London is one of the UK’s best cities for horse riding. From leafy parks to professional equestrian centres, there are options for every rider.
Beginners can join friendly lessons, kids have Pony Clubs, and advanced riders will find indoor arenas and expert coaching.
Look for BHS-approved schools, which guarantee high standards of horse care, safety, and teaching.
This guide covers everything: riding schools across London, unique experiences like beach and romantic rides, plus livery yards for horse owners — with links to in-depth blogs for each.
London has a wide choice of riding schools, with centres in every part of the city. Each area offers its own mix of facilities, from community stables to professional equestrian centres.
East London has one of the most diverse mixes of riding centres in the capital — from large, BHS-approved equestrian schools with modern arenas to small, community-focused stables that keep riding affordable and accessible.
Lee Valley Riding Centre (Leyton)
Indoor and outdoor arenas, cross-country fields, and even a riding simulator. One of the city’s most advanced centres.
Docklands Equestrian Centre (Beckton)
Charity-run, ABRS-approved yard with affordable lessons, RDA facilities, and volunteer-for-lesson opportunities.
Wanstead Community Riding Stables (Wanstead)
Community-run for over 50 years with Pony Club and direct access to Wanstead Park.
Eastminster School of Riding (Dagenham/Romford)
Family-run since 1947, offering exam-level training and 250 acres of off-road hacking.
Barnfields Riding Stables (Chingford)
Friendly, BHS-approved centre with Pony Club and taster sessions for children.
Mount Mascal Stables (Bexley)
Large, modern yard with a strong education focus and plenty of beginner-friendly group lessons.
Mottingham Farm Equestrian Centre (Mottingham)
55-acre outdoor centre with lessons and guided hacks in open fields.
Dulwich Riding School (Dulwich)
Established school with a covered arena, structured groups, and lessons that run in all weather.
💡 Costs at a glance:
Kids’ group lessons: £20–£40
Adult group lessons: £30–£45
Private lessons: £45–£75+
Pony rides: from £3–£7.50
Explore our detailed guide to 8 Best Riding Schools in East London
West London blends convenience with some of the city’s most scenic escapes. From suburban schools to stables bordering Richmond Park, the area is ideal for both first-timers and progressing riders.
Ealing Riding School (Ealing, W5)
A family-run school with BHS-qualified coaches, gentle school horses, and a welcoming, community feel for nervous beginners.
Stag Lodge Stables (Richmond Park/Wimbledon, SW15/SW20)
Two sites with over 70 horses, Olympic-sized arenas, and direct access to Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common for iconic hacks.
Little Bourne Equestrian Centre (Harefield, UB9)
A large BHS/ABRS-approved centre with 60+ horses, international-size arenas, and extensive hacking across 100 acres.
Goulds Green Riding School (Hillingdon, UB8)
Family-run since 1959, offering good value lessons, long opening hours, and floodlit outdoor arenas.
Ruislip Park Stables (Pinner, HA5)
Laid-back woodland rides into Ruislip Woods, perfect for children, families, and gentle first-time experiences.
Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre (Hammersmith & Fulham, W12)
A long-standing RDA charity focused on inclusive lessons, equine therapy, and all-weather riding in its indoor arena.
Nallhead Studs (Feltham, TW13)
A smaller yard with BHS-qualified instructors, offering pony lessons, adult sessions, and a personal, local feel.
Park Lane Stables (Teddington, TW11)
Award-winning RDA yard with assisted riding, horse care programmes, and accessible carriage driving in Bushy Park.
💡 Costs at a glance:
Kids’ group lessons: £25–£35
Adult group lessons: £45–£60
Private lessons: £50–£80+
Pony rides: £15–£30 depending on time & format
Explore our detailed guide to 8 Best Riding Schools in West London.
North London combines leafy green-belt countryside with professional equestrian centres, making it a strong choice for both beginners and progressing riders.
Trent Park Equestrian Centre (Enfield, N14)
A BHS Centre of Excellence with multiple indoor/outdoor arenas, a cross-country field, and direct hacking into Trent Country Park.
