Greater London is spoiled for choice when it comes to Pony Club “Linked Centres” — riding schools that supply safe school ponies so children can join without owning a horse.
1. Trend Park Equestrian Centre - (North London)
2. Lee Valley Riding Centre – (East London)
3. Aldborough Hall Equestrian Centre - (East London / Essex)
4. Barnfields Riding School – (Chongford)
5. Gillian's Riding School – (Enfield)
6. Ebony Horse Club – (Brixton)
7. Park Lanes Stables RDA – (Teddington)
8. Mount Mascal Stables – (Bexley)
9. Old Bexley Equestrian Centre – (Bexley Village)
10. Pine Ridge Riding School – (Knockholt)
British Horse Society Centre of Excellence on the London/Herts border; Pony Club welcomes ages 6–18 (younger riders take standard lessons until ready).
Programme
Costs
£65 per Club Night
£725 per 12-week course
£150 per camp day
Annual PC fee ≈ £37
Facilities
Indoor school, multiple outdoors, cross-country course, café, direct hacks in Trent Country Park
What’s so special
High-level coaching, all-weather arenas, and a pathway straight into BHS exams once Pony Club tests are complete.
Modern council-run complex with indoor arena, two flood-lit outdoors, and a horse simulator; group lessons from age 5, Pony Club holiday events from 8.
Programme
Costs
≈ £22 per 30-min lesson • ≈ £60 per camp day • Annual PC fee £37
Facilities
Indoor arena, on-site café, parking, strong public-transport links, grants for low-income families
What’s so special
One of London’s few indoor centres—reliable all-weather riding inside Zone 2, plus funding support that keeps costs accessible.
Historic 1950s yard on the Ilford–Essex border; lessons & camps from age 5 up to mid-teens.
Programme
Costs
From £22 per 30-min lesson • £50-£60 per camp day • Annual PC fee £42
Facilities
60 × 24 m indoor, two huge outdoor arenas (one 100 × 50 m), cross-country fences, clubhouse/viewing gallery
What’s so special
Year-round indoor riding and a big pony herd give kids variety and confidence—even on rainy days.
.
4. Barnfields Riding School (Chingford)
Five-star yard by Epping Forest; Saddle Club 5–10, full Pony Club 7–18.
Programme
Costs
£15 Saddle Club • £192 per six-week rally block • Pony Mornings/Days £30-£50 • Annual PC fee £37
Facilities
Flood-lit arena, grooming barn, café, and immediate hacking into Epping Forest
What’s so special
Family feel where staff know every child; in-house gymkhanas and forest rides keep learning fun and varied.
Long-running Enfield stable (est. 1965); Unmounted Care Club from age 5, riding lessons booked separately.
Programme
Costs
£20 per Care-Club session (members) • £45 half-day / £80 full-day Pony Day • Annual PC fee ≈ £37
Facilities
Outdoor arena, access to fields, gentle rescue ponies, picnic area
What’s so special
Ideal for nervous beginners—kids master pony care first, building empathy and confidence before they ride.
Charity yard under railway arches; serves ages 8–18 (up to 25 with SEND) within a 2-mile Brixton radius.
Programme
After-school & Sat groups blending riding and yard duties; badges, quizzes, and off-site outings to shows and farms.
Costs
Heavily subsidised or free (donation-based); no starter kit outlay.
Facilities
Compact arena, 8-10 hardy ponies, youth-worker support team
What’s so special
Transforms city kids’ horizons—royal-backed programme that links riding skills to confidence, mentoring, and career goals.
Street-side charity yard saved by public fund-raiser; mixes Riding for the Disabled with Pony Club from ~8 yrs.
Programme
Costs
£45 weekend session • £10 weekday care club • Annual PC fee ≈ £37
Facilities
Stabling for 20, Bushy Park hacks, carriage-driving kit, “cuddle corner” ponies on the pavement
What’s so special
Super-inclusive: able-bodied kids volunteer beside RDA riders, learning empathy as well as horsemanship.
60-acre powerhouse with two indoor arenas; Pony Club up to age 21, including SEN riders.
