Horse riding lessons for adults and kids in West London

[Sugarintheplum]

Dear All,

I wonder whether you know of the best places to learn to ride in West London or surrounding areas. I have a 5 year old who wants to learn. I also have a 3 year old, but realise that is a bit young. I also want to learn as an adult.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

There’s not a lot of riding schools in London itself and most are eye-wateringly expensive.

Depending on where you are in West London, either Stag Lodge in Richmond Park or Ealing Riding Centre might work. I know nothing about Ealing so it might not take children as young as yours but you could definitely take both of yours for pony rides in the park at Stag Lodge. Depending on the age and ability of the child, these can be just being led around on a pony or they can be more structured lessons, learning how to do rising trot etc. Once they’re reasonably confident, they can move onto group lessons in the arena (which is on a separate site just down the A3).

Ham House stables takes children from 4 - beautiful setting, seems very posh!!

If Colliers Wood isn’t too far, you could try Deen City Farm (I think their minimum age is now 4, used to be 8), but they usually have a very long waiting list as they don’t have that many horses/ponies.

Wimbledon Village Stables doesn’t take complete beginners as far as I recall and I think only the children of adult members can get lessons there.

Depending on how far you’re prepared to travel, you’d have a lot more choice a little further out of London

If you can get out there, I used to ride at Wildwoods in Epsom. I have really fond memories of it.

The other place I used to ride in London was Vauxhall City Farm, right by the MI6 building - totally at the other end of the scale in terms of size and location, but I’ve got good memories from there too.

Wildwoods was great though, I used to go on hacks around there and it was really lovely.

I agree - Wildwoods is definitely the best in the vicinity of west London but depending on whereabouts you are it may not be feasible

I don’t know how far it would be from you but Mount Mascals gets very good reviews .

Yes, theoretically you can get a train to Epsom and walk to Wildwoods from the station, but I always found it pretty unreliable at the weekend (although this is going back a decade now). I ended up driving as it was much less stressful.

Thanks All!

Wildwoods looks to be about an hour long drive for me on a Sunday (Google estimation). Train would be 2 hours. Is it worth my while for the long-ish drive?

Whereabouts are you based?
I used to live in SW London
There’s Kingston riding centre which got rave reviews from the people who recommended it but no turnout for the horses which is an absolute no for me and it was eyewaterly expensive

Chessington Equestrian centre was a bit rough and ready but had a really good range of horses, so advanced riders have something to suit.

Had a friend who worked at both Barnfield and Silvermere and spoke highly of both, they had a short stint at stag lodge and did not recommend...

Ealing riding school is the one DD has been to (pony camp).
ealingridingschool.biz/

It's near Gunnersbury Park, Ealing Riding School is.

Kingston Riding Centre has moved to Barwell Lane in Chessington so they do now have turnout but they’re still incredibly expensive 😬

Wildwoods would be worth an hour’s drive IMO but there’s quite a waiting list for weekend lesson slots so good to get in touch ASAP

There are 2 riding schools in Hyde Park. They aren't cheap though.

www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/sports-and-leisure/horse-riding

I think the community stables near Latimer Road under the Westway are still going:

www.rbkc.gov.uk/kb5/rbkc/fis/service.page?id=jnRCcP_heYQ

I only ever had one lesson at Wildwoods, and that was as an adult. I went for the hacks. Which are well worth the drive IMO, so even if you don’t go there for lessons, bear it in mind for the future (assuming they do kids hacks). It would be a great birthday treat for a pony mad kiddo!

Have you looked at Wormwood Scrubs pony centre? It's a lovely set up!

The reality is in London/Greater London you will have to travel far & it will be expensive. Have deep pockets.
I started riding at Wimbledon Village Stables, As did my daughter at age 10. We then bought our own, & eventually moved to yards outside of London.
I think 5 is a bit young. Maybe get her some pony rides from time to time. She will barely progress with weekly lessons, it’s hours in the saddle, TBH. Like any sport. Hence why I soon bought my own.
Any of the named yards are good, and you do have a lot of choice, compared to the hinterlands, it’s just costly for obvious reasons.

Weekly lessons at 5 will be fine for progression , particularly if you go for private or semi private lessons .