Horse riding in London has never been more popular and for city-dwelling equestrians there are more opportunities than you might imagine to enjoy some time in the saddle amidst the concrete jungle.

Whether you’re a rookie rider looking to learn the ropes in a safe environment or an experienced equestrian looking for fast-paced thrills, there are stables to be found nestled in the shadows of the city’s skyscrapers, and some of London’s vast and plentiful green parks are best explored on horseback.

You may not always be able to escape the constant drone of double decker buses and beeping horns, but horse riding in London is one of the greatest escapes from city living.

Where to go horse riding in London

1. Hyde Park Stables

Where: 63 Bathurst Mews, London W2 2SB

You can’t find a more central location than Hyde Park Stables, one of the last standing mews with horses in Central London and an equestrian venue for over 300 years. You can ride out, escorted by an instructor, into the 350-acre Hyde Park, down the world famous Rotten Row and beside the beautiful Serpentine lake, or stick to the outdoor arena if you prefer. All levels of horse riders, both adults and children from the age of four, are catered for and you can choose from either private or semi-private options all year round.

Prices: from £115 for a 1hr semi-private arena lesson or lesson ride in the park, Monday to Sunday.

2. Wimbledon Village Stables

Where: 24a/b High Street, Wimbledon SW19 5DX

Experienced equestrians wanting to go horse riding in London should set off to SW19 and make the most of 3,000 acres of beautiful hacking through Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. Wimbledon Village Stables (WVS) is a members’ riding club, although experienced non-members are also able to ride on weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) on one of their beautifully schooled horses. As well as offering arena lessons and idyllic hacking with an expert team of instructors, the yard boasts a fully interactive horse simulator in their Equicise studio – a great training aid for riders of all standards. Livery services are available for any city-living horse owners and there is also a busy social calendar to enjoy with lecture demos, guest speakers, competitions and parties.

Prices: from £80 for a 1hr ride on Wimbledon Common, Tuesday to Friday. Membership starts from £450 per year for occasional riders.

3. Stag Lodge Stables

Where: Stag Lodge 1, Robin Hood Gate, Richmond Park, London SW15 3RS.  Stage Lodge 2, 197 Robin Hood Way, London, SW20 0AA

Split between two locations, Stag Lodge 1 is situated at the Robin Hood Gate entrance of Richmond Park and offers direct access for spectacular hacking for all abilities and pony park lessons for three to six-year-olds. Meanwhile the 11-acre site just down the road at Stag Lodge 2 boasts several large floodlit outdoor arenas and is the place to go for riding lessons. There are courses available to book for children and adults, including the hugely popular pony weeks during school holidays, and a thriving Pony Club. There are over 70 horses of every shape and size at Stag Lodge Stables and they offer various livery services if you want to keep your own horse in the city, too. Such is the venue’s popularity, however, there’s currently a waiting list for under-16s wanting to register.

Prices: from £30 for a half-hour pony park lesson (Mon-Fri). 1hr private lessons start at £65 and adult group hacks from £45

4. Lee Valley Riding Centre

Where: 71 Lea Bridge Road, London E10 7QL

Head to Lee Valley Riding Centre in Leyton where you can enjoy a wealth of fantastic facilities — an indoor arena, two floodlit outdoor arenas, showjumping and cross-country courses and spectators’ area. It offers horse riding lessons for beginners through to more experienced riders, livery and its programme of activities includes pony days, have a go sessions, birthday parties, school groups and training courses.

Prices: From £22 for a 30min junior have a go lesson, off-peak riding lessons start from £45 for 30min

5. The Pony Club

Growing up in central London does not rule out the joys of Pony Club — from camps and water fights to tests and badges. There are Pony Club Centres — where children without a pony can take part in Pony Club activities — across the capital, including Lee Valley, Ealing Riding School and Stag Lodge.

Prices: membership from £37 per year

6. Vauxhall City Farm

Where: 165 Tyers Street, London SE11 5HS

A farm in the middle of London? Yes, really! Just a short stroll from Vauxhuall tube station and within earshot of Big Ben, you can find an oasis of animal heaven, with a small selection of horses and ponies available for a limited number of lessons for adults and children, as well as the RDA. There are stable management lessons available at Vauxhall City Farm, too. Supporting children and disadvantaged people is key to Vauxhall City Farm’s ethos and they also offer a range of educational, recreational and therapeutic support programmes and activities. Even if you just want a horsey fix without getting in the saddle, entry to the farm (Tuesday-Sunday) is by donation, where you can also meet the farm’s huge menagerie of other animals.

Price: from £40 for 45mins lesson

7. Dulwich Riding School

Where: Dulwich Common, London SE21 7EX

Waiting lists at riding schools are becoming more and more common – not just for those wanting to go horse riding in London – and Dulwich Riding School’s is lengthy, but these popular stables are worth the wait for riders aged six and over. They offer group, private and semi-private lessons from complete beginners to novice dressage in their covered indoor arena or outdoor ring, going into the evening on Mondays and Fridays. They are also available for birthday parties and school bookings, plus the all-important “own a pony for a day”.

Prices: from £30 for 1hr group lesson

8. London Equestrian Centre

Where: Lullington Garth, Woodside Park Finchley, London N12 7BP

Set in 34 acres of green belt land and just a short walk or bus ride from Mill Hill East tube station on the northern line make these friendly stables a perfect commute for north Londoners. London Equestrian Centre offers a variety of horses and ponies to accommodate all standards of riders – children can start at the age of four, or keen three-year-olds can take part in 15min “tiny tot” rides. Pony and young rider days take place during school holidays, where children learn how to groom and look after the ponies as well as taking part in group lessons. They also have a select number of livery places available and a welcoming cafe to enjoy after your exertions in the saddle.