Programme
Costs
£192 per six-week rally block • Pony Days £50-£80 • Annual PC fee ≈ £40
Facilities
Indoor barns, outdoor arenas, XC course, café, tack shop, woodland hacking
What’s so special
A complete Pony Club “universe”: big camp culture, Young Equestrian Leaders awards, and every badge or discipline you can imagine.
9. Old Bexley Equestrian Centre (Bexley Village)
Cosy, family-run yard; Shetland Club 2–10 and main Pony Club 5–20.
Programme
Costs
£20-£30 per rally • £25 Shetland session • Annual PC fee £42
Facilities
Flood-lit outdoor arena, mini-pony herd, snug clubroom with hot-choc badge sessions
What’s so special
Perfect “first Pony Club” for little ones—hands-on, community-driven, and big on mentorship between older and younger kids.
Rural Kent yard 10 min from Bromley; lessons from age 4, Pony Club 5-16.
Programme
Costs
£28 per rally • Camp and club-day rates vary • Annual PC fee ≈ £37
Facilities
Outdoor arena, country-lane hacks, rustic livery yard, themed educational rallies (knot-tying, poisonous plants)
What’s so special
No-frills, all-thrills countryside experience—kids get muddy, tough, and confident while parents enjoy the fresh air and extra space.
Essentials | Nice-to-Have |
---|---|
Fitted riding helmet | Gloves |
Long pants (jodhpurs/leggings) | Yard-proof jacket |
Boots with a small heel | Centre-branded polo/sweatshirt |
Centres loan helmets and ponies; a plain collared shirt is fine for first visits. Hair must be tied back, and jewelry removed. Official sweatshirts, badges, and pins become handy once children start tests or competitions—but there’s no rush.
Do we need to own a pony?
No. Linked Centres supply well-schooled ponies for every activity, from lead-rein to jumping. If your child eventually buys or loans a pony, most yards will happily work the new mount into lessons.
What age can my child start?
Many centres run “mini” sessions from four, but full Pony Club rallies usually start at five or six—old enough to follow instructions. Under-eights often join lead-rein clubs such as Pony Stars or Saddle Club.
Is it safe?
Yes. Pony Club Centres follow strict British Horse Society guidelines. Coaches are DBS-checked and first-aid certified, helmets are compulsory, and beginners often have a leader until they can stop and steer independently.
What equipment must we buy?
For a first visit, just long trousers and a shoe or boot with a small heel. Centres lend helmets (and sometimes boots). Invest in your own properly-fitted helmet and jodhpurs once your child is committed; sweatshirts and badges can wait.
How much does Pony Club cost?
Expect £37-£42 per year for national membership (insurance, magazine, badge log) plus £5-£35 per rally, depending on location and session length. Holiday camps range £50-£150 per day. Booking a whole term is usually cheaper than pay-as-you-go.
How is progress tracked?
Children collect over 130 Achievement Badges (grooming, first-aid, even map-reading) and work through Efficiency Tests from E to C+ level. Instructors record achievements and award certificates so you can see clear milestones.
My child is shy—will they fit in?
Absolutely. Several yards offer unmounted care clubs where nervous beginners learn pony handling before they ride. Small, supportive groups and steady “confidence-giver” ponies help timid children relax quickly.
Can children with additional needs join?
Yes. Inclusive centres such as Park Lane Stables (RDA) and Ebony Horse Club specialise in adaptive coaching. Other yards welcome SEN riders—just mention any requirements when you enquire.
Am I expected to stay on site?
Most centres leave it up to you. Urban charity yards often welcome parent helpers; rural schools usually have a viewing café if you prefer to watch with a coffee. For the youngest riders, staying nearby on day one is wise.
What happens if the weather’s awful?
Yards with indoor arenas carry on as normal. Those without switch to stable-management sessions under cover—bandaging demos, quizzes, tack cleaning—so rallies very rarely cancel.
How do waiting lists work?
Under-10 slots fill fast. Put your child’s name down early and consider weekly riding lessons at the same yard while you wait; regular pupils are often offered Pony Club places first.
Will my child get to compete?
If they want to. Centres run friendly gymkhanas and in-house shows, and bigger yards field teams for inter-centre championships. Competition is optional; the focus is always on learning and fun.