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.
Note: Prices listed are correct at the time of writing but may change—always confirm with the riding school before booking.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Most offer led pony rides from ~2–3 and structured lessons from ~5–6. Minimums vary by yard and pony size.
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.
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.
A number partner with RDA or provide accessible mounting and adapted lessons. Email ahead with details so they can match instructor and horse.
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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