Hertfordshire has a really nice mix of traditional riding schools, Pony Club yards and more specialist centres that focus on confidence, horse care and even horseback combat. Whether someone is starting from scratch, coming back after a break, or looking for something a bit different, there’s plenty of choice.
This guide picks out well-regarded riding schools in and around Hertfordshire with pricing visible online, so it’s easier to compare what’s on offer before getting in touch.
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Petasfield Stables – Hertford (SG13)
Petasfield Stables sits just outside Hertford and focuses on clear, structured tuition for children and adults, from complete beginners to more established riders. With a mix of group and private lessons plus hacks, it’s a good all-round option if someone wants a friendly riding school with transparent pricing and an emphasis on learning to ride correctly.
- Child group lesson (45 mins) – around £30–£35
- Adult group lesson (60 mins) – around £40–£45
- Private lesson (30–45 mins) – typically mid £40s–£50s+ depending on length
(Exact prices are listed on their “Pricing” page and may change; the figures above are indicative ranges taken from their published list.)
Why Go:
- Structured group and private lessons for both adults and children, with clear progression.
- Good option for riders who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss school with an emphasis on correct basics and safety.
Facilities:
- Outdoor arenas suitable for flatwork and basic jumping.
- Yard set-up geared to riding school activity and regular lessons (mounting areas, tack rooms, on-site parking).
Brook Cottage Farm Riding School – Furneux Pelham (SG9 0LL)
Weston EC (Weston Longville, near Norwich) is a 5-star rated riding school offering lessons daily. Run by the Parke family (BHS accredited), it has a relaxed, caring atmosphere. Kids and adults ride together in group or private sessions, and highly experienced coaches often teach.
Brook Cottage Farm is a long-established, family-run BHS-approved riding school, RDA centre and Pony Club centre set in the countryside at Furneux Pelham on the Herts/Essex border. It’s popular with local families and returning riders who want a supportive, inclusive atmosphere and ponies used to everything from Pony Club to Riding for the Disabled.
- Group lessons (30 mins) – £20
- Group lessons (45 mins) – £24
- Private lessons (30 mins) – £26.50
- Private lessons (45 mins) – £32.50
- Hacks (1 hour) – £30
- Hacks (1.5 hours) – £45
(Prices from their published price list; check directly for the latest updates.)
Why Go:
- Mix of Pony Club, RDA and regular riding school lessons makes it very inclusive and community-oriented.
- Good choice for children and adults who want to learn in a kind, supportive environment with lots of activities beyond standard lessons.
Facilities:
- Riding school with indoor or all-weather surfaces suitable for year-round group lessons and Pony Club rallies.
- On-site tack and yard infrastructure to support RDA sessions, shows and local events (shows, clinics, Pony Club competitions).
Kings Langley Riding School – Kings Langley (WD4 9JE)
Kings Langley Riding School is a BHS-approved riding school and livery centre on the edge of the Chilterns, with access to good hacking around Chipperfield Common. It suits both new and experienced riders, and is often recommended locally for those wanting proper tuition plus the chance to get out on the bridleways.
- Hourly group/class tuition – £19
- Hourly private tuition – £35
- Hourly hacking – £40
(Rates taken from a BHS-linked refresher directory; always confirm directly with the school as prices can change.)
Why Go:
- BHS-approved riding school and livery, with structured tuition for adults and children.
- Lovely hacking country around Kings Langley and Chipperfield, useful for riders who want both arena work and relaxed rides out.
Facilities:
- Riding school arenas for flatwork and small jumps, plus schooling areas for lessons.
- On-site livery facilities, tack rooms and all the basics needed for a busy teaching and livery yard.
Old Town Riding School – Hemel Hempstead (HP2)
Old Town Riding School is a small, friendly, family-run yard in Hemel Hempstead that focuses on children and adults from first pony rides through to more advanced lessons. It’s licensed by the local authority and offers a range of pony mornings, pony days and equine support sessions alongside standard lessons.
(Old Town publishes a full “Price List” on its website. At the time of writing, typical pricing bands are as follows – check their site for exact, current figures):
- Pony rides / short lead-rein sessions – entry-level pricing for young children
- Group lessons (children & adults) – step up through several tiers as riders progress
- Private lessons – higher rate reflecting 1:1 tuition and longer durations
Why Go:
- Very family-oriented, with options from age four upwards, plus pony days and mornings in school holidays.
- Good for nervous or young riders who benefit from a smaller, close-knit yard and consistent ponies.
Facilities:
- Riding school arenas and teaching spaces suitable for beginners and more established riders.
- Pony morning/pony day set-up with safe yard areas for grooming, stable management and on-the-ground activities.
