Where To Go Horse Riding In London (2024)

Where To Go Horse Riding In London (1)

London's got a long history with horses. Our reliance on them as a method of transport shaped many of our buildings and thoroughfares, and many people live in mews houses which would once have been stables.

But what about horses in London today? Though the Circle line now trumps a shire horse as a way of getting around, you can still ride horses in the capital. Whether you're a child or adult, beginner or experienced rider, here's where to get in the saddle in London.

Hyde Park Stables

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We reckon this — and the below — is London's most central public stables (The Met Police have stables for the police horses at Charing Cross, but that's another matter). The horses live just a five-minute trot from Hyde Park, close to Lancaster Gate tube station.

Lessons are available for everyone from complete beginners upwards. They all take place in Hyde Park itself, either on the famous Rotten Row, or on one of two special arenas (or manèges) within the Park. As with anything in central London, this isn't a cheap option — you're looking at upwards of £115 per person per hour for lessons.

Hyde Park Stables, 63 Bathurst Mews, W2 2SB.

Ross Nye Stables, Hyde Park

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You can't move for horses in this part of town. Round the corner — literally, about five doors down and across the cobbled street — from Hyde Park Stables is Ross Nye Stables. It's bizarre to walk down what looks like any other quaint residential road in west London knowing that behind the doors live horses, not people. Stabling was what the modern-day mews houses were originally used for, but we expect they make for some odd neigh-bours.

Anyway, Ross Nye Stables' lessons also take place in Hyde Park, on both the sand tracks skirting around the park's perimeter, and within the arenas. They also hold pony club days, jumping events, and an annual horse show.

Ross Nye Stables, 8 Bathurst Mews, W2 2SB.

Lee Valley Riding Centre

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Trot on up to Leyton (nearest station: Lea Bridge) and head for the building with the rather conspicuous horse statue on the roof — that'd be Lee Valley Riding Centre. This place is ideal for anyone who wants to dip their crop into the world of horse riding without fully committing; have-a-go sessions are available for adults, kids, or whole families, and if you decide to stick with your new hobby, you can choose between group or private lessons. There are also own-a-pony days, where younger riders can get involved with all aspects of horse care, as well as riding lessons for people with disabilities.

More replete with space than other schools on this list, the riding centre has an indoor arena and two outdoor arenas, as well as showjumping and cross country courses.

Lee Valley Riding Centre, 71 Lea Bridge Road, E10 7QL.

The London Equestrian Centre, Finchley

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Kiddies as young as three can get into the saddle at The London Equestrian Centre, which offers 15-minute Tiny Tot rides. Once they turn four, they can join the private, semi-private or group lessons like anyone else (kids and adults), to improve their riding skills. Young horse fans can also join in with Pony Days, to learn more about grooming and equine care, as well as riding, and can even have birthday parties there.

The London Equestrian Centre, Lullington Garth, N12 7BP.

Royal Borough of Greenwich Equestrian Centre

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Right, so, have a seat while we explain this one. The Royal Borough of Greenwich Equestrian Centre is located right on the Greenwich/Bexley borough boundary... and is operated by a college based in Hadlow, in the West Kent countryside, which itself comes under the North Kent College umbrella.

It's a complicated history of interwoven educational establishments, but what you need to know is that in addition to specialist equine management courses, the centre offers riding lessons to the public, from its very impressive facilities (which includes an equine spa, hydrotherapy pool and water treadmill... all for the horses, rather than their riders).

It's adults (14+) only for lessons and courses here, and options include private, semi-private and group lessons, from complete beginners upwards. If you take to it, membership is available (£40 a year) offering discounted lessons and priority booking. Lessons take place across the indoor arena and outdoor manège.

Royal Borough of Greenwich Equestrian Centre, 341 Shooters Hill, DA16 3RP.

Docklands Equestrian Centre

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Under two miles from the City Airport runway is Docklands Equestrian Centre, a riding school with both indoor and outdoor facilities which welcomes both children and adults for riding lessons. Particular focus is on disabled riders — the centre is a member of the Riding for the Disabled charity, with specially trained and qualified staff — though able-bodied riders are just as welcome.

As a useful extra incentive, riders aged 12 and above can volunteer for tasks around the stables in exchange for points, which can be used towards future lessons. Ideal for teenagers who can start to pay their own way, and learn skills for future employment too.

