What better way is there to explore the stunning South Downs countryside and coastline, than in the open air, the wind through your manes and a view over sea and rolling countryside. If your little ones aren’t satisfied with roaming around on two legs, then horse-riding is the perfect way for them to experience the joy of walking, trotting or cantering with the help of a four-legged friend. Horse-riding lessons will give your children a beautiful experience of freedom, a sense of autonomy and self-esteem, as well as encouraging them to connect with the nature and animals around them. And what better place for them to explore this than the beautiful Sussex countryside in and around Brighton?
Chestnuts Riding School
Whether your little ones are horse-riding-have-nevers or experienced equine-explorers, Chestnuts Riding School will guide them through safe horse riding, skill development and fault-solving in a calm experienced and professional way. Located just fifteen minutes from central Brighton, it couldn’t be easier for your children to try out h3orse-riding for the very first time, or develop their skills and experience.
Indoor lessons are available in a 40m x 20m indoor arena, suitable for complete beginners and experienced riders alike. Chestnuts Riding School offers intensive 1:1 private lessons, with the entire arena reserved for you, the horse and an experienced instructor. Sessions last between 30 minutes and 40 minutes, with longer bespoke lessons available on request. Prices for children range from £35 to £40, with offers and discounts available for block bookings paid fortnightly or monthly.
If a private lesson feels a little daunting, then Chestnut Riding School’s group lessons may be just the ticket for your junior jockey. Groups of 6 to 8 riders come together to learn from an experienced instructor in the indoor arena, exploring a range of different horse-riding exercises, and most of the time, jumping practice. These warm and welcoming group sessions will help to build your child’s confidence, and allow them to meet like-minded horse riding enthusiasts. And for £35 for 60 minutes, they offer a cost-effective way for your child to develop their horse-riding skills, experience and confidence.
For little ones who want to care for their very own pony, then why not try one of the immensely popular Pony Day experiences? Available weekdays during school holidays, children aged 7+ can enjoy two hours of pony riding, as well as experience in pony care, such as feeding, grooming, mucking out and plaiting manes and tails. Your child will leave confident in the skills they need to care for a pony, as well as enjoying the experience of pony riding through the beautiful countryside.
Website: http://www.chestnuts-riding-school.co.uk/
Telephone: 01273 503842
Address: The Chestnuts Riding School, A23 Southbound, London Road, Pyecombe, Brighton, BN45 7FJ
Three Greys Riding School
This well-established family run business has been offering professional and safety-focused riding instruction on a large number of horses and ponies since 1963. Their horses are primarily cob-type breeds, well-known for their safe and steady pace, and sturdy build, making them the perfect option for nervous or beginner riders.
Three Greys Riding School specializes in building confidence and skills in beginner riders, allowing them to develop their standard to explore hacking (not on a computer – hacking is the technical term for pleasure riding for light exercise!) safely and enjoyably. They offer a range of riding school services, including escorted hacking through the South Downs National Park, with minimal roadwork. They also offer 30 minute 1:1 private lessons, or the popular group lessons, including half an hour of tuition followed by a short ‘Doddle’ – a ride along the nearby bridleways. Younger children aged 3-4 can enjoy their first experience on horseback through The Doddle, a half-hour ride along local bridleways to give them that first taste of riding.
For special events, children can also enjoy a Birthday Party lesson April – October, where a minimum of 6 riders can enjoy a private lesson for the whole group. Or, children aged 8 and above can enjoy a Pony Care Day, involving two rides, and a full day of learning how to feed, groom and undertake tack care for a pony.
Website: https://3greys.ecpro.co.uk/our-services
Telephone: 01273 843536
Adress: Three Greys Riding School, Rockrose Farm, Clayton Hill, Pyecombe, BN45 7FF.
Hamsey Riding School
For a taste of horseriding in the beautifully scenic countryside, look no further than Hamsey Riding School, a family business run by Ray and Sue.
Nestled in the Sussex Downs, towards Lewes, visitors can enjoy stunning views as they trot along the Sussex Downs, enjoying a beautiful hack with expert guidance. Guests can also enjoy exhilarating hack runs, to get the blood pumping and the wind rushing through your hair and the horses’ manes.
For training in a more controlled environment, you can learn to ride and hone your skills in a one hour group indoor lesson. Guests can practice skills such as off-lead walking, school figures and jumping, as well as developing trot and cantering.
Visitors of all abilities are welcome, and guests frequently note the warm and friendly environment, sure to build up the confidence of even the most nervous newbie rider.
Website: https://hamsey-riding-school.business.site
Address: Hamsey Riding School, Hope-In-The-Valley, Brighton Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3JH.
Happy Valley Equestrian Centre
Towards Shoreham-by-Sea is the Happy Valley Equestrian Centre, which has been established for over 50 years. It focuses primarily on supporting children in their horse ridding journeys, and offers a range of group lessons at weekends and after schools, and private 1:1 tuition on a Thursday afterschool. Children are welcome from age four, and will be welcome regardless of experience or ability.
Offering both beginner and advanced group lessons, Happy Valley Equestrian Centre will make sure your child is surrounded by peers at a similar stage in their riding development. This will create a safe, fun and relaxing environment in which children can learn from and support each other, building their skills as well as their confidence.
The small class sizes – a maximum of four for beginner classes and six for advanced lessons – mean that your child will benefit from more individualized tuition and supervision, allowing them to learn and grow under expert guidance. Regular riders can enjoy hacking on the south downs, with group hacks of either one or two hours, or private hacks available on request.
Website: https://www.happyvalleyequestriancentre.co.uk/lessons-and-hacks/
Telephone: 07876 358307 9am-6pm OR 07876 443873 9.30am-12.30pm
Address: Slonk Hill Farm, New Barn Road, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6HL
Equestrian Escapes
If a single hour or two just doesn’t touch the sides of you and your child’s craving for cantering, then why not treat yourself to a horse riding holiday in Brighton along the south coast? Suitable for children from age 4, and riders of all abilities, this three-day escape will allow you to unwind and relax, enjoying all -Brighton has to offer, as well as enjoying private/semi-private tuition and afternoon rides.
Unwind in a twin or double for two nights in a fabulous seafront hotel, enjoying an included English breakfast every day. In the daytime, after a short journey to the riding stables, you can enjoy qualified and expert instruction, suitable for all ages, nerves and abilities. You can choose to explore The South Downs in an afternoon ride, or beginners and nervous riders can continue their instruction into the rest of the day. Lessons will go at your pace, helping you to build your skills and confidence, as well as your connection with the horses.
Choose from a complete beginner package, refresher and learn to canter packages, or an experienced riding package for those who can walk, trot and canter confidently. Whatever you choose, you will enjoy a tranquil retreat on Brighton seafront, expert guidance and tuition, and you’ll leave feeling like you belong in the saddle. Prices start from £395pp, and include all tuition, accommodation and rides, as well as delicious cooked breakfasts.
Website: https://www.equestrian-escapes.com/West-Sussex-Riding-Holiday/
Telephone: +44 (0)1829 781 123 OR +44 (0)7946 754 814
Address: Equestrian Escapes Ltd., Rose Cottage, Common Lane, Duddon, Cheshire, CW6 0HG
With such a huge variety of horse riding options available, you and your little ones will be trotting your way to total tranquility in no time, whether you choose private indoor tuition, or peaceful hacks through the hillocks. And with options too for birthday parties, pony days and three-day retreats, everyone from the keenest canterer to the most nervous newbie can find their connection with horses, and learn to feel safe in the saddle.