Prices: from £50 for a 30min private lesson or 1hr group lesson (£25 for tiny tot rides)

9. Ealing Riding School

Where: 17-19 Gunnersbury Avenue, Ealing, London W5 3XD

Hop on the district line underground to Ealing Common or the Piccadilly line to Acton Town where you’ll find the small, friendly stables of Ealing Riding School. They welcome complete beginners from the age of four to experienced riders, all of whom can enjoy lessons in outdoor arenas from an experienced team of instructors on one of their 28 horses ranging from 11h to 16.2hh. Choose from private, semi-private, group or jumping lesssons and there is BHS stage one and two training, plus limited disability rides. There’s a fantastic range of activities for children to take part in, plus competitions, a vibrant Pony Club and even a reading group.

Prices: from £33 for a 30min children’s group lesson or £49 for a 1hr group lesson for adults.

10. Docklands Equestrian Centre and Newham Riding School

Where: 2 Clapsgate Lane, Beckton, London E6 6JF

Nestled just off the A13 in Beckton, East London, you’ll find 22 horses and ponies stabled at Docklands EC in an open-plan American style barn next to a 20x60m indoor arena and a floodlit 20x40m outdoor arena where lessons are available to riders of all abilities. There are regular competitions and clinics, as well as the ever-popular range of children’s activities. For riders over the age of 12 who want to gain experience in stable management, there is a points-based volunteers programme leading to free riding lessons.

Prices: pony rides for tiny riders start from £1.50 per lap while a 1hr adult group lesson is £35.

11. Trent Park Equestrian Centre

Where: Bramley Road, London N14 4UW

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle at this vibrant riding school just five minutes walk from Oakwood tube station on the Piccadilly line, offering a wealth of options for horse riding in London. From group and individual lessons, to livery services, BHS training, showjumping and cross-country lessons to exhilarating hacking through the stunning surroundings of Trent Country Park for competent riders and three-hour pub rides, plus pony days for children, Trent Park Equestrian Centre has something for all horse-mad Londoners.

Prices: 1/2hr private lessons for children start at £35, 45min group lessons for adults start at £53

12. Deen City Farm

Where: 39 Windsor Avenue, Merton Abbey, Nr Wimbledon, London SW19 2RR

A five-acre slice of the countryside in south-west London, Deen City Farm is one of the city’s oldest urban farms with a riding school offering affordable lessons to the local community. Run as a charity, there are 12 horses and ponies stabled on site, all of whom can be sponsored, and are available for pony rides or adult lessons in the floodlit outdoor arena, or you can book a simulator lesson on “Robohorse”. The “own a pony” days for children aged eight or over during school holidays are extremely popular, too.

Prices: from £29 for half-hour lead rides for children, adult lessons start from £39

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“A SUPPLY and demand predicament”, licensing and rising costs are among the issues faced by riding schools, as action is planned to protect their future.

British Equestrian (BEF) worked with the British Horse Society (BHS), the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS), the Pony Club and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) on “ground-breaking” research on the sector, and has now revealed its results.

A survey was sent to nearly 1,700 centres in March, and 311 responded.

“The standout message was they are in the midst of a supply and demand predicament, which is both a positive and negative,” a BEF spokesman said. “Interest in riding remains buoyant, but over two thirds of centres are struggling to keep up with enquiries and take on new clients, creating a barrier to increasing participation.

“Conversely, on average, centres are running at 75% capacity due to issues around workforce, paid and volunteer, suitable and affordable horsepower, and skyrocketing costs. Over 70% reported that these issues have been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, compounded by an average of 62% reduction of income since the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.”

Licensing is also having an impact; the “costs, complexity and time involved are considerable”, which is frustrating for some respondents.

“This research data will help us better understand the current challenges, which we can use to work towards a viable future for our riding centres, and I’d like to thank all those who took time to facilitate and complete the survey, which has given us incredible insight,” said BEF head of participation Mandana Mehran Pour.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging time for our riding centres, who have shown remarkable resilience, and there is a degree of optimism. This study has highlighted the diversity of riding centres across the UK landscape, and the struggles they face to adapt and grow to meet challenges.

“British Equestrian, along with member bodies, is determined to support these centres to help equestrianism remain popular and accessible for all. We now need to identify and execute plans to best support these centres and make sure they can convert interest into income through what will be another highly turbulent year as the cost-of-living challenges intensify existing issues.”

BEF, with the other organisations involved, has pulled six key findings, from which short-, medium- and long-term projects will be developed. These are: workforce, horsepower, licensing, capacity demands, growth and costs. Plans include addressing the staff shortage, investigating options for sourcing horses, looking at licensing requirements and funding opportunities and monitoring rising costs.

The BEF has already made progress, and is working with Sport England to deliver the £195,000 Together Fund, to which centres can apply for grants.

Andy Holden, who owns Longfield Equestrian Centre in Lancashire with his wife Christine Farnaby, and responded to the survey, told H&H staffing is an issue.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to seems to be struggling to get staff,” he said. “That’s a problem, but rising costs are a big problem too.

“Electricity, feed; we’ve been in business over 40 years and have never known costs rise so much in such a short time. It’s good there are people trying to do something; the BHS helped us through Covid, which was really appreciated, and anything that could help in any way now will also be much appreciated.”

