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.
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.
(Exact prices are listed on their “Pricing” page and may change; the figures above are indicative ranges taken from their published list.)
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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.
(Prices from their published price list; check directly for the latest updates.)
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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.
(Rates taken from a BHS-linked refresher directory; always confirm directly with the school as prices can change.)
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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):
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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:)
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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.
(Additional specialist courses and experiences are listed individually with their own pricing.)
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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.
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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.
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.