8 Best Riding Schools In East London

Here are 8 active South London equestrian centres – all currently open and welcoming new riders – each catering to both children and adults with beginner-friendly programs and quality facilities.

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• Lee Valley Riding Centre — Leyton

• Docklands Equestrian Centre — Beckton

• Wanstead Community Riding Stables — Wanstead

• Eastminster School of Riding — Dagenham/Romford

• Barnfields Riding Stables — Chingford

• Mount Mascal Stables — Bexley

• Mottingham Farm Equestrian Centre — Mottingham

• Dulwich Riding School — Dulwich

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Note: Prices listed are correct at the time of writing but may change—always confirm with the riding school before booking.

1. Lee Valley Riding Centre – Leyton (E10)

BHS-approved centre offering lessons for all levels, livery, and modern facilities including indoor/outdoor arenas and a riding simulator.

Ages & Weight Limit:

• From 5 years old

• Weight limit: ~76 kg (12 st)

Starter Options:

• 30-min Have-a-Go taster

• 12-week Learn to Ride course

• Simulator balance sessions

Price:

• Have-a-Go (30 min): Adult £35, Junior £30.

• Private: 30 min £52 off-peak / £62 peak; 45 min £67 off-peak / £75 peak.

• Paired (45 min): £60 off-peak / £65 peak.

• Jumping (45 min): £80 off-peak / £88 peak.

Why Go:
Lessons run in all weather, free parking, and BHS-qualified coaches.

Facilities:

• Indoor arena (40×20 m)

• Two flood-lit outdoor arenas

• Cross-country & jumping fields

• Riding simulator

2. Docklands Equestrian Centre – Beckton (E6)

Charity-run BHS and ABRS-approved centre focusing on affordable, inclusive riding for children and adults, with indoor and outdoor arenas.

Ages & Weight Limit:

• Pony rides from ~3 years, lessons from ~5

• Weight limit: 75 kg (11.8 st)

Starter Options:

• Group: ½ hr £20 child / £25 adult; 1 hr £30 child / £40 adult.

• Shared-private (½ hr): £35 child / £45 adult.

• Private (½ hr): £40 child / £50 adult.

• Pony rides: £3 per lap or £7.50 for 3 (Sat–Sun, 1–2:30 pm)

Price:

• Group: from £20 kids / £25 adults (30 min)

• Private: from £40 (30 min)

Why Go:
Affordable rates, community spirit, RDA-approved facilities, and volunteer-for-lesson opportunities.

Facilities:

• Covered indoor arena (20×60 m) with disabled access

• Outdoor arena (20×40 m) flood-lit

• Clubroom for theory and events

• 22 horses and ponies

3. Wanstead Community Riding Stables – Wanstead (E12)

Community-run not-for-profit yard with a 50+ year history, offering a friendly, grassroots introduction to riding.

Ages & Weight Limit:

• Pony rides from 2 years, lessons from ~5–6

• Weight limit: 82 kg (13 st)

Starter Options:

• Private assessment lessons

• Group lessons (subject to waiting list)

Price:

Not available on website 

Why Go:
Close-knit, inclusive environment with a focus on community access and affordable riding.

Facilities:

• Outdoor arena

• Direct parkland access (Wanstead Park & Flats)

• Stabling and paddocks

• Clubroom for events and Pony Club

4. Eastminster School of Riding – Dagenham/Romford (RM12)

Family-run since 1947, BHS and ABRS-approved, teaching everyone from beginners to BHS exam candidates.

Ages & Weight Limit:

• Lessons from 6 years+

• Weight limit: 82.5 kg (13 st)

Starter Options:

• Half-hour junior or adult beginner groups

• “Start Riding” weekend package

• Pony Club and school holiday courses

Price:

• Junior groups: ½ hr £23 member / £25 non-member; 1 hr £35 member / £38 non-member.

• Junior private (45 min): £45 member / £50 non-member (£55 after 4:30 pm).

• Adult groups: ½ hr £28; 1 hr £40 member / £42 non-member.

• Adult private (45 min): £50 before 4:30 pm / £55 after.

Why Go:
70+ years’ experience, friendly atmosphere, and 250 acres of off-road riding land.

Facilities:

• Large outdoor arena with BS showjumps

• Covered arena and small indoor school

• 250 acres of hacking and cross-country

• Lecture room, clubhouse, on-site tack shop

5. Barnfields Riding Stables – Chingford (E4)

BHS-approved, 5★ council-rated yard on the edge of Epping Forest, welcoming riders from 2 to 82 years old.

