Saddle up in South Shropshire

5 minute read
Written byLucy Cook

Ludlow’s closest horse riding school (North Farm see below) switched from lessons and  treks to campsite and livery last year. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel too much further to find a great choice of stables offering lessons for children, riding for the disabled or country treks, all set in beautiful locations. The stables listed here cater for all levels and abilities.


Country Treks

Location: Ginny Hole, Stottesdon, Kidderminster, DY14 8US Call: 07815 092680 Country Treks is situated on the Shropshire/Worcestershire border in the pretty village of Stottesdon.  With 30+ years of experience, the stables offer riding for the disabled, BHS training and assessments, Pony Club and lots more. From instructional treks for beginners to four-day trail rides for those with a real sense of adventure, Country Treks can offer a package to suit any rider. horse riding outdoors

Walcot Stables

Location: Walcot Stables, Lower Gardens, Lydbury North, Shropshire, SY7 8AS Call: 01588 680514 Walcot Stables is a small friendly Riding School set amongst the hills of South Shropshire, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Established since 2004 and situated on the historic Walcot Hall Estate the stables provide “a high quality both in our teaching standards and in building customer relationships”. Contact them by email walcotstables04@gmail.com

Darky Dale Forest Stables

Location: Darky Dale Forest Stables, Bedstone, Bucknell, Shropshire SY7 0BL Call: 01547 530060  Set in a beautiful location in the forested hills bordering Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys in Mid Wales, almost equidistant between Knighton and Craven Arms and Ludlow; Gina Collinson and her qualified staff have “a wealth of experience in tuition of all aspects of horse riding and related activities”. There are a good number of horses and ponies ranging from 10hh to 17hh to choose from, so there is something for everyone. All the horses have been trained by Gina and her team to ensure that you have a fabulous riding experience to remember. The stables offer a variety of riding experiences from 30-minute treks to all-day pub rides, lessons, children’s pony days and horse shares. All ages and all levels of ability are catered for.  Prices and details can be found here. girl on pony

Tipton Hall Riding School

Location: Tipton Hall Riding School, Delamere, Bromyard, Herefordshire HR7 4PR Call: 07792 358741/2 Tipton Hall Riding School offers horse riding activities for all ages and is set in beautiful countryside in the hamlet of Tedstone Delamere, just 4 miles from Bromyard, 11 miles from Worcester and 17 miles from Hereford. The family-run, horse-riding establishment is licensed and caters for all.  The stable’s aim is to “introduce adults and children to horse riding, whether complete beginners or more experienced, in a relaxed, informal environment so that they can gain maximum enjoyment while learning from the experience”. Prices begin at £25 for beginner child lessons.

Grafton Farm BHS Riding Centre and Holiday Accommodation

Location: Grafton Farm, Bockleton, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR15 8PT Call: 01568 750602 Grafton Farm Riding Centre is a British Horse Society-approved riding centre and family run riding school. Mother and daughter, Sue and Rosie Thomas, are the riding instructors at Grafton Farm. Riding lessons are available for the beginner or experienced rider. Children can ride from the age of 4 years and adults of any age.  There are 13 horses-ponies at the riding centre to suit all abilities and size of riders. Most of the horses have been at Grafton Farm for many years.  The lessons are taken in either the indoor or outdoor arenas. The indoor school has proven invaluable during wet and cold weather and the outdoor arena has a full set of show jumps. Pupils can book group or private lessons which are given on flatwork or jumping. Grafton Grove is a large, tastefully restored, beamed, 4-bedroomed farmhouse that can sleep 8 plus a cot and retains many original features. horse stable

Noakes Farm near Bromyard

Location: Noakes Farm Riding Centre, Bredenbury, Bromyard, Herefordshire HR7 4SY Call: 01885 483467 Located just 1 mile from Bromyard, 12 miles from Hereford and 12 miles from Worcester. Noakes Farm Riding Centre is a family run establishment set in 250 acres of beautiful Herefordshire countryside. Instructors are fully qualified and very experienced in giving encouraging tuition to all abilities. They “pride ourselves on well schooled horses and ponies with honest temperaments to suit all standards of riding”. A full range of safety equipment; hats, riding boots and body protectors is available. Facilities include both an indoor riding and a large outdoor arena. The picturesque farmland is ideal for hacking, escorted by friendly and fun instructors. Please note: minimum age is 4 yrs old.

KC Riding School – Supporting KC Horse Rescue

Location: Bodenham, Herefordshire HR1 3LG Call: 01568 797776 KC Rescue has been working with rescued horses for 21 years.  During the year they offer various events, fun rides along with private hacks and parties. Private lessons can be taken in jumping, dressage, long reining, and for the more adventurous driving lessons from age of 14 years and up. 

camping & livery

North Farm, Ludlow Grafton Grove, Bockleton, Tenbury Wells (see above)

useful contacts

South Shropshire Riding Club