Suffolk is a brilliant county for horse lovers: big skies, sandy soil, and plenty of professional riding schools offering everything from first lead-rein sessions to serious dressage and cross-country training. This guide rounds up some of the best places to ride in Suffolk, with current prices, facilities, and why each yard is worth a visit.
Whether you’re booking your child’s first lesson, getting back in the saddle after a break, or hunting for a yard with serious XC fences, this list will give you a clear starting point.
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Hill Farm Riding School – Elmswell (near Bury St Edmunds)
Hill Farm is a friendly, BHS-approved riding school and Pony Club centre offering structured lessons for all abilities—from “have-a-go” riders to exam candidates. Set in the Suffolk countryside near Elmswell, it’s a good choice if you want a proper training environment with the option to join Pony Club, Pony Days and fun events like showjumping and cross-country.
Prices:
- ½-hour private lesson – £47
- ½-hour semi-private lesson (2–3 riders) – £37 per rider
- ½-hour group lesson – £25 per rider
- 1-hour group lesson – £31.50 per rider
- Village hack (around 1 hour, by arrangement) – £55
- Longer hack (approx. 1½ hours, by arrangement) – from £65
Why Go:
- BHS-approved riding school and Pony Club centre—ideal if you want a structured pathway from beginner to exam level.
- Wide mix of lessons, Pony Club, Pony Days and special events like showjumping, cross-country and horse agility.
- Suitable for both complete novices and more experienced riders wanting to polish flatwork, jumping or test preparation.
- Fun extras such as “Ponies and Prosecco” evenings and Young Equestrians sessions for teens.
Facilities:
- Riding school and livery yard on a dedicated equestrian site
- Arenas used for flatwork, showjumping and cross-country training, plus on-site events and camps
- Pony Club centre with regular club sessions and non-ridden learning
- Facility hire and horsebox hire available for more advanced riders or those with their own horses
Newton Hall Equitation – Swilland, near Ipswich
Newton Hall Equitation is a BHS-approved centre with one of the largest indoor arenas in Suffolk, backed up by two outdoor arenas and a modern equestrian set-up. It’s a strong option if you’re serious about improving your riding, with lessons for novices, intermediates, and advanced riders, plus specialist sessions for adults coming back to the saddle.
Prices:
- 1-hour private lesson – £62
- 1-hour shared private lesson – £47 per rider
(Other lesson types and group options are available—check their price list for the latest details.)
Why Go:
- Large indoor arena plus two outdoor arenas—great if you want consistent training whatever the weather.
- Lessons offered across levels, including riders returning after a break and those working on flatwork, jumping or hacks.
- Specialist dressage adult camps available for riders who want an intensive training experience.
- BHS-approved centre with qualified instructors and options for BHS exam training.
Facilities:
- Very large indoor arena plus two outdoor arenas
- Café, offices and conference room on-site for camps and clinics
- Pony rides, Saturday pony clubs and pony birthday party options for younger riders
- Parking on site and easy access from Ipswich and surrounding areas
Harlequin Farm Stables – Kenny Hill (near Mildenhall)
Harlequin Farm Stables is a well-established yard (founded in 2007) offering riding lessons, livery and vocational training on a peaceful, 20-acre site near Mildenhall. Lessons are tailored with clear short- and long-term goals, and there’s a good spread of private, semi-private and group lessons, plus Pony Days and “Own a Pony” experiences.
Prices:
- 30-min private lesson – £33
- 30-min semi-private lesson (2 riders) – £29 per rider
- 60-min group lesson (3–5 riders) – £38 per rider
- Half-day “Own a Pony / Pony Day” (approx. 3 hours) – £48
Why Go:
- Structured riding lessons focused on individual goals, with coaching available from age 4 upwards.
- Excellent for riders who also want livery or vocational equine training on the same yard.
- Pony Days and special events make it a fun option for children and teens wanting more time on the yard.