BHS CEO James Hick told H&H the society had given over £1.2m to schools during Covid, and that its careers fund and rehoming project with the RSPCA should help address staffing and horse-sourcing issues.

“This survey confirms that we must all play our part to support the industry so it can thrive,” he said. “Without this support, it could impact equestrianism for future generations”

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A joint effort has been launched to try to safeguard the future of Britain’s riding centres, for which a “viable future has never been more uncertain”.

British Equestrian, working with the British Horse Society, the Association of British Riding Schools, the Riding for the Disabled Association and the Pony Club, as well as riding centres across the country, has initiated the “groundbreaking” project.

An online survey has been sent to some 1,700 centres, with questions covering capacity, staffing and activities, as well as challenges related to viability, profitability and marketing.

“A viable future for our riding centres has never been more uncertain,” said British Equestrian head of participation Mandana Mehran Pour.

“Riding centres and schools face a series of difficulties, not least those presented by the global pandemic in recent years. Costs are rising, the licensing process is more complex than ever, and a shortage of suitable staff and horses are just some of the early indications from proprietors of the issues they’re facing.

“We aim to deliver accurate and meaningful data that gives a ‘health check’ on the nation’s riding centres, which can then be used to target areas for improvement and where help is most needed. It also will give us facts to present in our lobbying of Government on the issues, as well as present a realistic picture of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector.”

All responses will be confidential and anonymous, and participants will be entered into a draw to win feed worth over £1,200 from British Equestrian partners Dodson & Horrell.

The survey is open until midnight on 27 March. Riding schools that have not been sent a survey link by one of the above organisations but would like to take part are asked to email participation@bef.co.uk.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

RIDING schools have called for changes to the licensing system, warning that the industry is facing a “national crisis”.

Owners have told H&H that they are required to carry out vast amounts of paperwork and wade through endless red tape, which means a huge workload, and less time to spend on the nature of their business. The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 are due to be reviewed in 2023, five years after they were introduced, and it is thought this could be an opportunity for change.

Sue Nevill-Parker, of Arrow Equestrian riding school, told H&H: “We need to act or it will all be swept under the carpet and in 20 years’ time, there will be no riding schools. We need to take licensing out of the hands of local authorities and put it with people who know what they’re doing.”

Ms Nevill-Parker looked into the subject as she encountered issues with her licensing. Hers has now been renewed, but she feels strongly that the system needs to change.

“The existing regulations for riding school licences are not fit for purpose and need a complete overhaul,” she said. “We should not be lumped together with kennels and catteries and while I agree that riding schools should be inspected so that they meet minimum standards, piles of paperwork do not prove that things are being done properly.

“Furthermore, [some] licensing officers don’t know one end of a horse from the other, and the licensing inspection makes no reference to teaching which is, after all, our sole reason for existence.”

Ms Nevill-Parker said vets visit to check all the horses, which she supports, but she does not understand the need for the “extra layer of bureaucracy, from people who know nothing about horses”.

She said she now has to spend more time on paperwork than she does teaching, adding: “We’re all terrified the licensing officer will come on the yard, find one little thing they say is non-compliant and we’re out of a job. If it was in the hands of the [British Horse Society] BHS or [Association of British Riding Schools] ABRS instead, I don’t think anyone would complain, as they know the industry, know horses and would have good standards.”

Paula Leverton, of Four Winds Equestrian Centre, is also an ABRS trustee. She told H&H that although Defra has recently updated the guidelines to make some of the language easier to understand, “a big issue is inconsistency”.

“It’s how the guidelines are interpreted,” she said. “There seems to be no consistency in the documents people are asked to produce, and there’s so much documentation.”

Ms Leverton said some requirements, such as documenting each horse’s workload, are simple as she uses an online booking system that records each animal’s hours. She also has to log the horses’ weight, saddle checks, worm programmes and field maintenance.

“The idea is good, but I’d like it to be less onerous,” she said. “I nearly didn’t get a five-star rating last time because they wanted to see how we proved we mucked out. Anyone could look over a stable door and see if it’s clean or not, but it’s all the paper-shuffling.

“I understand they need to see if horses are looked after, but there has to be a limit in what they ask for. Riding schools are a dying industry, which has had a wretched two years.”

ABRS trustee George Baber told H&H many council licensing officers are very good.

“In England, at least, I think the guidance is pretty clear,” he said. “Is all of it totally necessary? That’s a separate question, but licensing is essentially about the welfare of the horses, and I find most licensing officers pretty sympathetic. It does vary with individuals, but that’s on the whole.”

Mr Baber said for the ABRS or BHS to take on licensing inspections, they would need a system of accreditation and quality control and a robust system to ensure consistency, which would cost a significant amount. It would also need relevant legislation to be amended, which he said is unlikely.

“There’s no easy way round it,” he said. “We know it’s difficult for riding schools and that this system is burdensome, but that doesn’t necessarily make it wrong. What the ABRS can do for members is help them navigate the regulations and achieve [licensing] in the best way they can.”

Defra provided H&H with “background” on the issue, explaining that the licensing regulations brought in three years ago were “developed to help improve welfare standards across a range of activities involving animals that are licensed by local authorities and are accompanied by statutory guidance notes for each activity”.

The review of the regulations next year will involve “key sector representatives” including the BHS.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

THE owner of a major riding school that has been forced to close after 40 years hopes the “difficult” decision will spark debate about the future viability of equestrian businesses.

Pennie Cornish had a waiting list of clients at Greenacres Equestrian, Hertfordshire, which had taught generations of riders, and been a Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) centre for decades.

