Despite all the trappings of big city life, equestrian culture is rife throughout the entirety of London, including its most northern enclaves. Whilst the parades of mounted squads of Horse Guards around Buckingham Palace may be the most enduring image of horse riding in London, there are many notable bridleways used in leafy enclaves such as Richmond and Walthamstow that are still popular today.
The remarkable thing about riding in North London is that one is a short stroll away from the end of a tube or Overground line before they’re at a stable or bridleway. The lack of urban expansion in more Northern enclaves ensures there is plenty of space for equestrian activities to take place, whether within the confines of a show jumping ground, riding circuit or on forest paths arching through the furthest edges of the capital.
Trent Park Equestrian Centre
Set on the edge of Enfield Chase amid 413 acres of rolling grass, Trent Park Equestrian Centre is one of London’s largest and most established riding schools. Boasting two indoor arenas, outdoor all-weather surfaces, and a dedicated cross-country course, riders can trot across straight into the woodland trails of Trent Country Park, and then canter out onto long grassy trails that one would expect to find much further away from London’s city limits. Lessons are overseen by a team of highly skilled BHS-qualified instructors, offering riding classes for all ages and skills from the age of five upwards.
Of all North London’s established riding experiences, Trent Park arguably packs the most variety, with the option to roam further than almost any other location. Of particular note is the option to pass by the Camlet Moat, a small moated isle whose name is often muddled with that of “Camelot”, the legendary seat of power of King Arthur. Camlet has its own connection to equestrian legend, as it is said to have once been the haunt of the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, who may have used the isle as a base of operations from which he conducted his raids on horse-and-carriage travellers during the 18th century.
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Frith Manor Equestrian Centre
Tucked between Finchley and Mill Hill, Frith Manor is a family-run livery stable and riding school on a site made up of 30 acres. Two floodlit arenas, a cross-country area, and carefully managed turnout paddocks provide the kind of dedicated stables service that seasoned equestrians look for in this part of the city. The facility prides itself on a close relationship with the Royal Veterinary College, having a weekly visit from one of the country's foremost equestrian vets to ensure their care services and facilities remain up to the highest standard.
With sweeping views from the centre’s perch atop the hills, it’s very easy to forget how close one is to the centre of London, with Camden’s famous market and canals lying just tucked below the hillside to the south. During winter, frosty mornings here freeze the landscape (and tracks) for miles around, offering a wonderful vista that’s only punctuated by the sound of hooves crunching through frost underfoot.
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The London Equestrian Centre
Only a stone’s throw away from Frith Manor, The London Equestrian Centre (LEC) occupies a similarly sized 34-acre site that, just like Frith, has also been family-owned for decades. However, a key difference between the two neighbouring facilities is that the LEC has a stronger focus on introducing beginners to riding, particularly children. As such, the stable boasts a sizeable pony population, with facilities that include both indoor and outdoor schools, offering the opportunity to learn how to ride in all conditions.
Even the greenest of riders can progress from simple walk-and-trot lessons to full livery services, and the covered arena provides professional-level footing all year-round. As already mentioned, it’s particularly popular with beginners, making it an ideal option for families looking to see their children earn their spurs from as young as three years old. The centre’s reputation as a warm, welcoming spot for either the beginnings of a great love affair with horse riding or jumping back into the saddle after relocating further merits its inclusion in this list.
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Lee Valley Riding Centre
Straddling the lush wetlands between Walthamstow and Hackney marshes, the Lee Valley Riding Centre is one of the best-connected riding centres to London’s extensive transport system. Accessible from Lea Bridge railway station and Clapton’s Overground stop, a short stroll out to the marshes is all that separates this corner of North London from the relaxing calm of a gentle trot around or canter amongst the expansive facilities at the centre.
Operated within the Lee Valley Regional Park, the centre boasts Olympic-standard facilities, including an indoor arena, outdoor menage, and cross-country course. It’s one of London’s most professional riding establishments, offering courses up to BHS qualification level for riders who aspire to teach themselves one day. For staunch equestrians who take their riding seriously, this is the best-connected and most comprehensive facility in the North of London.
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Ruslip Park Stables
Among the beautiful canopies and tracks of Ruslips Woods and Lido, the Park Stables is most celebrated for its extensive pony riding services geared towards young riders eager to break into riding as early as possible, offering them a full range of horse care and riding services that fully flesh out the riding experience. Pony parties come in high demand at these stables, with the ability to cater for large groups of up to 14 children, proving a popular regular fixture among the communities in this corner of North West London.
With that said, Ruslip Park Stables does offer adult-oriented riding experiences, including pony classes, hacking, and riding qualifications. The hacking option, in particular, is a wonderful way to appreciate the beautiful woodland via the bridleways around Ruslip Woods up to the Lido area. Ruslip Park Stables represents a more back-to-basics approach to horse riding, but its charm lies in the area it inhabits and in its geared approach to younger riders experiencing their first trot.