London Equestrian Centre (Finchley, N12)
Family-run on 34 acres, offering “Tiny Tot” sessions from age three, plus clinics and a covered arena for year-round training.
Frith Manor Equestrian Centre (Mill Hill/Finchley, N12)
A quiet, green-belt yard focused on private and semi-private lessons with indoor and outdoor floodlit schools.
Gillian’s Riding School (Enfield, EN2)
Family-run since the 1960s, with Pony Days, Pony Club, and woodland hacks alongside structured group and private lessons.
MP Equestrian (Edgware, HA8)
Small, BHS-qualified coaching yard known for calm, one-to-one confidence-building lessons in a mirrored 60×20 arena.
The Stables Horse Activity Centre (Barnet, EN5)
A registered charity offering inclusive riding lessons, horse-care activities, and a welcoming, community-led atmosphere.
💡 Costs at a glance:
Kids’ lessons: ~£40–£55 (30–45 min)
Adult group lessons: ~£45–£60 (45–60 min)
Private lessons: £55–£90 (30–60 min)
See the full details in our guide to 6 Best Riding Schools in North London.
South London offers everything from heritage stables in Wimbledon Village to community-led centres in Brixton, with options for both experienced riders and complete beginners.
Wimbledon Village Stables (Wimbledon, SW19)
A multi-award-winning members’ club with expert instructors, premium horses, and iconic hacks across Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park.
Stag Lodge Stables (Richmond Park/Wimbledon Common, SW15/SW20)
Large, BHS-approved yard with 70+ horses, multiple arenas, and direct parkland access. Suitable for all levels, from Pony Park for tots to advanced riders.
Dulwich Riding School (Dulwich, SE21)
A long-established school with a family-friendly feel, structured group lessons, and an indoor arena for all-weather training.
Deen City Farm Riding School (Merton, SW19)
BHS-approved centre within a city farm, offering lessons for all abilities, a RoboHorse simulator, and Pony Days during holidays.
Ebony Horse Club (Brixton, SW9)
A charity and community hub that combines riding with education and mentoring, making horses accessible to young people.
Mount Mascal Stables (Bexley, DA5)
A 60-acre equestrian centre with indoor and outdoor arenas, woodland hacking, Pony Club, and progression to competition level.
Kingston Riding Centre (Kingston/Chessington, KT2/KT9)
Professional coaching for all ages with indoor and outdoor arenas, pony experiences, and share-a-horse schemes.
Chelsfield Equestrian Centre (Orpington, BR6)
A friendly, semi-rural school on the London/Kent border with Pony Club, novice groups, and countryside hacks.
💡 Costs at a glance:
Kids’ group lessons: £30–£45
Adult group lessons: £40–£55
Private lessons: £45–£80
Pony Days & special events: ~£60–£70
Explore the full details in our guide to 8 Best Riding Schools in South London.
London is a great place to start riding. Beginners will find supportive schools with safe lesson programs, while kids can join Pony Clubs that mix riding with fun and learning.
Popular beginner-friendly choices include:
Ealing Riding School (West London)
“Get Ready to Ride” intro sessions and a family-run atmosphere.
Lee Valley Riding Centre (East London)
“Have-a-Go” tasters, 12-week courses, and even a riding simulator.
Trent Park Equestrian Centre (North London)
Indoor arenas plus woodland hacks for fast progression.
Docklands Equestrian Centre (Beckton)
Affordable lessons from £20 and a strong community feel.
Stag Lodge Stables (Richmond/Wimbledon)
Pony Park for kids as young as three.
Hyde Park Stables (Central London) –
First rides along historic Rotten Row.
For children, Pony Clubs are the next step. Linked to riding schools, they let kids join without owning a horse, earning badges in both riding and pony care. Notable options include:
Trent Park
Club Nights, holiday camps, and progression into BHS exams.
Lee Valley
Pony Stars curriculum and subsidised camps.
Barnfields Riding School
Weekend rallies and summer camps.
Ebony Horse Club (Brixton) & Park Lane Stables (Teddington)
Inclusive, community-focused programmes.