But she told H&H the combination of health and safety regulations, licensing requirements and “mountains” of paperwork, spiralling costs of business rates and recruitment issues have made the business unviable.

“I’ve had other businesses saying to me, ‘You’re a big, well-respected riding school; what chance do we have?’” Pennie said. “Lots of people have been saying riding schools were their lives when they were kids, and we’ve always had the RDA; what happens to all those people now?”

Pennie cited one example of the bureaucracy and paperwork riding schools face.

“We had 40 horses and ponies here before Covid, and we’re supposed to get the weight tape on all of them weekly, record the measurements and send them to the council, to show we’re looking after them,” she said. “They want you to document every single thing in every way; it’s time-consuming and pointless, most of the time, because the people they should be looking at aren’t the ones being checked.”

Pennie said business rates are a huge issue. H&H has reported on the issues faced by equestrian businesses in this area; some faced a 350% increase in the most recent revaluation.

“We’re in a high-ish bracket for rates but some places near London are charged £100,000 a year,” she said. “That’s terrible.”

Other issues include health and safety regulations that limit what pony-mad children are allowed to do on the yard, Pennie said, “although they were probably far healthier and safer on the yard than on the streets or in front of a screen”, so limiting their opportunities.

“We had one lad who showed up aged 13 as teachers said he needed something, he was angry – he left last year aged 32,” she added.

“The Government should subsidise riding schools, like they do in European countries, because without them there’s no industry. Racing is massive money, let alone showjumping.”

And Pennie added that without riding schools, there would be far fewer top riders, citing Phillip Miller, who has been at Greenacres since he was seven, and Ben Walker, who learnt at a riding school and came second in the Horse of the Year Show grand prix this year.

“It’s the beginning of the end,” she said. “If this goes on, we’ll have nothing but dodgy dealers at one end and an elitist sport at the other. Something has to be done.”

Association of British Riding Schools trustee George Baber told H&H it is always concerning when a riding school closes.

“It is a loss for the owners, staff and clients, and can leave a local gap,” he said. “The closure of large schools is even more of an issue because they often also serve as venues for training, competition and other events. Our members are seeing cost pressures, including the high cost of horses, and the increase in basics such as feed and hay.

“We are expecting business rates to be waived for next year, announced in the Budget, but the details of applicability are to be confirmed. While this is welcome, costs are likely to increase, creating real risks in a low-margin industry. We would encourage all schools to look at their operations and at additional ways to raise income, on and off horse.

“That said, we have also seen encouraging signs also. Our members have been incredibly busy following the lifting of Covid restrictions, and we have recently had new members join, as livery yards have converted to combined schools and livery yards. It is too early to determine whether this is a trend or not.

H&H asked the Government whether it would consider any subsidising of riding schools and was told that “the Government absolutely recognises the importance of sport and physical activity towards the nation’s mental health”.

A spokesman added that riding schools had been eligible for much funding related to the pandemic.

Councillor Mandy McNeil, of St Albans City and District Council, told H&H: “I’m very sorry to hear that Greenacres riding school is closing and gather that this is due to a number of reasons.

“As regards animal welfare regulations, these are set by the Government and a new Act came into force three years ago to improve conditions for animals in places [including] riding schools.

“We have a duty to ensure businesses comply with these regulations. We are very supportive of our local businesses and are always happy to discuss any concerns they may have to see what help we can provide.”

Cllr McNeil also cited Government grants, distributed by the council.

• What do you think could be done to help save our riding schools? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

GOVERNMENT restart grants to help businesses reopen safely as restrictions ease have caused some confusion as official guidance states “indoor riding schools” are eligible, when outdoor ones may also be.

The Government announced that the scheme would support “businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors” with a one-off grant, of up to £18,000 for the latter four sectors.

It stated that a business may be eligible if it is based in England, rate-paying, in the above sectors and trading on 1 April.The accompanying guidance includes “indoor riding schools” among the eligible businesses, leading to some schools being turned down for grants as they only had outdoor arenas.

But a Government spokesman confirmed to H&H that this list of businesses is not exhaustive, and both indoor and outdoor riding schools are eligible.

Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) trustee George Baber told H&H: “We’re extremely pleased. Most riding schools are currently in debt, and this will be an opportunity to give them at least a start as they enter, hopefully, a new era.

“And of course we really don’t know what the future holds; it still looks like a bumpy road.”

Mr Baber said he foresees some issues, as the Government said councils will be responsible for determining whether businesses are entitled to a grant.

“The issue is that local authorities are saying ‘it says indoors and not outdoors’,” he said, adding that he will spread the word to ABRS members on the Government confirmation.

Laureen Evans, who runs Manston Riding Centre in Kent, applied for the grant but was refused as she has no indoor arenas.

“Ski slopes and farms where you go and visit the animals have had it, and I know someone who’s got two outdoor arenas but also an indoor for beginners, and the cheque arrived by return of post,” she told H&H.

“It’s their good fortune and I wish them well but because I’ve got two outdoors, we haven’t had it.”

She was delighted to hear the Government clarification, adding: “We’ve been closed all year until April, and it’s been a struggle as we’ve had all the ongoing bills; animals to feed and staff to pay as the horses still need caring for, insurance. I’m really pleased.”

A Government spokesman confirmed both outdoor and indoor schools are eligible, as long as they meet the “leisure” definition in the guidance.

Continues below…

‘Please help’: owner of struggling riding school appeals to H&H readers in time of crisis

‘I can’t bear to think of closing’: riding school’s £15,000 monthly costs with no income highlights lockdown reality

‘I’m trying so hard to be positive but I go home at night and think ‘What the hell am I

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

“We know this is a very challenging period for businesses across the UK, which is why we have provided an unprecedented £352bn package of support since the start of the pandemic,” she told H&H.