Sandridgebury Riding School – near St Albans (AL4)
Sandridgebury Riding School is a long-standing council-licensed yard on the edge of St Albans, with a strong local reputation for structured lessons and safe, weight-checked horses and ponies. It’s a popular choice for St Albans and Hatfield riders who want a busy, professional school with online booking.
(Sandridgebury lists detailed “Prices and Cancellation Policy” information via its EC Pro booking system. Typical price bands, based on the published price-increase notice, are:)
- Group lessons (children & adults) – tiered by duration and level, with shorter sessions at a lower rate and longer sessions more
- Private lessons – higher price band reflecting 1:1 tuition
- Hacks and special activities – priced separately according to time and type of ride
Why Go:
- Online EC Pro system makes it easier to see availability, prices and book directly.
- Council-approved and licensed, with a stated weight limit (around 85kg/13.5 stone) which is reassuring for horse welfare and rider matching.
Facilities:
- Riding arenas and yard layout designed around regular lessons and hacking, with clear safety policies.
- Established team, on-site office and EC Pro integration for managing lessons, events and vouchers.
Centre of Horseback Combat – Hemel Hempstead (HP2 6EY)
The Centre of Horseback Combat isn’t a traditional riding school, but it’s an outstanding option for confident riders who want to build bravery and balance in the saddle. Located near Hemel Hempstead, it offers rider confidence courses, horse archery and stunt-style training on well-schooled horses, and has been featured widely in media.
- Rider Confidence Course (1-day) – £299 per person
- Rider Confidence Course (2-day) – £550 per person
(Additional specialist courses and experiences are listed individually with their own pricing.)
Why Go:
- Designed specifically to help riders overcome fear, improve security in the saddle and handle real-world “what if” situations.
- Unique experiences such as horse archery and stunt riding for riders who want something very different from a standard lesson.
Facilities:
- Training arenas and equipment set up for confidence exercises, mounted archery and more dynamic riding.
- Experienced coaching team used to working with nervous riders and with higher-level performance goals.
Sunshine Riding School – near the Herts/Beds Border (LU)
Although technically just over the county line, Sunshine Riding School is close enough to be a realistic option for many Hertfordshire riders, especially those towards the north of the county. It offers a broad lesson programme for adults and children, with clear pricing and a strong beginner-friendly focus.
- Child lead-rein / beginners – £42.00
- Adult lead-rein – £42.00
- Adult beginners (45 mins) – £45.00
- Child advanced beginners – £47.00
- Adult advanced beginners – £50.00
- Child/Adult novice lessons – £52–£57 depending on level
- Private half-hour lesson – £55.00
- Private 45-minute lesson – £65.00
- Gentle 1-hour hack (adult) – £60.00
- WTC 1-hour hack (adult) – £65.00
Why Go:
- Very detailed, transparent price list and level structure, which helps riders pick the right session.
- Wide spread of lesson levels from absolute beginner through to intermediate, plus a choice of private or group options.
Facilities:
- Riding school arenas suited to flatwork and small jumps, plus hacking options for suitable riders.
- Office and booking team used to handling repeat clients, holiday riders and one-off experiences.
Price Disclaimer: All prices in this guide were taken from each riding school’s own website or from reputable equestrian directories at the time of writing. They are included to give an approximate idea of costs and may change without notice. Always check the riding school’s own website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing, weight limits, age restrictions and terms.
FAQ for Horse Riding in Hertfordshire
1. How much does a beginner riding lesson cost in Hertfordshire?
Most beginner lessons in Hertfordshire fall roughly in the £20–£30 range for shorter children’s group sessions and £35–£55 for adult or longer lessons, with private lessons usually at the higher end of that range. Specialist programmes or confidence courses can cost more, especially if they are full-day experiences.
2. Do Hertfordshire riding schools cater for complete beginners?
Yes. Every school listed here offers options for complete beginners, often with separate lead-rein or “first steps” lessons for children and introductory sessions for adults. Look for yards that explicitly mention teaching from age four or similar and that have dedicated beginner groups.
3. Is hacking available, or is it just arena lessons?
Several Hertfordshire schools (such as Brook Cottage Farm and Kings Langley) offer both arena lessons and hacking, while others focus on lessons only. Hacks are usually reserved for riders who can walk, trot and often canter safely in open country, with prices typically higher than a standard group lesson due to time and supervision.
4. Are there weight limits at Hertfordshire riding schools?
Most riding schools now publish a weight limit to protect their horses’ welfare. For example, Sandridgebury Riding School clearly states a weight limit of around 13.5 stone (85kg) on its home page. If weight could be a concern, it’s best to check each school’s website or call ahead, as limits vary depending on the horses available.
