Riding Schools - What Are They And Why Are They Important?

For decades, riding schools have been an integral part of the UK's equestrian tradition. Among the venerable establishments is Bowlers, situated in Merseyside. Its roots harken back to a familiar tale: a father's gift of a pony for his daughter, sparking impromptu rides around the village. As interest burgeoned, so did the concept of formalised instruction. Locals seeking to learn the art of horse riding flocked to Bowlers, transforming it from a familial pastime into one of the area's pioneering riding schools. This grassroots evolution provided a knowledgeable haven where both children and adults could immerse themselves in the equestrian world.
Fast forward to today, whereby since the 2012 London Olympics in particular, horse riding has grown in popularity. Riding schools have been evolving over the years. The safety of the riders is now paramount in addition to the horses' welfare.
What is a riding school?
A riding school is a business set up to offer both horse care and horse riding lessons to anyone who wants to develop their knowledge and skillset. Riding schools are licensed by their local authorities and undergo annual inspections to ensure adherence to animal welfare and client safety standards, reflected in a star rating system where five stars denote the highest rating. Licensed establishments typically carry public liability insurance, employer’s liability insurance, employ qualified staff with first aid certification, DBS checks, and Child Protection and Safeguarding certificates. Furthermore, the instructors teaching in the riding schools must now engage in Continuous Professional Development to ensure they offer safe, current, and knowledgeable expertise to their clients and their staff and horses.
One reliable indicator of a fully licensed riding establishment is approval from the Association of British Riding Schools. To locate your local ABRS Centre, click here.

How does a riding school work?
Riding schools are run as a gateway for people from all backgrounds to introduce them to horses and the equestrian community. The aim of bringing new people from non-equestrian backgrounds is to allow community members with similar interests to interact in a fun environment, help young people find their passion in life, and improve the level of horse care and riding ability in the UK.
Riding schools may have anywhere from five to 50 horses in the yard to try and ensure they can cater to people of all ages, heights, and weights, and match horses to prospective clients. All these horses will need daily care, as would any horse, so there are always grooms on site, as well as the yard manager and instructors for both horse care and riding lessons.
Some riding establishments also offer livery, an equestrian term encompassing stabling and care for privately owned horses. In addition to the standard livery services you tend to find, many riding schools also offer working livery arrangements. This is where your horse is utilised within the school's operations to teach clients for an agreed number of hours per week in exchange for a discounted livery rate. Owning your first horse can be daunting, but stabling your equine companion in a knowledgeable, experienced, and safe environment will keep your mind at ease. You can find the ABRS-approved listings of yards and riding schools that offer livery services here.

Why would you use a riding school?
If you're new to horse care or riding, then riding schools are a fantastic place to start. By surrounding yourself with trained professionals from the beginning of your journey, you give yourself the best chance of soaking up correct information and practices. Far too often, new equestrians skip this stage in their development because there is nothing to say you can't buy a horse despite not knowing how to care for one. Without a strong understanding of the basics of horse care, you are setting yourself up for failure as a horse owner. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Most riding schools will have websites providing comprehensive information on their services and pricing, while many also have an online booking system for convenience. Although it is advisable, particularly for first-timers, to call the stables for a discussion beforehand. A reputable school will always encourage potential riders to visit before booking their first ride, especially if they're entirely new to horse riding.
Riding schools are renowned for their inclusivity and diversity, so you can turn up and know you'll be welcomed regardless of your background. Horses, known for their therapeutic qualities, embody Winston Churchill's famous quote: "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." Attending a riding school offers numerous benefits, as horses teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves and are among the most remarkable creatures to interact with on earth.
Riding schools don't only cater to beginners, however, they are also a great solution for individuals seeking to "get back in the saddle." Many offer coaching for those looking to refine their skills, enjoy learning something new, stay fit, embark on a new hobby, make friends, or simply have fun. Additionally, they may organise fun and friendly competitions, adventurous hacking/trekking outings, opportunities for stable management, and hands-on experiences with horse/pony care, which are always popular choices.
Alternatively, if you are not quite ready to own a horse but have gained experience through numerous riding and stable management lessons, many ABRS centres also provide the option to loan one of their horses. This opportunity offers a valuable glimpse into the responsibilities of horse ownership without the full commitment, serving as a sensible step before deciding to take the plunge into ownership.