“Leisure businesses, including indoor and outdoor riding schools, have been able to claim grant support throughout the pandemic, including one-off restart grants of up to £18,000 to support them as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

“We have issued clear guidance to local authorities on business categorisation and grant eligibility, and continue to monitor them to ensure businesses are receiving the support they need.”

Have you been turned down for the grant as you run an outdoor school? Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A fundraising page has been set up in an attempt to help desperate riding schools survive the next month.

The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) wants to raise as much as possible, to get yards through to 29 March, when they can give lessons again.

H&H has reported on the struggles faced by riding schools in this third national lockdown, with all the normal winter costs of keeping horses, no income and very little financial support.

Donate to the fundraising page here

ABRS trustee George Baber told H&H it is clear there are a number of riding schools “on the brink of closure”, and that between 10 and 20% of its school members have closed in the past year.

“Some of them don’t need much to get them through to when they can open,” he said.

“We won’t make huge sums but if I can give them a couple of grand each, that might just get them through this last stage.”

Riding schools that are also further education providers will be able to give some lessons from 8 March, but the majority have to wait a further three weeks, until the “rule of six” will apply.

“At the moment, British Equestrian is trying to get instructors and helpers excluded from the six, as otherwise, lessons with children who need leaders can only have two riders, which isn’t economically viable,” Mr Baber said. “I think we can do that in a Covid-secure way.”

Mr Baber urged anyone who can to donate, as every little will help.

“There are some areas now where there’s no riding school provision at all, and that’s a dreadful loss; to the sport, and elite sport in due course.

“And people still want to ride, so we see them buying a pony for the kids, with no one to teach them properly.

Continues below…

‘I can’t bear to think of closing’: riding school’s £15,000 monthly costs with no income highlights lockdown reality

‘I’m trying so hard to be positive but I go home at night and think ‘What the hell am I

‘Please help’: owner of struggling riding school appeals to H&H readers in time of crisis

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“Anything that can be given will help, and we need to do it quickly; we can’t start giving the money out in June as that’ll be too late.”

The ABRS has guidance on its website for riding schools, some of which have been told by local authorities they cannot use indoor schools for lessons when they reopen, despite the fact the Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has previously ruled that covered arenas need not be treated as indoor spaces.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Scottish riding schools are facing all the same challenge as those in England and Wales during this third lockdown, but there are different challenges when it comes to funding. H&H finds out more

DESPERATE Scottish riding schools have spoken out over the lack of financial support as they face their third lockdown in 12 months.

The Scottish government has a range of support options for businesses, but as riding schools do not have to close under current restrictions, they are not eligible.

Horsescotland chairman Grant Turnbull explained that there are two grants: the business interruption grant, for those that have to close, and the business restriction grant, for those that have had to make material changes to the way the business is operating.

“The difficulty with the equestrian community is that equestrian centres are allowed to stay open,” Mr Turnbull told H&H.

“It’s great that riding schools can give one-to-one lessons, but by being on that list, they’re not eligible for the funds. Some have taken the opportunity to give those one-to-one lessons but for others, it’s not worth it, but then they don’t get the support.”

Mr Turnbull said he hopes most riding schools are affiliated to the British Horse Society (BHS), the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) or Trekking and Riding Scotland (TRSS). He said riding schools should approach these member bodies, and then Horsescotland can act as the sector’s “collective voice”, submitting their concerns to Sport Scotland and ultimately the Scottish government.

“From my experience, that’s by far the best way to get the ear of the right people,” he said.

Mr Turnbull praised the efforts of campaigner Lesley McCourt, who has been lobbying councils to try to get riding schools the help they need, and conducting a survey to find out how badly businesses have been affected.

Lesley told H&H she has been contacting councillors, members of the Scottish parliament and government departments but has had no luck in securing more support.

“People are falling through the gaps,” she said. “One of my friends has raised about £4,000 by various means but her costs in December were £8,000. This is a marginal business to be in anyway and these circumstances are disastrous.”

Respondents to Lesley’s survey said they are relying on savings, raffling lessons and running fundraising pages to stay afloat. Many were told they were not eligible for support during this lockdown. Of 27 businesses, most had applied for temporary closure grants but were refused; most had had support during the first lockdown but nothing since.

“One friend has had clients paying for lessons in advance but when they have their lessons, there won’t be that money coming in,” Lesley said. “It’s a perfect storm; an absolute nightmare.”

Lesley praised British Dressage Scotland and feed manufacturer Spillers for their support.

Alison Clinton of Phoenix Riding School, West Calder, told H&H she felt she had to close to comply with the “stay at home” message. She has been very grateful for her father William’s help with the horses and as he has been selling his paintings to help raise funds.

Mr Clinton said that as her daughter rents her yard, she was not eligible for the grant that was paid to businesses with rateable values last spring, and she has not been eligible for support recently.

“Alison’s costs can range from £4,000 to £8,000 a month. She applied for the self-employed grant but only got a couple of thousand, and that doesn’t go far,” he said. “If you weren’t making a good profit, you get nothing, but if you’re making millions, you’ll get a grant; it seems a bit lopsided. We will survive, thanks to the fundraising and donations, but it won’t be comfortable.”

As H&H went to press, we were told Alison had been awarded some financial support.

Caroline Buckle of Tower Farm in Edinburgh has received the business interruption grant of £2,000 every four weeks.