- Quiet countryside setting with a mix of riding and non-ridden exercise available for horses.
Facilities:
- American barn with spacious stables and an outdoor courtyard of lined stables
- 60 x 40m sand and rubber outdoor arena plus a dedicated dressage paddock
- Horse walker, year-round turnout (winter and summer paddocks)
- 24-hour site supervision, CCTV and alarm system
- Restroom, tea and coffee facilities for riders and visitors
Pakefield Riding School – Lowestoft
Pakefield Riding School is a long-standing coastal riding school in Lowestoft with both indoor and outdoor schools. It caters for riders from age two upwards and is recognised and approved by the BHS, ABRS and Riding for the Disabled, with specialist sessions in classical dressage, Working Equitation, vaulting and more.
Prices: (from the publicly available price list)
- ½-hour private lesson – £45
- ½-hour semi-private lesson – £40 per rider
- ½-hour class lesson (up to 6 riders) – £35 per rider
- 1-hour beach ride – £70 per rider
- 1-hour hack – £55 per rider
Why Go:
- BHS, ABRS and RDA-recognised centre with inclusive teaching for riders with additional needs.
- Indoor and outdoor arenas mean you can ride year-round, plus there’s the unique option of beach rides along the coast.
- Wide range of disciplines on offer, including classical, dressage, polework, lunging, Working Equitation and vaulting.
- Suitable for everything from first-time riders and nervous returners to keen intermediates wanting structured BHS-style training.
Facilities:
- Indoor school with wheelchair-accessible viewing gallery, plus outdoor arenas
- Riding for the Disabled centre with adapted support and experienced staff
- Beach and hacking options as part of lessons or riding experiences
- Pony mornings, parties and holiday riding packages in partnership with Equestrian Escapes
Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure – Wickham Market, Woodbridge
Valley Farm is a large, award-winning, BHS and ABRS-approved equestrian centre where “learning and leisure work together.” It’s set on an 82-acre farm near Wickham Market and offers everything from tiny-tots sessions and holiday camps to western riding, vaulting, driving, sidesaddle and Working Equitation—plus camping and lodge accommodation for riding holidays.
Prices: (examples from current timetable and price information)
- 30-min weekday lead-rein lesson – around £44
- 1-hour weekend beginner group lesson – around £46
- Adult social riding group (1 hour) – £46
- Pony Club / children’s 3-hour sessions – around £68
Why Go:
- BHS and ABRS-approved centre with accredited coaches and Pony Club activities—ideal for families wanting a long-term “home yard.”
- Huge variety of disciplines in one place: western, vaulting, carriage driving, sidesaddle, horseball, horse agility, Working Equitation, RDA and more.
- Residential riding holidays, camping, lodges and a small campsite on site, so you can stay on the farm with your horse or as a family.
- Friendly, relaxed atmosphere that suits both casual leisure riders and those training for Pony Club / BHS assessments.
Facilities:
- Indoor and outdoor arenas with multiple riding areas
- Dressage and racing simulators, horse weighbridge, viewing gallery
- Off-road hacking around the 82-acre farm
- On-site café/play area, toilets, showers and camping/caravan pitches
- Range of livery options (full, schooling, working, holiday and pony livery)
Poplar Park Equestrian Centre – Hollesley (near Woodbridge)
Poplar Park is a well-known Suffolk venue for hacking and cross-country, set close to the Heritage Coast with miles of forest and open countryside to explore. Alongside regular riding and pony club activities, it’s particularly popular for training holidays and “bring your own horse” breaks, with access to a BE-standard cross-country course and extensive off-road riding on sandy soil.
Prices:
- Stabling for your horse (hacking only) – £35 per night
- Stabling including use of XC course and showjumps – £60 per night
- Cross-country course hire – from around £40 per horse (half day) or £60 (full day)
- School horse hire during training holidays – around £200 per day
Why Go:
- Superb base for hacking in the Sandlings area: forest tracks, heathland and open country near Suffolk’s Heritage Coast.
