North London’s riding scene blends leafy park hacks with serious coaching. This guide highlights public riding schools in North London for beginners and progressing riders searching for horse riding in North London, riding schools in North London, and equestrian centres in North London.
Pricing & accuracy note: Prices and policies can change. Always confirm availability, rider age/weight limits, and rates directly with the centre.
Quick links
1. Trent Park Equestrian Centre – North London (N14 4UW)
On the edge of Trent Country Park, this big, professional school offers extensive facilities and direct off-road hacking. It’s a BHS Centre of Excellence.
%20(56)_11zon.webp?width=1050&height=613&name=Green%20and%20White%20Modern%20Happy%20Pakistan%20Independence%20Day%20Instagram%20Post%20(600%20x%20350%20px)%20(56)_11zon.webp)
Ages & weight limit: Lessons from age 4; weight limit 13.5 st / 85 kg.
Starter options: Adult beginner groups, private assessments, hacks for capable riders.
Price: Adult beginner group £47 (45 min); private from ~£80 (45 min).
Why go: Multiple arenas, cross-country field, woodland bridleways, on-site café.
What Facilities Do They Have?
-
Indoor arenas and outdoor arenas (floodlit)
-
Cross-country field; off-road hacking in the park
2. London Equestrian Centre (LEC) – Finchley (N12 7BP)
Family-run yard on 34 acres in the Totteridge Valley. Friendly for first-timers (including “Tiny Tot” rides) with a covered arena and regular clinics.
.jpg?width=843&height=474&name=lee-valley-riding-centre-5-full-livery-in-london-8fde911ea426012323d39c2e0d153b71%20(1).jpg)
Ages & weight limit: Tiny Tots from 3; lessons from 4+. (Weight limit not published — ask when booking.)
Starter options: Private 30–45 min intros; Tiny Tot 15-min ride.
Price: Tiny Tot £40 (15 min); private £60 (30 min); shared/semi-private & group options listed on site.
Why go: Covered arena + outdoor schools, full show-jump set, easy online booking.
What Facilities Do They Have?
-
Large covered arena
-
Multiple outdoor schools (floodlit)
-
Show jumps; on-site café
3. Frith Manor Equestrian Centre – Mill Hill/Finchley (N12 7BP)
Quiet, green-belt yard focused on private & semi-private lessons — ideal for anyone wanting tailored coaching.
Ages & weight limit: 6+; (weight limit not published — ask when booking).
Starter options: 30-min or 45-min private lessons.
Price: £50 (30 min); £70 (45 min).
Why go: Indoor + two outdoor schools, all floodlit, in a 30-acre Totteridge setting.
What Facilities Do They Have?
-
Indoor arena + two outdoor arenas (floodlit)
4. Gillian’s Riding School – Enfield (EN2 9JL)
Family-run since the 1960s with indoor/outdoor schools, woodland rides and strong kids’ programmes (Pony Days, Pony Club). Great all-rounder for adults too.
Ages & weight limit: Pony rides from 3–4; lessons for children & adults. (Weight limit not published.)
Starter options: Lead-rein for little ones, beginner groups, privates, woodland ride tasters.
Price: Adult group £50 (60 min) / £42 (45 min); adult private £85 (60 min) / £70 (45 min); children’s prices listed on site.
Why go: Indoor + outdoor arenas; woodland hacking; summer XC field.
What Facilities Do They Have?
-
Indoor school + two outdoor schools (floodlit)
-
Woodland hacking; summer cross-country field
5. MP Equestrian – Edgware (HA8 8QX)
Small, BHS-qualified coaching yard with a calm, 1-to-1 focus — good for confidence building, flatwork or a return to riding.
Ages & weight limit: From 4+; 85 kg max.
Starter options: 30- or 45-min private assessment; blocks for progression.
Price: £55 (30 min); £75 (45 min).
Why go: Quiet, bespoke lessons; mirrored 60×20 arena; handy North London location.
What Facilities Do They Have?
-
60×20 all-weather arena with mirrors
-
Local hacking
6. The Stables Horse Activity Centre – Barnet (EN5 2DN)
A registered charity offering inclusive lessons and horse-care activities. Community-led, supportive and open to all abilities.
Ages & weight limit: Inclusive centre; (weight limit not published — contact to confirm).
Starter options: Weekday and Saturday lessons; community sessions.
Price: Centre notes a suggested donation model; contact for current fees/availability.
Why go: Friendly, inclusive approach; great value entry point into riding.
What Facilities Do They Have?
-
Lesson arena and on-site community programmes (details on enquiry)
FAQ
What’s the best way to start horse riding in North London as a beginner?
Book a private assessment or a beginner group at a public riding school (e.g., Trent Park, LEC, Frith Manor, Gillian’s). Wear long stretchy trousers, socks and boots with a small heel; schools provide helmets.
Are there indoor arenas in North London?
Yes. Trent Park, LEC and Frith Manor all have indoor schools, which help keep lessons running in bad weather.
What are typical rider weight limits in London riding schools?
Many schools set limits around 82–85 kg (13–13.5 st) for horse welfare. Some don’t publish a number; always ask at booking so they can match you to a suitable horse.
Do I need special permits to hack in parks?
Centres arrange permissions for their escorted rides. If you’re bringing your own horse, check park/borough rules and bridleway maps before you go.
How much do lessons cost in North London?
Expect roughly £45–£60 for group lessons and £55–£90 for privates, varying by length, peak times and instructor level. Always confirm current prices directly.
More London riding content:
-
10 Best Riding Schools in London for Beginners (2025 Guide)
Starter-friendly options across the city -
Top 10 BHS-Approved Riding Schools in Greater London
Train with accredited coaches -
Indoor Horse Riding in London: 6 Covered Arenas for All-Weather Lessons
Keep lessons rain-proof -
10 Best Pony Clubs in London
Where kids can learn riding and horse care -
10 Livery Yards in & Around London: 2025 Guide
For horse owners looking near North London -
7 Horse-Riding Day Trips Near London
Scenic hacks and countryside escapes -
5 Best Beach Riding Destinations Accessible from London
Make a coastal day of it -
5 Romantic Horseback Riding Experiences for Couples in London
Date-worthy rides
