Best 5 Horse Riding Clubs in London

For many, London isn’t perhaps the first place that springs to mind when considering horse riding opportunities and options.

The capital city conjures thoughts of Oxford Street shopping, Canary Wharf’s financial centre, the Underground, Buckingham Palace, taxis and red buses, busy roads, and busy people! But horse-riding?

Well, actually, YES! 

You may be surprised to discover fantastic horse riding clubs and centres in and around London and worthy hacks and treks among the green spaces and parks.

Ross Nye Stables, Paddington

Ross Nye Stables was set up by a man called…Ross Nye, an Australian Ringer from Queensland. He established his riding centre in 1965, and it remains one of the top riding stables in Central London.

Lessons and rides cater to all ages and abilities from 6 years old in one of two outdoor arenas, or a hack covering the 5 miles of excellent sandy tracks around the famous Hyde Park.

Whether you’re taking part in a ‘one-off’ hack or you’re a regular at the club, Ross Nye Stables offers a unique opportunity to learn about riding while also soaking up a bit of London’s history.

Hyde Park Stables, London W2

Hyde Park Stables is another riding centre with immediate access to the famous miles of Hyde Park, whether riding for fun, taking lessons, or developing your horsemanship skills in the arenas.

Ellie took over ownership of the riding centre in 2018, intending to keep Hyde Park’s impressive 300-year-old equestrian traditions alive. Riding is offered to all ages and abilities from 4 years of age. Ellie hopes that keeping horses in London will make horseriding more accessible to city dwellers, ultimately taking it up as a long-term hobby.

Stag Lodge Stables, Richmond Park

From a beautiful website to a fabulous location, Stag Lodge Stables appears to have it all, which you might expect from a riding centre established in 1790 - more than 200 years of horseriding!

Stag Lodge operates from two main sites and is home to 70+ horses catering to all ages and abilities. It boasts Olympic-size arenas and immediate access to 4500 acres of green riding space, so there’s no shortage of places to ride.

And the USP for Stag Lodge Stables? - Pony Park lessons for children as young as 3 years old on gorgeous Shetland ponies. The perfect way to introduce your child to horseriding.

Dulwich Riding School, Dulwich Common

Dulwich Riding School started life in 1962 as just 5 stables built on a piece of waste ground explicitly leased for that purpose. Started by James Bellman, the riding school has since been passed down through the family, growing from strength to strength to become one of the best horseriding centres in the London area.

The riding school has expanded to accommodate its current team of 17 working horses, offering group and private riding lessons for adults and children and their popular children’s ‘own a pony’ days and birthday parties. The minimum age for riders is 6 years old.

Look at the informative website for further information and prices on the riding activities available at Dulwich Riding School.

Aldersbrook Riding School, London E12

Since its establishment in 1973, Aldersbrook has continued to offer excellent riding opportunities to adults and children of all abilities from 2 years old.

Choose from the usual group and private lessons in Aldersbrook’s indoor and outdoor schools or hacks across Wanstead Heath.

Aldersbrook also has a strong community presence with inclusive experiences offered to local schools, home-schooling groups, Pupil Referral Units, and volunteering opportunities to help with the practical side of exams in horse and stable management.

Activities with a difference include ‘River Rides’ for all ages and abilities; ‘Mini Muckers’ with the Shetland ponies for 2-6 year-olds; ‘Children’s Nature Ride’; and ‘Back In the Saddle’ aimed explicitly at returners to riding.

Although by no means an exhaustive list, these are examples of just how much more London offers than busy shops, streets, and tower blocks. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there - and ride!

Find more activities for children in London on Hoop.

Photo by Sergey Makashin