Tyne & Wear blends city-centre stables with long-running family yards—ideal for beginners finding their seat, returning adults, and riders aiming for dressage or jumping progression. Below are highly rated (many BHS-approved) schools that focus on structured lessons (not hacking), publish prices online, and offer solid facilities like indoor/outdoor arenas, viewing spaces, and inclusive programs.
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Firtree Farm Riding School – Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne
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Penshaw Equestrian Centre – Washington / Penshaw (Sunderland)
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Washington Riding Centre (RDA & public lessons) – Washington (Sunderland)
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East Boldon Riding Centre – NE36 0BX (South Tyneside)
Murton Equestrian Centre – Murton (North Tyneside)
A BHS-approved, family-run school with a big, well-matched horse/pony team and lesson pathways from tiny tots to exam preparation. Friendly, safety-first coaching and consistent grading make it easy to progress in flatwork or poles/jumping, year-round in covered and outdoor spaces.
Prices:
- 30-min Private (Bronze coach) – £42–£44.
- 30-min Lead-Rein Group (ages ~4–13) – £27.
- “Loose Group” lesson – £32.
Why Go:
- BHS-approved centre with graded pathways for all levels.
- Indoor + outdoor arenas keep lessons consistent in any weather.
Facilities:
- Indoor and outdoor arenas.
- Livery yard; Pony Club linked centre.
Stepney Bank Stables – Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne
A unique city-centre, award-winning charity riding school that runs professional lessons alongside youth programs. Great for nervous starters and busy adults—book clear, level-based groups or privates, including jumping classes—plus the convenience of being in NE1
Prices:
- Private 30-min – Child £40 / Adult £45.
- 45-min Group – Child £30 / Adult £35.
- Jumping (Beg/Nov/Int) – Child £30 / Adult £35.
Why Go:
- Central Newcastle location with accessible scheduling.
- Indoor & outdoor arenas; strong coaching culture.
Facilities:
North Lizard Riding School – South Shields (South Tyneside)
A long-standing, BHS-approved yard (est. 1948) known for small, friendly groups and steady progression from first lessons to confident canter and jumping. Family atmosphere, clear levels, and popular pony experiences for younger riders.
Prices:
Why Go:
- Decades of teaching with BHS standards and small, supportive groups.
- Popular children’s options and structured lesson steps.
Facilities:
Firtree Farm Riding School – Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne
A family-run school serving the northern suburbs with calm, confidence-building instruction for kids and adults. Good for true beginners (assisted groups) through independent riders, with straightforward private options.
Prices:
- 30-min Beginner Group (assisted) – £26.
- 45-min Group (independent riders) – £29.
- Private – 30 min £41 / 45 min £50.
Why Go:
- Warm, family feel; easy entry for nervous or young riders.
- Clear step-up from assisted to independent groups.
Facilities:
- Outdoor arena (floodlit) + winter schooling; spectator areas.
- Active lesson calendar via booking site/Facebook.
Penshaw Equestrian Centre – Washington / Penshaw (Sunderland)
One of the region’s best-equipped BHS-approved schools, established in 1977. Strong for flatwork, dressage and showjumping with regular clinics—plus great progression for children through adults (including BHS exam prep).
Prices:
- Induction/Assessment (30 min) – £40.
- Private (30 min) – £40.
- Group Flat/Jump (60 min) – £35.
Why Go:
- Two indoor arenas + very large outdoor, year-round training.
- Regular shows and clinics; BHS exam pathways.
Facilities:
- 2 indoor arenas with viewing balconies; floodlit outdoor; XC course (seasonal).
- Livery yard and competition setup.
Washington Riding Centre (RDA & Public Lessons) – Washington (Sunderland)
A purpose-built, BHS-approved RDA centre that also runs able-bodied lessons. Known for inclusivity and great coaching, with specialist mounting equipment and a brilliant sensory garden alongside standard schooling
Prices:
- ½-hour Private (able-bodied) – £44.
- ½-hour Semi-Private (2 riders) – £86 total (£43 each).
- 45-min Group (weekends/Monday AM) – £34.
Why Go:
- Outstanding accessibility and qualified RDA/BHS instruction.
- Community feel; therapy-forward environment with themed groups.
Facilities:
- Indoor (dust-free surface) & all-weather outdoor arenas.
- Sensory garden arena, picnic area, function room.
East Boldon Riding Centre – NE36 0BX (South Tyneside)
An inclusive, award-recognised centre offering lessons from beginner to advanced, with group, private and discipline-specific sessions (e.g., dressage/jumping). Also known for Pony Club days and education/therapy programs
Prices:
- Group Lesson 30-min – from £20 (typical).
- Private Lesson (examples from past posts/promos) – from ~£25–£35 (check current).
- Pony events/meet-and-greet sessions (young riders) – from ~£20.
Why Go:
- Indoor + large outdoor arena; caters to all ages with friendly coaching.
- Community-minded centre with Pony Club, parties, and inclusive provision.
Facilities:
Price Disclaimer:
Lv All prices were taken from official websites/booking pages and recent centre posts at the time of writing (12 November 2025). Prices, durations and age brackets can change—please check each centre’s current page or call before booking.
FAQ for Horse Riding in Tyne & Wear
What levels do these schools teach?
All listed centres teach from complete beginners through to confident riders; several also support exam prep and competition-style training (flatwork/jumping).
Are there indoor arenas for winter?
Yes—multiple centres (Stepney Bank, Penshaw, Washington, Murton) have indoor arenas so lessons run year-round.
Do any centres focus on inclusivity or therapy?
Washington Riding Centre is a purpose-built RDA facility with specialist equipment and a sensory garden; East Boldon also offers inclusive/therapy-oriented programs.
Is hacking available?
Some yards do offer hacking, but this guide focuses on structured lessons (flatwork, jumping, dressage) per our brief. Check individual centres if you’re specifically after hacks.
What should I wear/bring?
Long trousers/leggings and heeled boots are typical; most schools can lend a hat for first lessons. Confirm hat hire, gloves and cancellation policy when booking (varies by centre).
