Welcome to the Lee Valley park website

Set in the heart of East London, in the green surroundings of Lee Valley Regional Park, Lee Valley Riding Centre caters for beginners and experienced riders in a friendly environment.

 

The Centre is a British Horse Society (BHS) accredited riding school and the first equestrian centre in the UK to be awarded a QUEST accreditation – a leisure industry award that recognises best practice.

 

The Riding Centre’s 45 horses and ponies have been carefully chosen to be safe, sensible and fun and include cobs, thoroughbreds and Welsh ponies. We've horses and ponies that are suitable for lessons for riders of all abilities, from beginners to advanced riders.

 

Group lessons, private tuition and beginner’s ‘Have-a-Go’ sessions are available, with pupils benefiting from the use of an indoor arena, two floodlit outdoor arenas and jumping facilities. Lessons on our cross-country jumping course are available to experienced riders.

 

Children who learn to ride here have plenty of opportunities to get involved and learn more about ponies. “Own a Pony” sessions for all ages are a popular school-holiday activity, and regular riders can become Stable Helpers, or even try out for the Lee Valley Pony Club team.

 

In partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association, Lee Valley Riding Centre provides riding lessons for adults and children with disabilities.

Schools and youth groups can arrange riding lessons as an activity for children.

 

There are also opportunities for party bookings, a picnic area suitable for school groups and on-site coach parking.

 

Lee Valley Riding Centre’s facilities are continually being improved and expanded, with a second all-weather outdoor ménage, five new stables, cross country jump series, new cafeteria, viewing area and tack shop all recently added. The Riding Centre is also a ‘green’ centre, using solar panels, recycled bedding and a waste compactor to reduce its environmental impact.

 

The Riding Centre is a British Horse Society examination centre and provides preparation courses for BHS examinations – please call us for more details.

 

Lea Bridge Road in Leyton is a great place for a day out for all the family. Try a spot of golf, visit the Lee Valley Ice Centre or simply take in the tranquil surroundings of our award-winning green open spaces and nature reserves.

 

There's full access to the indoor arena viewing area, tack shop, cafeteria and yards for people in wheelchairs. The Riding Centre has a ramp and hoist to assist riders with limited mobility to mount horses. Lessons can be provided for riders with a variety of special needs.

 

Age limit: minimum 5 years old for group lessons. Younger children from 3 and a half years old may ride if there's a riding hat to fit them, but only in private lessons.

Weight limit: maximum 13 stone.

 

Riding Lessons

 

There'is an indoor arena and two floodlit outdoor arenas where we provide riding lessons. The Centre can provide dressage and show jumping tuition and there's a cross-country jumping course available for experienced riders when ground conditions permit.

 

There's also space to hold children’s parties on site, with coach parking and a picnic area suitable for school groups.

 

'Have-a-Go' groups are designed specifically for complete beginners. There are small classes for children and adults and the horse or pony will be led until the rider feels comfortable without assistance.

 

Group lessons are run on weekends and weekday evenings. Places are subject to assessment by one of the BHS qualified instructors, who can recommend the most suitable lesson to join. Assessment is available during private or 'Have-a-Go' sessions.

 

These are available seven days a week. Visitors can ride alone, or with up to two friends. Private lessons are suitable for complete beginners and advanced riders alike. Jumping and lunge lessons can also be arranged.

 

All lessons must be booked and paid for in advance, either by visiting the Riding Centre or by telephone. All major credit and debit cards are accepted and payment can be taken over the telephone. Lessons need to be booked at least a week in advance.

 

Riding hats to the current safety standard (EN 1384:1996; BSEN 1384:1997; PAS 015 1998: ASTM F1163 or higher) are required and must be worn by everyone who rides at the Centre.

 

Hats are available to hire at £2.40 per session. Hats are free for 'Have-a-Go' customers, or are available to buy from the Tack Shop.

 

Riders need to be suitably dressed in jodhpurs or loose fitting or stretchy trousers and a top with sleeves. It is important that suitable footwear is worn, such as strong shoes or boots with a small block heel.The Riding Centre cannot allow customers to ride in trainers or other footwear with a flat sole.

 

Lee Valley Pony Club members Lauren O’Brien (age 7 from Leyton) and Malika Reguige (age 7 from Walthamstow) have both qualified for the National Summer Championships of the Amateur Showing Society through wins at regional qualifiers.

 

Both girls had a fantastic time at their first ever big show, and brought home lots of rosettes, with wins and placings in classes such as Young Handler, Novice Pony, First Ridden Pony, Pony-Club Pony.

 

Malika went on to win Reserve Champion for the pony section, which qualified her for the Supreme Championship class at the end of the show. Under the spotlights in the big arena, Malika, riding borrowed pony Ziggy Stardust, put on a perfect performance to win “Smartest on Parade” - the prize for the best turned out pony and rider of the whole show.

 

Thanks to Malika’s grooms for the Supreme Championship: Lauren, Working Pupil Sharrie Munro and her mum Carol!