From city-edge arenas to moorland-fringe yards, West Yorkshire has excellent options for new and returning riders. This guide spotlights reputable centres (prioritising BHS-approved) with prices published online, so you can quickly shortlist by budget, teaching style, and facilities.
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Back Lane Stables – New Farnley, Leeds
A long-running BHS Approved Riding & Training Centre with a friendly, structured programme—from first lessons to BHS Ride Safe and Stage 1 prep. Good fit for adults and juniors who like clear progression and an active riding-club vibe.
Prices (examples):
- Private lesson (30 mins) – £40
- Private lesson (45 mins) – £50
- Semi-private (30 mins) – £30 per rider
- Semi-private (45 mins) – £40 per rider.
Why Go:
- BHS-approved tuition with exam pathways.
- Mix of private and semi-private formats to build confidence.
Facilities:
- Riding school horses/ponies, structured lessons; BHS training offer indicates suitable arenas and coaching setup.
Cliffhollins Riding School – East Bierley, Bradford
A community favourite and Pony Club Centre offering approachable instruction for all ages. Great for riders who want budget-friendly group slots with the option to step into private lessons. BHS Approved.
Prices (examples):
- Group lesson: £20 (30 mins); £30 (1 hour)
- Private lesson: £40 (30 mins)
- Semi-private: £35 per rider.
Why Go:
Facilities:
- School horses/ponies; Pony Club activities; standard school arenas.
Tong Lane End (TLE) Equestrian Centre – Tong, Bradford
Family-run ABRS Approved and Pony Club Centre with a busy calendar (pony days, jumping clinics). A solid all-rounder for families and riders who enjoy a sociable yard with an indoor arena.
Prices (examples):
- Group lesson: £25 (30 mins) / £35 (1 hour)
- Semi-private: from £30pp (30 mins) / £60pp (1 hour, 2 riders)
- Private lesson: £35 (30 mins) / £70 (1 hour)
- Hacks: £35 (1 hour).
Why Go:
- Wide choice of formats (group, semi-private, private, hacks).
- Weight-limit policy aligned to horse welfare (published).
Facilities:
- Indoor arena; on-site tack/shop; Pony Club Centre.
Think Like a Pony – Leeds
A specialist children’s riding and leadership programme that blends horsemanship with confidence-building. Ideal for parents seeking one-to-one coaching and structured “pony days.”
Prices (examples):
- One-to-one lesson: £33 (30 mins) / £50 (60 mins)
- Pony Day: £70.
Why Go:
- Child-centred teaching ethos with clear, published pricing.
- Options beyond lessons (pony days) keep kids engaged.
Facilities:
- Purpose-run children’s programme; structured, small-group environment.
Wilsden Equestrian Centre – Wilsden, Bradford
Beginner-friendly yard with straightforward booking and starter sessions for young riders. Good gateway for first-timers who want short, manageable sessions before moving to longer lessons.
Prices (examples):
Why Go:
Facilities:
- Riding school with structured beginner pathway; RDA sessions supported on site.
Longfield Equestrian Centre – Todmorden (Calderdale)
BHS-approved centre serving Calderdale and the Upper Valley, with a simple, well-laid-out price list and options from class lessons to privates—handy for riders stepping up skills.
Prices (examples):
- Class lesson (child 1 hr) – £26; (adult 1 hr) – £31
- Private (30/45 mins) – £30/£40 (midweek day); £35/£45 (eve/weekend)
- Semi-private (30/45 mins) – £25/£35
- Hat hire – £1.
Why Go:
Facilities:
- Licensed by Calderdale Council; structured lesson offer.
Middleton Park Equestrian Centre – Leeds
A charitable RDA and BHS-approved centre with superb accessibility features and two covered arenas—great for consistent lessons year-round and inclusive programmes.
Prices (examples):
Why Go:
- Inclusive set-up with qualified instructors and dual covered arenas.
- Community/charity ethos; welcoming to beginners.
Facilities:
- 20×60m and 20×40m covered arenas, viewing gallery, classroom & social room.
Price Disclaimer
Prices shown are the latest publicly listed figures from each provider’s website or official social post at the time of writing (10 November 2025). Centres may change pricing, formats, or availability without notice—please confirm when booking.
FAQ: Horse riding in West Yorkshire
Are these schools BHS approved?
Several are: Back Lane (BHS Approved Riding & Training Centre), Cliffhollins (BHS Approved), Longfield (BHS approved), and Middleton Park (BHS Approved Centre). Others are reputable with different accreditations (e.g., TLE is ABRS Approved and a Pony Club Centre). Always check current status on the yard or BHS site.
Are these schools BHS approved?
Recent published prices show 30-minute beginner sessions from ~£22–£35 and 60-minute groups around £22–£35; privates often range £40–£70 depending on day/coach. See each centre’s price page above.
Is there a weight limit?
Many schools publish weight guidance to protect horse welfare. Examples: TLE lists a 14-stone limit; Wilsden notes a maximum of 13 stone; Middleton Park’s RDA pricing post also references 13 stone. Limits can vary by horse—ask when booking.
What’s a good starter option for kids?
Beginner-friendly choices include Wilsden’s 30-minute starter sessions and Think Like a Pony’s one-to-one lessons or “Pony Days,” which blend riding with horsemanship.
Do I need my own hat/boots?
Most centres can provide or hire basic kit (e.g., Longfield lists hat hire at £1). Ask about standards (PAS 015 etc.) when you book.
