New data released by booking platform EC Pro has revealed significant regional differences in the cost of riding lessons across the UK, while also highlighting the growing financial pressures facing riding schools and equestrian centres.
Drawing on anonymous booking and pricing data from more than 200 UK riding schools during 2025, EC Pro has produced a 2026 Riding Lesson Price Guide designed to provide an overview of current pricing trends across the sector.
The findings show that the average cost of a one-hour adult group lesson ranges from around £31 in the North West of England to £54 in the South East. Children’s group lessons showed a similar variation, ranging from £31 in the North West to £53 in London. Nationally, a 30-minute adult group lesson averages approximately £35.
EC Pro Chief Executive Beth Lothian said the data demonstrates that there is no single “standard” lesson price, with costs varying significantly depending on location and the type of lesson being offered.
She also highlighted the unique challenge faced by riding schools, which must balance affordability for customers with the realities of maintaining horses, facilities and welfare standards.
“Unlike most service-based businesses, riding schools are also operating a full-time animal welfare service,” she said. “The horses still require the same level of care regardless of wider economic conditions.”
Beyond pricing, Beth emphasised the importance of clear communication and professional customer experiences in helping riding schools build trust and retain clients long-term.
The British Horse Society (BHS) echoed these concerns, describing riding schools as the backbone of the UK’s equestrian industry. Sarah Phillips, Chief Operating Officer at the BHS, noted that many centres continue to face increasing costs, staffing challenges and affordability pressures while working hard to maintain high standards of horse care and accessibility.
The BHS continues to support riding schools through business guidance, professional development opportunities and industry expertise aimed at helping businesses remain resilient and adapt to changing demands.
Accessibility Remains a Key Challenge
Tim Downes, owner of Ingestre Stables in Stafford, believes one of the biggest challenges for riding schools is balancing accessibility with the realities of operating a horse-based business.
While many sports become expensive as participants progress, he points out that most are relatively accessible at entry level. Riding, however, often requires a significant financial commitment from the outset.
To help address this, Ingestre Stables previously ran a programme offering free introductory riding sessions for children, giving them the opportunity to experience riding before committing to lessons. Tim believes wider industry support for similar initiatives could help encourage more people into the sport.
He also raised concerns about the impact of unlicensed or informal riding establishments operating outside of regulatory requirements. These businesses can avoid many of the costs faced by licensed riding schools, creating unfair competition and making it more difficult for customers to understand the value offered by professionally run centres that invest in welfare, facilities, insurance and compliance.
The findings underline the ongoing challenge facing the sector: keeping riding accessible while ensuring riding schools remain financially sustainable and able to maintain the high welfare and safety standards expected by today’s riders and horse owners.