North Yorkshire is a dream for riders — quiet lanes, open moorland, and well-run centres that teach from first trot to confident canter. Below you’ll find a tight list of reputable schools and trekking centres with facilities, who they suit, and prices you can check online.
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Friars Hill Riding Stables – Sinnington, Pickering (YO62 6SL)
- Hollies Riding School – Richmond (DL10 4SN)
Harrogate Riding Centre – HG3 1PW
Purpose-built centre on Harrogate’s edge with a large horse/pony roster and experienced coaches. Good for structured learning (children to advanced) and those who value event-grade arenas and tidy operations.
Prices:
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Children’s group (5–15 yrs) – 1 hr: £35
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Semi-private (max 3) – 1 hr: £50 pp
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Private, 30 mins (Advanced/Junior Instructor): £50
Why Go:
- Big horse/pony pool and senior coaches; clear, published pricing.
- Regular affiliated & unaffiliated events—easy to benchmark progress.
Facilities:
- Indoor & outdoor arenas; arena hire; full/part/assisted livery.
York Riding School – York
Friendly, lesson-focused yard with clear bands for group, semi-private, and private sessions. Best for budget-aware riders seeking regular, timetable-based groups.
Prices (as of Apr 2025):
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Group (50 mins): £27 pp
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Semi-private (30/45 mins): £30/£35 pp
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Private (30/45 mins): £35/£50
Why Go:
- Consistent weekend children’s groups; adult group slots listed.
- Transparent policies (13 st weight limit; 4+ age).
Facilities:
- Lesson arenas; structured group timetable (weeknights/weekends).
Kilnsey Trekking & Riding Centre – Skipton/Wharfedale
Moorland and river rides in classic Dales scenery, with clear distinctions between beginner treks and faster rides for experienced riders.
Prices (per person):
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River treks 30–55 mins: £15–£28
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1 hr: £40 | 1.5 hrs: £55 | 2 hrs: £65 | 3 hrs: £85 | Full day: £130
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Weight limits posted (e.g., 14 st river; 13.3 st hill).
Why Go:
- Beginner-friendly treks vs. smaller, faster “rides” for confident canterers.
- BSI-standard hats available; handy if you’re visiting.
Facilities:
Boltby Pony Trekking & Trail Riding – YO7 2DY
Classic North York Moors trekking yard with short intros through to day rides. Great for visitors who want views without fuss—and seasoned riders wanting full-day trail mileage.
Prices:
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Mini-trek 30–40 mins: £25
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1 hr: £35 | 90 mins: £40 | 2 hrs: £50
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Full day trail (approx. 10:00–16:00): £100 (U16s £85)
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Weight limit: 14 st / 89 kg
Why Go:
- Straightforward, well-priced treks with experienced guides.
- Seasonal long trails (May–Sep) for confident riders.
Facilities:
Friars Hill Riding Stables – Sinnington, Pickering (YO62 6SL)
Longstanding BHS-approved yard near the Moors with busy lesson & hack schedule — good for families and mixed-ability groups.
Prices (sample):
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Group lesson: £22–£32 (½ hr–1 hr; weekday/weekend bands)
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Shared-private: £33–£45 (½ hr–1 hr)
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Private: £36–£50 (½ hr–1 hr)
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Hacks: £32–£88 (1–2 hrs; group/shared/private)
Why Go:
- Broad choice (lessons, hacks, Pony Club); online schedule/prices.
- Licence number published for transparency.
Facilities:
Snainton Riding Centre – Snainton, Scarborough (YO13 9AP)
Family-run since 1970, hosting training, competitions and even on-site holiday cottages — nice base for a ride-and-stay.
Prices (at the centre):
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Private lesson (with Charlotte Nichols): £50
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Joint private (max 3): £35 pp | Clinic (4+): £30 pp | Test riding: £45
Prices from the centre’s price list (noted as from June 2020). Always confirm current rates.
Why Go:
- British Dressage venue; coaching & competition calendar in one place.
- Holiday cottages on site — easy weekend logistics.
Facilities:
Borrowby Equestrian Centre – Staithes coast (TS13 5EH)
Trekking with sweeping moor-to-sea views plus lessons for all ages—great for first rides on holiday and local regulars alike.
Prices (sample):
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Lessons: ½ hr £17.50 | 1 hr £28.50
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Private 30-min lesson: £35
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Pony Day/Fundays: £45
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Block bookings available (6-lesson deals).
Why Go:
- Coastal National Park setting; escorted rides for confidence.
- Simple, family-friendly pricing and Pony Days.
Facilities:
- Lessons, trekking, children’s parties; full contact hours listed.
Hollies Riding School – Richmond (DL10 4SN)
Community-minded riding school with clear junior/senior pricing, Pony Club, and camps — ideal for kids starting out and adults returning to the saddle.
Prices (juniors 4–14 / seniors 15+):
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½ hr private: £38 / £43
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½ hr group: £20 / £23 | ¾ hr group: £23 / £26
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1 hr hack (8+ W/T/C): £35 / £40
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Pony Club: £30 | Pony Camp (3 days): £165
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Published weight limit: 13 st / 82.55 kg
Why Go:
- Lots of junior options (Pony Club, camps, parties).
- Livery available with posted rates — useful for locals.
Facilities:
Price Disclaimer
Prices are taken from each provider’s public page on the date of writing and can change without notice; always check the riding centre’s website or contact them directly before booking.
FAQ for Horse riding in North Yorkshire
1. Where do people typically ride - moors or dales?
Both. The North York Moors offer heather moorland, woodland tracks and quiet lanes ideal for day treks; the Yorkshire Dales add river valleys and longer hill rides.
2. What are typical lesson prices?
From about £20–£35 for short group/junior sessions to £45–£60 for longer/shared-private or private lessons, depending on instructor and duration - see each listing above for exact figures.
3. Minimum age and weight limits?
Minimum age commonly 4–5 years (centre-dependent). Weight limits are usually 13–14 stone (82–89 kg)—always check the provider’s policy before booking. Examples: York (13 st), Hollies (13 st), Boltby (14 st), Kilnsey (13.3–14 st by ride type).
4. Do centres provide riding hats?
Many trekking centres provide hats (e.g., Kilnsey and Boltby); confirm when booking.
5. Can beginners book moorland treks?
Yes—look for “treks” (walk-paced, led to the least-experienced rider) rather than “rides,” which may include canter for experienced riders.
