding School – Beamish (DH9 0RZ)
Pockerley is a small, family-run BHS-approved school on Pockerley Buildings Farm near Beamish. It’s known for its warm, personal teaching style and beautiful rural setting. Lessons are offered at all levels, with ponies chosen to match each rider. Pockerley also runs Pony Club sessions and cross-country schooling in the woods and fields around Beamish. The instructors keep group sizes small (max 8) so you progress quickly.
Prices (from April 2025):
- Assessment/Taster (30 min) – £34
- Private lesson (40 min) – £46
- Group lesson (1 hr, max 8 riders) – £34
- Semi-private (45 min, 2 riders) – £40
- Hacks: 1 hr £32; 1.5 hrs £47
Why Go:
- Horses and ponies hand-picked for all ages and abilities
- Enjoy woodland and off-road hacking in the Beamish countryside.
- Offers showjumping, Pony Club and fun holiday pony camps.
Facilities:
- Outdoor sand arenas for flatwork and jumping practice.
- Extensive woodland and farm bridleways for hacking.
- Fully stocked tack room and groomed stables (Riding School Licence 067386).
- Tea room and toilets on-site for riders and families.
Southmoor Riding Centre – Sedgefield (TS21 2HT)
Southmoor Riding Centre is a fully licensed yard run by instructor Elizabeth North (BHS Intermediate). Based on Racecourse Road near Sedgefield, it caters to all abilities in a nurturing environment. Lessons include weekday and weekend group classes (max 6 riders) plus private 1-to-1 sessions. There are also dedicated beginner groups, a Saturday pony club club, and week-long pony camps during school holidays
Prices:
- 1 hr group lesson – £35s
- ½ hr group lesson – £20
- ½ hr private lesson – £30
Why Go:
- BHS-licensed coach (Liz North) delivers structured lessons
- Wide lesson choice: beginner groups, showjumping focus, flatwork, and a popular Pony Club.
- Emphasis on rider confidence and horse care (Saturday equine club for kids).
Facilities:
- Indoor arena (20×60m, rubber surface) and outdoor sand school (15×50m)
- Full showjumping course with rails, poles and dressage markers
- Comfortable stables, spacious turnout paddocks and a viewing/mess room.
- Convenient location with on-site parking and close to local bridleways.
Hole in the Wall Riding School – Crook (DL15 9AQ)
Situated on a hillside near Crook, Hole in the Wall offers a true countryside riding experience. This family-operated school welcomes everyone from first-timers to advanced riders. Lessons are on friendly school horses, and for experienced riders there are off-road treks through rolling hills and river valleys. They even provide a packed lunch for full-day treks! Kids’ pony days (10am–3pm) are also available.
Prices:
- 1 hr group lesson – £15
- ½ hr group lesson – £10
- 45 min private lesson – £25
- ½ hr private lesson – £15
- Pony trek (1 hr) – £20
- Lead-rein pony (15 min, under-5s) – £6
- Pony day (10–3pm) – £30
Why Go:
- Very affordable lessons for kids and adults in a relaxed setting
- Stunning scenery: hills, valleys and quiet bridleways all around
- Specialized trek rides with packed lunches for adventurous riders.
Facilities:
- Large outdoor paddocks and a small sand school for flat lessons.
- Led pony track for very young children (lead-rein sessions)
- On-site livery and horse-care education (grooming, tacking for riders).
- Picnic area and cafe facilities for day riders.
Misty Blue Farm Riding School – Spennymoor (DL16 7HJ)
Misty Blue Farm is a well-run, family-operated BHS-approved school set on a rural farm between Spennymoor and Kirk Merrington. They care deeply for the horses, ensuring each animal is happy and fit – and riders benefit. Instruction is available for every level, including private and group lessons. Misty Blue also runs an active Pony Club, and many scenic off-road hacks in the nearby fields and lanes.
Prices: (Estimated; confirm when booking)
- 1 hr group lesson – ~£30
- ½ hr private lesson – ~£20
- Hack (1 hr) – ~£25
Why Go:
- BHS-approved riding school with professional coaching in all disciplines
- Small classes and patient instructors ensure beginners get a confident start.