Docklands Equestrian Centre, 2 Clapsgate Lane, Beckton, E6 6JF.

Trent Park Equestrian Centre

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Just a few minute's walk from Oakwood tube station, Trent Park Equestrian Centre backs onto — you guessed it — Trent Park, though some of its rides go further afield than that.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Both private and group lessons are offered for children and adults who want to get into riding, or improve existing skills. Once you've mastered walk, trot and canter (and taken an assessment), you're able to join hacking rides which make use of the car-free bridleways in the local area. We rather like the sound of three-hour pub rides, which take place in the summer, venturing across fields and farmland before stopping at the King & Tinker pub, then heading back.

If you're not quite ready for a full hack, know that there's a cafe and restaurant on-site at the equestrian centre, for refuelling after your lesson.

Trent Park Equestrian Centre, East Pole Farmhouse, Bramley Road, N14 4UW.

Ealing Riding School

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It'd be easier to tell you what Ealing Riding School doesn't do. Located, somewhat unexpectedly, on the residential Gunnersbury Avenue, stables and a stable yard, three schools (or arenas), a horse trek route, stable meadow, classroom, tack room and even a chicken coop and kitchen garden are all tucked away within the walled site between the houses and the railway line, home to around 30 horses at any one time.

Both private and group lessons are offered to both adults and kids, as well as pony club, pony parties, and after school riding club, school holiday courses and events, dressage and summer shows, a stable experience for young people who want to learn about equine care, and plenty more. There's very much an open-to-all policy, rather than the somewhat exclusive vibe you sometimes get at other riding facilities.

Oh, and they also offer free manure and compost to anyone who happens to be passing with an appropriate bag or container about their person.

Ealing Riding School, 17-19 Gunnersbury Avenue, Ealing, W5 3XD.

Wimbledon Village Stables

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Though predominantly a members' club, Wimbledon Village Stables does offer some sessions for non-members, including private sessions, either in the arena, on riding tracks or out on Wimbledon Common, depending on experience level, though they can't currently offer these to beginners. There are horse simulator sessions for beginners, for anyone who wants to improve their technique (or just isn't ready for the real living, breathing thing yet). Nothing for children who are novice riders here, though.

Wimbledon Village Stables, 24 a/b High Street, Wimbledon, SW19 5DX.

Stag Lodge Stables, Richmond Park

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Split across two sites, Stag Lodge Stables is Richmond Park's riding centre, handily located by the green spaces of both Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common. Anyone age 4+ can ride here, taking advantage of seven arenas, 70+ horses, private and group lessons for children and adults, pony club, pony week courses and more. Probably the closest you'll get to a ride in the countryside while still being in London.

Stag Lodge Stables, Stag Lodge 1, Robin Hood Gate, Richmond Park, SW15 3RS, and Stag Lodge 2, 197 Robin Hood Way SW20 0AA.

Horse riding at London's city farms

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We usually think of smaller animals (rabbits, goats, the occasional pig) when we think of London's city farms, but many of them do have horses and ponies, which can be ridden. The following offer horse riding (with the added bonus of being able to visit the other animals before/after your ride):

Deen City Farm Riding School

Morden's Deen City Farm has a floodlit outdoor arena and a cross country course, and offers riding lessons for age 4+ on its 12 horses and ponies., as well as a riding simulator for anyone weighing over 11 stone. There are also guided pony rides for 2-7 year olds.

Horse riding at Vauxhall City Farm

With the MI6 building as a backdrop, Vauxhall City Farm is home to a riding stables, complete with outdoor school where pony rides and lessons take place. They're currently still on pause after lockdown, but hope to restart in April 2022.

Mudchute Farm Equestrian Centre

Currently closed awaiting a decision about its future.

Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre

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Between a prison, a hospital and a new railway super-hub is not where you'd expect to find 20 horses, but the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre has been here since 1989, and shows no signs of going anywhere. It's home to breeds including Arabian horses, and the Dancing White Horses, a performing team of rare, indigenous French Camargues.

The Centre itself runs as a charity, its prime aim to provide riding and equine therapy for children, specialising in those with special needs and physical disabilities. They do offer occasional lessons for able-bodied adults, primarily as way to fundraise for its other work — keep an eye on the website for current openings.

Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, Woodman Mews, W12 0HU.

Ebony Horse Club, Brixton

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You may have heard of the unlikely riding stables in Brixton, located at the end of a residential street. That's Ebony Horse Club, which has been doing fantastic things to help local children and young people for several years now.

It operates as a charity, and allows children aged 8-18 to ride even if their families can't afford to pay for the lessons. Having something to look forward, a bond with the horses, and a potential career path all improves lives.

As a result of this great work, Ebony Horse Club isn't open to everyone. But if you know (or are) a young person from the local area who would benefit from their work, get in touch with them. Otherwise, consider getting involved as a volunteer or making a financial donation to help the charity's work.

Ebony Horse Club, 51 Millbrook Road, SW9 7JD. Find out more about the club's background and work.

Where To Go Horse Riding In London (2024)

FAQs

What is the 20 rule in horse riding? ›

The researchers found that an average adult light riding horse could comfortably carry about 20 percent of their ideal bodyweight. This result agrees with the value recommended by the Certified Horsemanship Association and the U.S. Cavalry Manuals of Horse Management published in 1920.

Do people ride horses in London? ›

Though the Circle line now trumps a shire horse as a way of getting around, you can still ride horses in the capital. Whether you're a child or adult, beginner or experienced rider, here's where to get in the saddle in London.

Can you visit the horses at Buckingham Palace? ›

Hooves and Horses:

Free with standard admission.

Can you ride a horse through Hyde Park? ›

Hyde Park has two specialist horse riding arenas (or manèges) located on North Carriage Drive and South Carriage Drive. The park also has two designated routes for horse riding - North Ride and South Ride.

How fat is too fat to ride a horse? ›

According to THE U.S.CAVALRY MANUAL OF HORSE MANAGEMENT (1941) a horse should not carry more than 20 percent of its own weight.

What age should you stop riding a horse? ›

As a horse begins to age, their requirements change. The strenuous rides and exercise routine that were once easy to accomplish become more of a challenge. Each horse is unique in the rate at which they age. However, it's common to stop regularly riding your horse when they are between 20 to 25 years old.

What should you not do while riding a horse? ›

10 Common Mistakes First-Time Horse Riders Make
  1. 01 of 10. Wearing Baggy Clothes. ...
  2. 02 of 10. Attaching Yourself to the Saddle or Horse. ...
  3. 03 of 10. Letting Go of the Reins. ...
  4. 04 of 10. Wearing the Wrong Footwear. ...
  5. 05 of 10. Thinking You're Just Going to Sit There. ...
  6. 06 of 10. Not Listening Closely. ...
  7. 07 of 10. Not Trusting Your Coach. ...
  8. 08 of 10.
Dec 12, 2019

How much does it cost to have a horse in London? ›

As to the costs for keeping a horse at a livery yard, these vary according to the type of livery offered. Grass Livery can be expected to cost around of £20-£25 per week. DIY Stabled Livery can be expected to cost roughly £30-£40 per week. A full livery service can cost up to £100-£150 per week.

Do all horses in the UK need a passport? ›

You must have a horse passport (sometimes called an 'equine passport') for each animal if you keep any of the following: horses. ponies. donkeys and asses.

Can you ride horse in London Street? ›

Yes, it is lawful to ride a horse through Central London — but not recommended because of the vehicular traffic swirling around you. In the UK, horses and riders have every right to be on the roads. However, they must follow the rules of the road and the statutory requirements for the animal for road use.

What is horseback riding called in UK? ›

Q: I am English and I don't understand why Americans say “horseback riding.” In England, we just say “riding” or “horse riding.” It's taken for granted that the back is the place of choice.

Can you ride a horse in public UK? ›

You MUST NOT take a horse onto a footpath or pavement, and you should not take a horse onto a cycle track. Use a bridleway where possible. Equestrian crossings may be provided for horse riders to cross the road and you should use these where available (see Rule 27).

How much does a riding horse cost in the UK? ›

In general, buying a horse can cost anywhere between £500 and upwards of £40,000! A lot of factors contribute to the price of a horse, such as breed, size, age, pedigree and training, so depending on what it is that you're looking for, you can expect costs to vary wildly.

