The Queen Mary’s British Horse Society Approved Equestrian Centre is located right in the heart of our school parkland.
At Our UK Horse Riding School, Our Pupils Care For and Ride Horses During School Time
Our equestrian programme is a standout offering, providing lots of opportunities for both novice and experienced riders. Set within our beautiful parkland, the equestrian centre makes horse riding easily accessible during the school day, offering a unique experience for horse enthusiasts.
Whether day pupils or boarders, all girls can take advantage of our equestrian facilities. We also offer a full-service livery yard for those who wish to bring their own horse, alongside expert lessons for newcomers eager to build skills and pursue their passion for equestrianism.
The fun continues after school and at weekends with horse riding lessons, activities, training, events, competitions, hacking, and Pony Days. Equestrian boarders and day pupils are also welcome to visit and care for their horses before school.
Our BHS Approved Riding School Programme
Riding Lessons For Ages 4-16 Years
School horse riding lessons on Weeknights and Saturday mornings
All children from Reception to Year 11 may take horse riding lessons after school between 4.15 pm to 7.00 pm. In addition, we offer horseback riding lessons on Saturday mornings between 9.00 am – 1.00 pm, which are also open to external riders.
Group lessons last approximately 45 minutes with up to 4-5 pupils per lesson. Private lessons are available for either 30 or 45 minute periods.
Pony Stars at Queen Mary’s School
Fun Prep School Pony and Horse Riding Lessons
Prep School horse riders have the opportunity to take part in the BHS Pony Stars on Thursday evenings between 4.15 pm and 5.45 pm. Sessions involve 45 minutes of pony care and 45 minutes of riding.
BHS Qualifications at School
Undertaking British Horse Society Qualifications at Queen Mary’s School
We also offer the opportunity for Senior School (11-16 years) girls to complete the BHS Challenge Awards syllabus, which is based on developing skills and knowledge on pony care and riding. Operating throughout the term on Wednesday evenings between 5.45 pm and 7.15pm, the programme leads to our Year 10/11 girls undertaking the BHS Challenge Awards Stage 1 and the BHS Riding Road Safety exams.
School Equine Therapy
Stables with Therapy Ponies Open All Day
Our onsite equestrian centre stables are open throughout the day and are manned by coaches, instructors, grooms, and horse walkers. Girls from our Prep and Senior Schools can visit the stables with school staff supervision and permission for some pony and horse therapy.
As well as our horses and ponies intended for riding, we have two therapy ponies; Ebba, a beautiful black yearling filly, and Freddie, a striking coloured yearling colt. Both ponies have been rescued via the RSPCA, and we are incredibly proud that the RSPCA chose our 5-Star Rated Equestrian Centre as their new forever home.
Flexi Boarding for Horse Riders
Flexible Boarding Available for Occasional Overnight Stays
Day pupils can book occasional boarding nights and can partake in regular boarding sleepovers. Flexi boarding can be booked throughout the term time week for equestrian competitions, specific horse riding training, evening horse riding lessons, riding after school with classmates, visits to other equestrian centres, or any other equestrian events.
Queen Mary’s equestrian boarding is very flexible and families are able to upgrade and downgrade between the equestrian school boarding options of flexi, weekly, and full time each term. With over 24 hours notice, any pupil can board, including weekly boarders seeking weekend accommodation.
Our Riding School Boarding Options
Horse Riding Boarding Available
Weekly Boarding and Full Boarding at Queen Mary’s
Queen Mary’s offers weekly boarding and full time boarding as well as flexible boarding. Our full boarders range from 7 years to 16 years and enjoy a packed programme of exciting activities from trips out to baking, crafts, shows, pamper nights, and movie nights in our boarding cinema room.
Our weekly and full boarders have the most access to our fantastic equestrian centre facilities and can enjoy riding and horse care activities outside of lesson times.
Home School Riding Lessons
Horse Riding Lessons to Compliment Home Schooling
Private daytime horse riding lessons and Changing Lives Through Horses (CLTH) sessions are available during weekdays at Queen Mary’s. Please enquire for more information.