Horse riding in London

Giddyup! Where to go horse riding in London

What’s the most English way to see London? On horseback, of course!

Fancy living the royal life on your holiday to London? Then why not see all of the city’s best attractions from the seat of a stallion. Horseback riding in London is one of the most exhilarating sports and something you’ll remember long after your holiday ends. Head straight to these stables when you’re ready to go riding in London.
Hyde Park Stables
If a horse-drawn carriage is too slow-paced for you, take the reins and trot around the world-renowned Hyde Park on your own. Hyde Park Stables offer group and private rides for both adults and children, as well as horse riding lessons and arena lessons. They have a stable full of horses suited to all levels, so there’s no previous experience necessary. Spend a day riding Rotten Row, England’s most famous equestrian venue for 300 years and an important 2012 Olympic venue. You’ll start at Hyde Park Corner and hack across Serpentine Road and around the lake to see the best of the park’s attractions, including the Diana Princess of Wales Fountain, the Albert Memorial, the Household Calvary Barracks, Apsley House (the home of the Duke of Wellington), the Queen Elizabeth Gate, Speakers Corner and Marble Arch.
Stag Lodge Stables
30 minutes from London city centre is Stag Lodge Stables, where you’re invited to take a ride in Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common. The stables can accommodate one-to-one individual rides, as well as group rides for adults, either in an arena or out in the park. There are more than 25 qualified instructors and over 70 horses, so you’ll definitely find a horse that’s perfect for you. For kids, Stag Lodge Stables put on Pony Week courses during the school holidays as well as the popular Pony Club, which meets every weekend. Even toddlers as young as three can get in on the horsey action with a gentle Shetland pony ride. Be warned though, it won’t be long until they’re hooked on horses!
Wimbledon Village Stables
Just nearby, Stag Lodge Stables is the multi-award winning riding school and livery stables. Wimbledon Village has over 25 horses with group and private lessons for new riders all the way through to experienced equestrians. If you’re looking to up your fitness, Wimbledon Village has a range of bespoke activities which combines technical development with fitness – ride the interactive equine simulator to feel what it’s like in the saddle, or work out in the on-site studio with classes specially designed for equestrians. There are also puts on regular events, in house dressage competitions and charity balls. It’s one of the leading clubs in London horse riding.
Ridgeway Stables
Another club taking advantage of the beautiful Wimbledon Common is Ridgeway Stables, with over 17 miles of picturesque trails to explore. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, Ridgeway is your best bet as they have a tailored one-day course that is guaranteed to have you up in the saddle and cantering before you know it. You don’t need to be a member to ride at Ridgeway and first timers can do a one-time trial to see how they like it. Children are also well looked after with pony rides, birthday party options and a Saturday pony club.
Ham Polo Club
If you’ve always dreamt of playing the sport of kings, give polo a try at the prestigious Ham Polo Club in Richmond, the last remaining polo club in Greater London. Take a private or group lesson with one of the qualified coaches and friendly school ponies, then have a go at your very first chukka. If you prefer a little less hands-on horse action, you can simply sit back and watch the polo pros on Sunday match days.
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