She told H&H she is very grateful, but “it still doesn’t touch the sides”.

“The problem is there’s a discrepancy in Scotland; some councils are paying and some aren’t,” she said. “I’ve part-furloughed some staff but wages are still costing me £550 a week, feed £600 to £800, water and power about £400 each, and there’s insurance and all the other costs; it’s not good. I think as a community we need to lobby to get business rates reduced as they’re ridiculous, to get a reprieve and help get businesses back on their feet.”

ABRS chairman Jane Williams told H&H the situation for riding schools is “pretty grim”.

“Some will come out the other side, but with less assets, cash gone, some will have had loans that then have to be paid for,” she said. “In the past year, many have only had five months’ trading, and it’s a low-margin business anyway.”

The ABRS is working on ways to help people reduce costs, and emphasising to the Government the need for more support; Ms Williams said some MPs are on side to push for help.

“We need to redouble our efforts, and if people are worried, they need to write to their MPs about it,” she said. “We recognise there are scarce resources to go round, and the Government is in a difficult position, but this will damage the industry. Hopefully we can get as many riding schools through this as possible.”

A Scottish government spokesman said: “Since the start of the pandemic we have allocated more than £3 billion to support businesses across Scotland. The Strategic Framework Business Fund provides monthly grants for businesses required by law to close or to significantly modify their operations.

“In addition, our £60 million local authority discretionary fund is empowering local authorities to direct funding to specific groups or sectors within their areas. The use of this funding is entirely at the discretion of local authorities based on the specific needs of their local economies.”

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The Supreme Court has made a ruling on business interruption insurance that could affect riding schools and other equestrian businesses. H&H speaks to the experts to find out what this means

A SUPREME Court ruling in favour of small businesses’ receiving payments from business interruption insurance policies during the pandemic could be good news for the equestrian industry.

In May 2020, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched proceedings to gain clarity for businesses trying to claim on business interruption policies owing to the coronavirus. The FCA stated there was a widespread concern about the lack of positive responses to claims and the basis on which some insurers were making decisions in relation to claims.

The FCA asked 56 insurance companies to provide information on their business interruption policies, following which a representative sample of policy wordings was selected. Eight insurers were then asked to participate in a High Court test case to review the sample. The FCA argued that clauses around “disease” and “denial of access” provide cover in the circumstances of the pandemic.

In September, the High Court ruled in favour of the FCA on the majority of the key issues. The judgement found that most of the disease clauses did provide cover, as did certain denial of access clauses – but because the FCA and insurers could not reach agreement, the FCA launched a “leapfrog” appeal to the Supreme Court.

On 15 January, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the FCA. This means thousands of policyholders will now have their claims for coronavirus-related business interruption losses paid – but each policy needs to be considered against the judgement for a decision to be made.

Solicitor Hannah Bradley of the Equine Law Firm told H&H this was an “important judgement” for small businesses who have been affected by the pandemic. “Those who believe they may have cover, or who believe their insurer has wrongfully refused to pay them, should take action,” she said.

“The court has only reviewed a sample of policy wordings from the insurers who participated in the proceedings. However, it enables businesses to apply that guidance to their own policies.”

Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) chairman Jane Williams told H&H the ruling was “positive” but that it is a “complex” matter, and the ABRS advises its members to speak to their insurers.

“Any payment at the moment is a salvation for centres who have had a tough year,” she said. “If a payment is enough to pay a feed bill or pay one member of staff, it all helps.”

Sally McCarthy, of Aberdeen Riding Club, told H&H the centre has a business interruption policy.

“It’s such an unprecedented situation, business interruption for Covid was never thought of. We had our business interruption in place for a horse infectious disease such as strangles, rather than any thought a pandemic would hit.

“We’re lucky that we have a diverse income source between having liveries and offering online training – whereas there are centres not in that position, and for them the business interruption insurance would be a crucial part of their crisis management,” she said.

Association of British Insurers director general Huw Evans said the insurance industry expects to pay out more than £1.8bn in Covid-related claims across a range of products, including business interruption policies.

“Customers who have made claims that are affected by the test case will be contacted by their insurer to discuss what the judgement means for their claim,” he said.

“All valid claims will be settled as soon as possible and in many cases, the process of settling claims has begun.”

A spokesman for insurance provider NFU Mutual told H&H the ruling does not alter the business’s previous assessment that its policies do not respond to Covid-related losses. He added that NFU Mutual’s policy wordings were not put forward by the FCA for consideration and the insurer was not part of the test case.

“Our policy wordings are written to be as clear as possible, reflecting that cover for the cost of a pandemic is beyond our risk appetite,” he said.

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Sheila Layton MBE FABRS, the co-founder of Contessa Riding Centre in Hertfordshire, died on 9 November aged 87, following a period of ill health.

Mrs Layton was known for her love of quality horses, her dedication to Contessa and her work for the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS).

She was born in 1933 in Wrecclesham, Surrey, where she lived until she met Ron. The couple married in 1954 and moved to Benghazi, Libya, with Ron’s army career, and there she developed a love of riding.

On returning to the UK three years later the couple lived in Kent and welcomed their daughter Tina in 1959. In 1968, the family moved to Hertfordshire, where they bought a home with land and Mrs Layton attended evening classes on stable management.

In 1970, during a family holiday in Devon, Mrs Layton “fell in love” with a 15.2hh part-bred Arab mare called Worthwhile. The family bought her, and two years later bought a pony, Rendezvous, for Tina, followed by a gelding, Dandy, for Ron.