- Active Pony Club and regular riding outings into the countryside.
Facilities:
- Sand-based outdoor arena with basic jumping equipment.
- Private trails and bridleways for hack rides (no busy roads nearby)
- Grazed fields and turnout paddocks; all horses stabled and managed on-site.
- Clubhouse/stable block with lockers and meeting area.
Mill House Riding Centre – Fishburn (TS21 4BD)
Located near Fishburn (Stockton-on-Tees), Mill House Riding Centre operates on a 210-acre farm and has BHS and RDA-qualified staff. With over 30 school horses of various sizes, they can accommodate all skill levels. Mill House is a good choice for riders interested in disabled riding support or those who need extra assistance, as well as any rider looking to improve their jumping or flatwork.
Prices:
- Group lesson (60 min) – £36
- Private lesson (½ hr) – £40
- Private lesson (60 min) – £65
- Semi-private (2-4 riders, 60 min) – £50
- Tiny Tots (30 min, ages 1-4) – £25
- Birthday pony party – £35
- Pony day (school holidays) – £55
Why Go:
- RDA-accredited centre; instructors trained for both able-bodied and disabled riders
- Very wide lesson menu (including ‘Tiny Tots’ intro sessions and birthday camps).
- Huge variety of horses and ponies – riders can practice without pressure.
Facilities:
- Large indoor school for winter or bad weather.
- Outdoor arena and cross-country paddocks on the farm.
- Tack rooms, wash bays and a viewing gallery in the main barn.
- Ample parking; tea/coffee area and toilets for visitors.
Cherry Tree Farm Riding Academy – Sadberge, Darlington (DL1 3BQ)
Cherry Tree Farm is a small licensed riding school on the outskirts of Darlington. Though more intimate, it offers full lessons and horse-care learning for riders starting out. Instructors are ABRS and BHS-qualified, and the school holds a Durham riding establishment licence. Cherry Tree prides itself on a caring, family atmosphere where horse welfare and rider education go hand in hand.
Prices: (approximate)
- Group lesson (60 min) – £25 (est.)
- Private lesson (30 min) – £20 (est.)
- Hack/trek (1 hr) – £25 (est.)
Why Go:
- Licensed and insured; ABRS/BHS certified coaching staff
- Focus on learning both riding and horse care in a safe setting.
- Very welcoming to beginners and children.
Facilities:
- Outdoor arena and fenced paddocks for schooling.
- Stables and grazing fields right by the lessons area.
- Tack room and lunge pen for training.
- Homely yard feeling with refreshments and toilets available.
Price Disclaimer: Lesson rates should be confirmed directly, as they may vary with the season.
FAQ – Horse Riding in County Durham
What age can children start riding? Most schools welcome kids from about 5 or 6 years old. Very young riders (often 3–5) usually need lead-rein ponies or instructor-led lessons. For example, Hole in the Wall offers 15-minute lead-rein sessions for under-5s.
Are there weight limits? Yes – all riding schools have a rider weight limit (mainly for safety and horse welfare). In County Durham schools the limit is often around 14 stone (89 kg). For instance, Pockerley Riding School enforces a maximum of 13½ stone. Always check each centre’s policy.
What should I wear? Riders should wear comfortable long trousers (jodhpurs or leggings) and boots with a small heel or hard-soled shoes. A riding hat/helmet (usually PAS 015 standard) is essential; most schools provide helmets and sometimes boots if needed. Wear gloves in cold weather and avoid scarves or loose items. Schools handle mounting and safety checks as part of the lesson.
How do I choose a good riding school? Look for a licensed or BHS-approved centre – this ensures horse welfare and instructor standards. Read reviews or ask for a trial lesson. Visit the yard to see if horses look well cared for and if the instructors explain things clearly. Small class sizes and experienced coaches (for example BHS or ABRS qualifications) mean more personal attention. Ultimately pick a place where both you and the horses feel comfortable and happy.