How long does it take to tour the Royal Mews? ›

You can visit the Royal Mews at your leisure using the complimentary multimedia tour, which lasts approximately 45 minutes. Please see our COVID-19 information page for details on our safety procedures in place.

Where do horses roam free in UK? ›

In the UK, semi-wild herds of horses thrive on Exmoor (Exmoor ponies) and in the New Forest. A herd of wild horses can comprise a number of harems containing mares and their offspring, and a group of stallions.

How long does it take to tour Buckingham Palace? ›

There is a lot to see and do during the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace, so please allow enough time to make the most of your visit. We suggest between 2 and 2½ hours.

Can you ride a horse with no experience? ›

Almost anyone can learn to ride a horse – whether you are 6 years old or 76 years old. Your physical abilities and health are more important when it comes to riding than your age. However, there are some considerations that you will need to take into account if you are starting out very young, or significantly older.

Can you ride the Queen's horses? ›

Every person who ever piloted horses for The Late Queen found a supportive and keenly interested owner. “I've always felt very flattered to be riding The Queen's horses, but while other owners can follow their horses at many shows, Royal Windsor [was] the only one where The Queen can see hers compete.

Is Hyde Park London open to the public? ›

During daylight, the two parks merge seamlessly into each other, but Kensington Gardens closes at dusk, and Hyde Park remains open throughout the year from 5 a.m. until midnight.

Can a 300lb person ride a horse? ›

Q: Can a horse carry a 300 pound person? Some horses can carry a 300 pound rider, but your balance is also important. If you don't have a good balance then it'll be very difficult for even the largest horses to comfortably carry the weight.

Can I ride a horse if I weigh 200 pounds? ›

The standard-sized quarter-horse, is ideally suited for riders weighing anywhere from 100 to 180 pounds. A draft horse, obviously has the ability to carry our heavier riders.

Who is the woman too big to ride horse? ›

A TikTok star said she was kicked out of a horse ranch in New York for weighing too much. Remi Bader, a 26-year-old curve model with over 2 million followers on TikTok, posted a video on June 11 saying the Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk told her to leave because she weighed over 240 pounds.

Is 70 too old to ride a horse? ›

Am I Too Old To Learn To Ride A Horse? If you have the time and money, then you can absolutely join hundreds of people who are horseback riding over 50. Since it requires the same amount of strength, agility, and balance as any sport, it helps to be in reasonably good physical health.

Are male or female horses better to ride? ›

When starting out, you want to choose a horse with a reliable temperament; hormones like testosterone are highly linked to aggression, which is why most beginner riders are advised to steer clear of stallions. Mares and geldings are usually calmer, but there are always exceptions.

How many times a week should a horse be ridden? ›

For a horse and rider who require a moderate level of fitness, The horse should be ridden four days a week. At least two of the days should include a more intense workout while the other days could result in a slightly easier and less strenuous ride.

Should you wear jeans when riding a horse? ›

What type of pants should you wear horseback riding? You should wear breeches, jodhpurs, tight-fitting jeans, or yoga pants/leggings. Any of these options will work well for most riding situations.

What is the number one rule of horses? ›

The first rule is always Safety First!

You are dealing with a large animal that lives by the “flight first” rule of survival. If the horse is startled or scared, the horse will try to run away.

Can you wear sneakers horseback riding? ›

Q: Can I ride horses in tennis shoes? Tennis shoes and sneakers are NOT safe for horseback riding. Riding boots must have a distinct heel for safety, and they should full protect your ankle (and often higher) from rubbing or getting pinched on the saddle.

Do you need a Licence to ride a horse in the UK? ›

Anyone who hires out horses or ponies for riding or instruction must be licensed.

Is riding a horse expensive? ›

My short answer is yes; from paying for riding lessons and competition fees to spitting out money for the upkeep of a horse, the average amount people spend on horseback riding is $4,000/yr. Having an idea of some of the expenses that come with horseback riding can help prepare you for what to expect.

How can I see horses in London? ›

Places for Horse Riding in London
  1. Hyde Park. Once the hunting spot of King Henry VII, Hyde Park is the heart and soul of London's green scene. ...
  2. Stag Lodge Stables, Richmond Park. ...
  3. Wimbledon Village Stables, Wimbledon. ...
  4. Olympia Horse Show. ...
  5. Royal Windsor Horse Show. ...
  6. Royal Ascot. ...
  7. Sandown Park. ...
  8. Kempton Park.