Mrs Layton and Tina planned to start a business buying and selling horses, and bought an unhandled Welsh mountain pony, with the assistance of their friend Cliff Carrick. Tina told H&H Mrs Layton fell in love with the mare, named Contessa, and they decided to keep her to breed from.

“We then fell in love with the foal and ended up keeping her too. We realised the only way to make the business work was to make money from teaching so I took my instructor exams and Contessa was formed in 1977,” Tina said.

While Tina ran the teaching side of the business, Mrs Layton dealt with the administration and accounting. The riding school catered for riders from beginner to advanced level, and was known for its classical methods of teaching, welcoming visiting trainers including the former first chief rider at the Spanish Riding School, Arthur Kottas.

Mrs Layton and Tina also bred Arabs, which were used in the riding school. The mother and daughter enjoyed travelling to World Arabian Horse Organisation conferences around the world.

“The Arabs were super to teach with. My mother knew quality and she always wanted us to have the best horses we could get for the riding school,” said Tina.

Mrs Layton was a member of the executive team of the ABRS. She became chairman of the association’s inspections sub-committee, and Contessa became an examination centre for the ABRS advanced teaching diploma. In 2006 Mrs Layton was awarded fellowship of the association for her dedication and commitment to the organisation, and in 2010 was appointed MBE for her services to the equestrian industry.

Mrs Layton took great pride in Tina’s dressage career, watching her daughter represent Great Britain in the Stubbing Court CDI in 2000. The following year Tina and her partner Paul welcomed their son Zak, who followed his mother and grandmother into riding.

“My mother was very proud of him. She loved to watch him ride,” said Tina.

Tina said she and her mother had always been together and “a real partnership”, especially following Ron’s death in 2004.

“Later in life she slowed down her work for ABRS but she continued doing the administration for Contessa. She was so well organised and would do five-year plans,” she said.

“She loved her garden and planted woodland all around it. She also enjoyed playing bridge and table tennis and was very competitive in table tennis, but not to win – she was competitive with herself and had to play her best,” said Tina.

Continued below… 

Renowned riding school scaling down after 40 years

The riding school has made the ‘heartbreaking’ decision to close the main part of its operation as a result of finances

Following Mrs Layton’s death in November Tina said she had received many messages about her mother.

“People have said she was elegant, beautiful and charming. She was known as being formidable; she was tough but always fair,” she said.

“It’s been really nice reading some of the things people have said, and she was held in very good respect.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Is equestrianism in danger of losing the interest — and investment — of riders to other sports because of a lack of accessible facilities?

Leading figures in the equestrian industry believe so.

Ashley Parasram, co-founder of Riding Club London (RCL), which caters for people in and around London who may or may not have their own horse, believes that a lack of riding schools providing decent horses and quality instruction is causing fallout from the sport.

“There is simply not the means for more experienced riders, who don’t have their own horse, to enjoy riding at a reasonable level,” said the former treasurer and chairman of the Civil Service Riding Club and who was a key figure in the Olympic equestrian legacy’s consultation process.

“The feedback from members is that people are consistently drawing a blank when it comes to finding places to ride.”

Meeting needs of riders

HOOF, the Olympic legacy project, has made a concerted effort to grow the sport, but its energies have primarily focused on encouraging new participants to sign up for lessons rather than meeting the needs of existing riders with a desire to improve.

Laura Graham was an active member of Edinburgh University’s equestrian club and was confidently jumping round 90cm courses by the time she graduated.

She was keen to continue riding when she left, but struggled to find a facility near to her base in Leeds that could provide high-quality tuition on good horses.

“The first place I went to I was put on a 14.2hh cob that had two speeds — slow and slower,” she told H&H. “I stuck with it for a few weeks, but I soon became bored. I tried a few other places, but none ticked the box. I sometimes ride a friend’s horse, but it’s not the same as having proper tuition.”

H&H’s acting digital editorial director Carol Phillips has had a similar experience. “A while ago I wanted to find somewhere local [on the Herts/Beds border] to have some schoolmaster lessons, but there seemed to be nowhere that could cater for a rider at my level,” she said.

H&H columnist Pammy Hutton, (pictured, top), proprietor of Talland, has long championed the riding schools’ cause and strongly believes in the importance of accessible, top-quality training and tuition for all.

“Many a top rider across all disciplines has sprung from a riding school,” she said.“As the growth of cycling has proved, it’s all about accessibility, but yet again the British Horse Society has confirmed a fall in the number of approved establishments.”

Is there a solution?

Mr Parasram believes that existing riding schools need to adopt a more focused, strategic approach.

“There appears to be a disparity between the service establishments are delivering and what riders are expecting,” he said. “Generally, riding schools are run by people with a passion for what they do rather than a CV bursting with business acumen; we need to train passionate people on how to grow their business rather than get by on a day-to-day basis.”

He would like to see more riding schools with horses capable of carrying adults (including men) over 1m-plus fences, and preferential young person riding rates to encourage new graduates who like horses to keep riding rather than finding a new sport.

But it works both ways.

“If riders do not continue to support riding schools once they reach a certain level, it won’t be financially viable for riding schools to continue to cater for them,” pointed out Andrew Stennett, owner of Grove House Stables near Doncaster and head of education for the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS).

“Buying and keeping advanced schoolmasters is expensive.”Mr Stennett also believes that the industry still struggles to shake off the riding school label.

“As a brand, the British riding school is respected worldwide, but it is still often associated with shaggy ponies. The truth is that many yards now have very modern facilities, are tech-savvy, and offer riders real value for money,” he added.