- Access to a BE cross-country course with over 130 fences on free-draining sandy ground—ideal for XC schooling and confidence building.
- Flexible “holidays with your horse” model where you can camp, stay in the farmhouse flat or shepherd’s hut and ride as much (or as little) as you like.
- Option to ride one of their school horses if your own horse can’t travel or goes lame.
Facilities:
- Indoor and outdoor arenas used for lessons and XC training
- BE-standard cross-country course with 60cm–1.20m fences on sandy soil
- Farmhouse accommodation, self-contained flat and shepherd’s hut, plus camping/lorry parking with hook-up
- On-site stabling and turnout, with livery/short-stay options for visiting horses
Barrow Hall Stables – Barrow, Bury St Edmunds
Barrow Hall Stables is a BHS-approved riding school and livery yard just outside Bury St Edmunds, offering group and private lessons from age four upwards, plus hacking, clubs and stable management sessions. It’s a family-friendly yard with three arenas, a cross-country course and an all-weather canter track, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and riders who enjoy jumping and hacking.
Prices:
- 30-min private lesson – from around £31
- 30-min semi-private lesson – from around £26 per rider
- Group lessons – from around £19 per rider (under-16s)
- On-site hacks – typically from £25–£35; off-site hacks from around £40–£55
(Pony rides and special club sessions have their own pricing; check their current list for details.)
Why Go:
- BHS-approved riding school with lessons for children and adults, from first lead-rein to more advanced schooling.
- Three arenas with full jumping and dressage equipment, plus training paddocks, cross-country course and an all-weather canter track.
- Good choice for families—pony rides, clubs, parties and structured courses are all available ctively involved in community and SEN riding, with strong local reviews and recommendations
Facilities:
- 3 riding arenas with jumping and dressage equipment
- Cross-country course, training paddocks and all-weather canter track
- Livery yard with various packages and regular farrier/vet visits
- Parking, toilets and family-friendly facilities; hats and boots available for riders who don’t have kit
Price disclaimer:
All prices listed above were taken from each riding school’s official website or trusted directory listings in November 2025. They are provided as a guide only and may change at any time—special offers, packages, seasonal rates and updated price lists are common.
Before you book, always:
- Check the latest prices directly on the riding school’s website or booking system.
- Confirm what’s included in the price (length of session, group size, use of hat/boots, etc.).
- Ask about any weight limits, age limits or experience requirements.
FAQ for Horse Riding in Suffolk
1. Is Suffolk a good place to learn to ride?
Yes. Suffolk has a strong equestrian scene with multiple BHS-approved riding schools, good indoor arenas for year-round lessons, and excellent hacking on sandy soil, heathland and forest tracks-especially around Wickham Market, Hollesley and the Sandlings.
2. Do I need my own riding gear for lessons?
Most riding schools can provide approved riding hats (and often boots) for beginners, especially at larger centres like Barrow Hall, Valley Farm and Pakefield. You’ll usually just need comfortable trousers and a shoe or boot with a small heel for your first lessons.
3. Are there weight limits at Suffolk riding schools?
Yes—almost all schools set a weight limit based on their horses. As an example, Pakefield’s current limit is around 15 stone and Poplar Park’s cross-country holidays have a stated limit of about 14 stone. Always check each yard’s current policy before booking.
4. Can beginners go hacking or cross-country straight away?
Usually not. Most centres will ask beginners to take a few arena lessons first so they can walk and trot safely before hacking or using the XC course. Poplar Park, Barrow Hall and similar centres expect riders to be confident in walk, trot and canter before tackling cross-country fences.
5. Are there options for riders with disabilities or additional needs?
Yes. Pakefield is a long-standing RDA centre, and Valley Farm also runs Changing Lives Through Horses and RDA-style sessions. Several other Suffolk schools offer adapted lessons by arrangement—always mention any needs when you book.