Is there a weight limit for horse riding UK? ›

As a general guideline in the UK, a rider should weigh no more than 10% of the horse's bodyweight, but in the US, this limit is doubled to 20% of the horse's weight. This means for a 500kg horse, the range for the maximum rider weight is large – 50kg in the UK (just less than 8st) and 100kg in the US (15st 10lb).

Can you drink and horse ride UK? ›

We'll start with the easy one here as well- the UK, where it is indeed illegal to ride a horse while intoxicated. This is thanks to the Licensing Act of 1872 which, among other things, states “Every person… who is drunk while in charge on any highway or other public place of any carriage, horse, cattle or steam engine…

Do you need insurance to ride a horse on the road UK? ›

Insurance cover for horse owners is not compulsory, but public liability cover is key to protecting the owner from potential legal liability attaching to them, even when they are not in control of the horse. Is this the cover I need for loaning a horse?

Why do police still use horses in London? ›

The police horses are used for patrols of London's main parks; for ceremonial events; and for crowd control at events such as football matches.

What is Rule 52 Highway Code? ›

Never ride a horse without both a saddle and bridle.

Can I ride my horse on the beach UK? ›

While there are no set guidelines about horse riding on the beach in the UK in terms of permits and approvals, you should understand that some beaches are privately owned and some are owned by the local authority. Due to this some require permits to allow riders to use them, while others request “courteous use”.

What is a riding in England? ›

A riding is an administrative jurisdiction or electoral district, particularly in several current or former Commonwealth countries.

What is a horse person called? ›

countable noun. A jockey is someone who rides a horse in a race. Synonyms: horse-rider, rider, equestrian More Synonyms of jockey. 2.

What are the 2 styles of horse riding? ›

Some of the most popular horse riding events, like dressage and gymkhana, fall under the two primary horse riding styles: English and Western. The origins of each class, the saddles used, and the horse and rider's positioning distinguish these styles from each other.

Do you have to wear a helmet on a horse UK? ›

Only formal UK legislation covering riding hats states that all riders aged 14 and under must wear a hat conforming to current regulations when riding on the public highway. Beyond that, various health and safety requirements apply to staff working with horses including within the racing industry.

Is it illegal to ride a horse without a helmet UK? ›

Rule 49 of the Highway Code states: Safety Equipment: Children under the age of 14 must wear a helmet which complies with the regulations. It must be fastened securely. Other riders should also follow this advice.

Where are you not allowed to ride a horse? ›

You should never ride or lead a horse on a pavement or footpath, nor should you take your equine onto cycle tracks. You are not allowed to ride a horse on a motorway. It's preferable to use a bridleway, when you can.

How much does a horse cost per day? ›

Minimum cost per day to keep one horse is $5.01 per day or $1,828.65 per year.

How much does a horse cost per week UK? ›

Costs of keeping a horse on a livery yard vary depending on the type of livery offered. Grass Livery can be expected to cost in the region of £20-£25 per week. DIY Stabled Livery can be expected to cost around £30-£40 per week. Full livery can be expected to cost in the region of £100-£150 per week.

How much should you budget for a horse? ›

The minimum up-front cost to purchase a horse and your tack will likely range from $4,000 to $9,000. You can then expect to pay a minimum of $6,000 to $8,000 a year, depending on where you live and if you have a barn with equipment or need to board your horse.

How much does it cost to ride a horse UK? ›

Private lessons are usually the most expensive and can go up to £90 for adults, while group and semi-private lessons can go as low as £30 to £40 per person for an hour-long lesson. The costs for an hour of private lessons can go three times higher because of the location.

Is there a park and ride for London? ›

There are no official Park and Ride sites serving Greater London but here are 3 places where you can park and take the tube into central London. You can travel quickly and comfortably, avoid paying the congestion charge and most importantly the traffic. To navigate, press the arrow keys.

Can I ride a horse on the street in the UK? ›

You MUST NOT take a horse onto a footpath or pavement, and you should not take a horse onto a cycle track. Use a bridleway where possible. Equestrian crossings may be provided for horse riders to cross the road and you should use these where available (see Rule 27).

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