Some centres seem to have struck a successful balance between delivering high-level tuition and tapping into alternative sources of revenue. Talland has opened its doors to overseas students and has become the UK’s first non-college provider of education and training up to the BHS instructor qualification, while Quob Stables in Hampshire has invested in a state of the art dressage simulator.

Chessington EC in Surrey provides hirelings for the Surrey Union Hunt and horses for modern pentathlon.

“We have a good mixture of horses here and I’d say the split between novice and more experienced riders is roughly 80:20,” said the centre’s manager, Donna Candeland.

“We listen to what our clients want and have a good selection of horses that can jump reasonable-height fences.”

Everyone agrees that while there is no one solution to providing riding on tap, to whoever wants it, equestrianism can learn much from other sports.

“Where I do feel we are missing a trick is getting our star riders to become more involved with riding schools,” said Andrew Stennett. “If you look at cycling and rowing, there is a lot more interaction between the top level and the grassroots end and this is good for the industry as a whole.”

Ref: H&H 16/10/15

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A new defibrillator launched for sports clubs could benefit riding schools in remote areas.

The Defibtech Lifeline VIEW automated external defibrillator (AED) by Martek Lifecare has been used by the airline industry for several years but is now available for the leisure industry.

The AED is the first to offer step-by-step visual feedback for performing CPR, rescue breathing and external defibrillation.

There are clear video instructions for checking and changing the pads, battery pack and data card.

The rescuer is taken through each step of the rescue via a full colour video screen.

There are over 100,000 deaths due to cardiac arrest (SCA) in the UK each year.

Without defibrillation to the heart within the first few minutes the changes of survival are dramatically reduced and without treatment 90-95% of victims of SCA will die.

Health clubs and gyms are prime locations for people of all ages to suffer from sudden cardiac arrest said Martek Lifecare.

Survival rates are as low as 2% if no electrical shock is provided to stimulate the heart.

“A number of sports facilities are realising the benefits of having an automated external defibrillator on site. Sudden cardiac disease is the world’s biggest killer and by simply providing an electrical shock to the heart that person’s chance of survival is improved by 20%. That’s the difference between saving a life,” said Steve Coulson, director at Martek Lifecare.

He said the company’s Lifeline range of defibrillators “has proven more popular in recent years” following cases of high profile footballers suffering “from the seemingly random effects of SCA.”

Julian Marczak of the the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) said the organisation welcomes any health and safety initiative which has the potential to save lives.

“However, before recommending to our member riding schools that they equip themselves with the defibrillator launched by Martek we would wish to be assured that the form of training offered is sufficient, particularly given the considerable level of responsibility placed on the user,” he added.

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In its 60th year the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) has been awarded charitable status.

The change will financially benefit the organisation as it will allow greater access to funding and Gift Aid to be applied on donations.

The organisation hopes that the change will enable it to offer greater benefits to its membership.

ABRS chairman, Julian Marczak, said: “In our 60th year what better way for the ABRS to celebrate than acquiring charitable status.

“Following a detailed consultation process, we decided that becoming a charity would bring about a number of clear advantages to the Association. We welcome the change with great enthusiasm.

“There has been much more to celebrate in the ABRS 60th anniversary including gaining access to the Register of Training Organisations, taking on the first ABRS Apprentices, continued success with the UKCC, a revival underway with the Association’s own qualifications and tests, new IT systems, better communications with members and more efficient ways of integrating with Scottish members.”

The ABRS is following in the footsteps of several other equestrian bodies that have been awarded charitable status this year.

British Dressage was granted the status earlier this year and British Eventing announced the creation of a charitable foundation in July.

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The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) has introduced a new scheme appointing “nominated centres of excellence”. This incorporates yards that have exceptional facilities, training and horse management, but are neither a riding school or livery yard.

The first nominated centre was awarded last Monday (12 November) to dressage rider Sarah Pidgley, who runs a private yard, Kilbees Farm, in Windsor.

Julian Marczak, ABRS chairman, said: “In this way we shall seek to develop our network of centres and continue to create opportunities for those who seek inspiration and wish to work with horses at a higher level.”

He said the ABRS will “continue its first role as the professional organisation for riding schools”, but wishes to increase its contribution to the sport.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (15 November, ’07)

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Helen Foulger of Valley Farm Riding and Driving Centre, Wickham Market, Suffolk has been awarded the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) Golden Spur Award for 2005.

The 21-year-old was chosen from the short-listed nominees for having the perfect combination of quality instruction, commercial acumen and endless enthusiasm for her work.

Phoebe, as Foulger is more commonly known, will receive free entry to an ABRS exam of her choice, as well as the prestigious Golden Spur trophy. Sarah Ling, proprietor of Valley Farm, nominated Foulger after employing her for the past five years.

Ling says: “Phoebe learnt to ride here as a child and then joined us as a student on leaving school. She is a high flyer and an extremely hard worker and we are thrilled that she has won this prestigious award. No one deserves this recognition as much as she does.”

Lynn Chantrey, from Southrey Riding Stables in Lincolnshire, was the runner up and received free membership of the ABRS Teachers Association.

Meanwhile, the ABRS has elected Julian Marczak, as its new chairman. He succeeds Duncan Brown, who will continue as an executive member.

Marczak runs Kings Barn Equestrian in Ashurst, West Sussex. He was co-proprietor — with his mother, Suzanne — and chief instructor of Suzanne’s Riding School in Harrow, Middlesex, until the centre closed in March last year after 65 years under the same ownership.

Marczak said: “With the support of the ABRS executive, I will do everything possible to help meet the future needs of our industry.”