Horse riding in London has a long and fascinating history, from the pursuits of the aristocracy and the elites to the use of horses for everyday work around the city. In the 17th Century, William III created a bridleway through Hyde Park now known as Rotten Row. The path was used as transit between royal residences and soon became a popular place for the who’s who of London to be seen riding. Even today it is where the Household Cavalry, one of the most senior regiments in the British Army, exercise and train their horses.
Today, horse riding is still exceptionally popular in London and there are many wonderful places across the city where you can learn to ride or ride regularly as an experienced equestrian. These inner city locations are often found in some of the most beautiful green spaces and offer an opportunity to enjoy the forests and fields of the city’s parks by horseback. They also preserve London’s long history of horse riding, with many of the stables being among the last of these historic buildings, many of which have long since disappeared. These stables and clubs stand as a testament to the riding culture of the city.
1. Star Lodge Stables, Richmond
Located on the border of the stunning Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common, Star Lodge Stables cater to a range of equestrians, from the very experienced to the total beginner. They are equipped with seven arenas and 70 horses—some of whom are adorable Shetland ponies—who have all been chosen for their sweet and even temperaments. Not only are you able to ride through some of the most thriving parkland London has to offer, but the stables themselves date back to the 17th century and their historic eves call to mind regal images of kings and queens riding in pursuit of game in the royal park. The stables offer pony clubs, private lessons, and livery services and they are one of the most highly rated places to ride in London.
2. Dulwich Riding School, Dulwich
Dating back to the 1960s, Dulwich Riding School is one of the top equestrian schools in London with lengthy waiting lists—new riders can expect to wait up to seven months for a place. However, the wait is well worth it as the team at Dulwich Riding School are extraordinarily passionate about equestrian pursuits and hold themselves to impeccably high standards. Driven by love of horses and the strong bonds with the 18 horses held in the stables, the school offers birthday parties, school bookings, and private lessons, although students must be over the age of six to sign up. Expect to develop an excellent knowledge of horses at this school and to build up a fantastic set of riding skills.
3. Wimbledon Village Stables
This award-winning stables is an adult-only riding club that aims to provide an opportunity for patrons to get out of the city and enjoy some of the glorious countryside in Wimbledon Common. Managed by an excellent team of instructors, the stables have a host of well-schooled horses who have access to miles of gorgeous riding terrain in the common where you can saddle up and unwind. Wimbledon Village Stables is also home to Equicise, an interactive horse simulator which helps riders to train and improve their fitness and confidence. This is a members’ riding club and as a member, you have priority access to stables and riding experiences. The stables also host a variety of lectures and events for horse lovers and there is an Annual Charity Ball, which fosters a beautiful sense of community among members.
4. Hyde Park Stables, Hyde Park
Set in one of London’s most iconic parks, Hyde Park Stables has been offering horse riding in London for over 300 years. The stables here are one of the last standing mews with horses in central London, as many of the others have been torn down or turned into attractive housing. Hyde Park Stables provide riding opportunities for adults and children over the age of four and they welcome all levels of experience, even if you have never before been around horses. They offer arena riding as well as rides around the park and along Rotten Row, a track where it was popular and fashionable to be seen riding in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Hyde Park Stables are at the centre of London’s horse riding history and whether you are a keen rider or a complete beginner, paying a visit is a must.
5. Trent Park Equestrian Centre, Trent Park
This riding centre will make you feel you have escaped the city entirely, nestled as it is in the heart of stunning Trent Country Park. The Equestrian Centre itself is a vibrant and lively environment, offering group and individual lessons, livery services, show jumping and cross-country lessons, and hacking through the park for those who are competent and experienced riders. They also offer pony days for children as a taster for those wanting to get into equestrian pursuits. They have been running for over forty years and are a British Horse Society approved training centre meaning it is a fantastic place for horse lovers, coaching thousands to learn to ride and improve their skills every year.
Whether you are a beginner hoping to break into equestrian sports or an experienced rider looking for an equestrian community and beautiful places to ride, there is somewhere in London for you. These are some of the best stables and riding clubs in the city where you can go to truly enjoy the scenery and the city’s long and rich equestrian history.