Mount Mascal (Bexley)
A full calendar of rallies, Pony Days, and competitions.
💡 Typical costs:
Beginner lessons: £20–£35 at community schools, £50+ at central locations
Pony Club membership: £37–£42 per year
Rallies: £20–£35 per session
Pony Days & Camps: £50–£150 per day
Explore our full guides to 10 Best Riding Schools in London for Beginners and 10 Best Pony Clubs in London.
Not all riding in London happens in the open air. Several centres across the city have covered arenas, meaning lessons can continue through rain, winter evenings, and unpredictable weather. These indoor schools are especially valuable for beginners who want consistency or for riders working toward exams and competitions.
For more experienced riders, advanced coaching programmes are widely available — from structured BHS exam preparation to specialist clinics in dressage and jumping. Many larger centres also offer cross-country fields and competition-standard facilities, giving London riders the chance to train at a high level without leaving the city.
💡 Good to know: Indoor lessons guarantee year-round riding, while BHS-approved schools ensure professional coaching and horse welfare at every stage.
See our full guides:
All-Weather Lessons – Indoor Horse Riding in London: 6 Covered Arenas
Advanced Coaching – Top 10 BHS-Approved Riding Schools in Greater London
See the full guides for details on coaching programs, facilities, and standards.
Horse riding in London isn’t only about lessons. The city also offers experiences that go beyond the arena — the kind that stay with you long after the ride is over. Couples can enjoy romantic hacks through parkland, complete with quiet trails and sunset backdrops.
For those craving adventure, day trips just outside the city open up scenic countryside routes, letting riders swap city life for rolling fields and village lanes. And for the ultimate treat, London riders are only a short drive from the coast, where beach rides deliver the thrill of galloping along the shoreline.
💡 Good to know: These experiences are often bookable as packages and can be tailored to both beginners and experienced riders.
Explore our guides
For Couples – 5 Romantic Horseback Riding Experiences in London
Day Escapes – 7 Horse-Riding Day Trips Near London
Beach Adventures – 8 Best Beach Riding Destinations Accessible from London
Explore each guide for pricing, routes, and what makes these experiences stand out.
For horse owners, the right livery yard can make all the difference. London and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of options, from full-service yards with daily care, turnout, and exercise, to smaller community stables with a more personal feel. Most provide essentials such as feeding, mucking out, and rug changes, while premium yards add extras like schooling, cross-country access, or even on-site trainers.
💡 Good to know: Prices vary widely depending on location and services, but expect to pay more for full livery within commuting distance of Central London.
For detailed comparisons and yard recommendations, see our Guide: 10 Livery Yards in & Around London: 2025 Guide
See the full guide for prices, facilities, and yards within commuting distance of the city.
The best choice depends on your goals, but a few things matter everywhere:
BHS Approval – guarantees high standards of care, safety, and teaching.
Coaching Quality – experienced instructors who match your level.
Facilities – indoor arenas, safe turnout, and well-kept horses.
See our guide to [Top 10 BHS-Approved Riding Schools in Greater London] for schools that excel in these areas.
Q1. Do I need experience to start horse riding in London?
No, many schools offer beginner lessons and starter packages.
Q2. What does BHS approval mean?
It’s a certification from the British Horse Society, ensuring high standards of horse care, safety, and instruction.
Q3. Are there age limits for kids?
Most Pony Clubs and schools accept children from around 4–5 years old, but check each centre’s policy.
Q4. Can I ride indoors during winter?
Yes, several London schools have indoor arenas for all-weather lessons.
Q5. How much do lessons cost in London?
Prices vary by school, but expect around £35–£60 for group lessons and more for private sessions.
Q6. Are there horse riding options for couples?
Yes, some centres offer romantic hacks and special experiences designed for two.
Q7. Can I go horse riding near the beach from London?
Yes, several coastal destinations within 2–3 hours of London offer beach rides.
Q8. What are livery yards?
They provide full care for privately owned horses, including feeding, turnout, and exercise.