Ages & Weight Limit:

• Pony rides from 2 years+, lessons from 5

• Weight limit: 76 kg (12 st)

Starter Options:

• 15-min pony rides: £27

• Beginner group lessons (45 min): £30

• 30-min “Horse Taster” private: £40

Price:

• Beginner group (45 min): £30.

• Private (45 min): £52–£57 (time/day dependent).

• Pony ride (15 min): £27; Pony Pals (30 min): £32.

Why Go:
Friendly family-run yard with Pony Club, Saddle Club, and forest hacks.

Facilities:

• Flood-lit outdoor menage

• Direct hack access to Epping Forest

• Stables and livery yard

• Clubhouse and rider balance studio

6. Mount Mascal Stables – Bexley (DA5)

Large, modern BHS-approved centre open 7 days a week, offering “horsemanship for all” from tiny tots to advanced riders.

Ages & Weight Limit:

• From 2 years (pony rides)

• Weight limit: 79 kg (12½ st)

Starter Options:

• “Pat & Ride” Shetland sessions (~£25)

• Beginner group lessons and private intros

• Pony Club and badge mornings

Price:

• Lessons: 1-to-1 30 min £40 / 45 min £50; paired/tri0 (45 min) £45 pp; scheduled rally (4–8 riders) £35; Group Starter (45 min) £32.50.

• Hacks: 1-to-1 45 min £55 / 90 min £98; 3–4 riders 45 min £46 pp / 90 min £92 pp.

Why Go:
Big range of horses, evening lessons, and a strong education focus.

Facilities:

• Indoor arena

• Multiple flood-lit outdoor arenas

• Clubroom, tack shop, café

• 40+ stables and hacking trails

7. Mottingham Farm Equestrian Centre – Mottingham (SE9)

55-acre BHS-approved yard offering all lessons outdoors for a natural riding experience.

Ages & Weight Limit:

• From 4 years old

• Weight limit: up to ~90 kg (14 st) depending on horse availability

Starter Options:

• Private intro lessons (30–45 min)

• Group lessons (1 hr)

• Beginner-friendly guided hacks

Price:

• Group (60 min): £38.

• One-to-one: 30 min £38 / 45 min £48 (some instructor rates differ).

• Escorted ride out (60 min): £60.

Why Go:
Plenty of open space, relaxed atmosphere, and varied lesson formats including hacks and field rides.

Facilities:

• Outdoor arena

• Eight riding fields

• 55 acres of pasture and trails

• Stable yard with 40+ horses

8. Dulwich Riding School – Dulwich (SE21)

Established in the 1960s, this BHS-approved school runs structured lessons in small ability-based groups.

Ages & Weight Limit:

• From 6 years old

• Weight limit: 90 kg (14.1 st)

Starter Options:

• Beginner group lessons (1 hr)

• Private intro lessons (45 min)

• Term packages for beginners

Price:

• Group (1 hr): £38 per rider.

• Semi-private (45 min): £38 per rider.

• Private (45 min): £48.

• Own-a-Pony Day: £65.

Why Go:
Small group sizes, clear progression system, and covered arena for all-weather riding.

Facilities:

• Covered indoor arena

• Outdoor arena and smaller training pens

• Direct park access for hacks

• Stables, viewing gallery, and loaner equipment

FAQ

How much are riding lessons in East London? (“horse riding London prices”)

Typical ranges (centre-dependent):

• Kids’ group (30–60 min): ~£20–£40

• Adults’ group (30–60 min): ~£30–£45

• Private (30–45 min): ~£45–£75+
  Always check the school’s page for current rates and peak/off-peak differences.

What age can children start?

Most offer led pony rides from ~2–3 and structured lessons from ~5–6. Minimums vary by yard and pony size.

Do East London centres have indoor arenas?

Several do (e.g., large centres), which helps with year-round training. Smaller community yards may be outdoor-only—great in fair weather but more weather-dependent.

Do schools run Pony Club, holiday camps, or stable-management?

Yes. Many run Pony Club (badges + horse-care), holiday pony days, and stable-management alongside riding—ideal for kids who want more than saddle time.

Do centres support riders with disabilities?

A number partner with RDA or provide accessible mounting and adapted lessons. Email ahead with details so they can match instructor and horse.

Can adults focus on dressage or jumping?

Absolutely. Once basics are solid, ask for graded groups, jump clinics, or dressage-focused sessions. Many arenas have a full set of showjumps.

Price Disclaimer: Lesson prices, age limits, and weight restrictions were correct at the time of writing but may change. Always check directly with the riding school for the latest rates and policies before booking.

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