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!)
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Price Disclaimer: Lesson rates should be confirmed directly, as they may vary with the season.
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.