Sandridgebury Riding School, St Albans, Hertfordshire
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Sandridgebury Riding School photo 3
Riding SchoolHackingDressage+2 more🎂 Birthday parties welcome

Sandridgebury Riding School

St Albans, HertfordshireAL3 6JB
4.4on Google

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About this yard

Sandridgebury is a Pony Club Linked Centre set on the edge of Heartwood Forest in Sandridge, near St Albans. One of the oldest riding schools in Hertfordshire, the yard has been teaching riders of all ages and levels for many years, with a reputation built on consistent instruction and well-schooled horses and ponies.

Lessons are held across three outdoor menages. Two are 20x40m arenas, one with a rubber surface and one with sand, and a larger double-sized rubber arena takes group lessons and events. Poles and jumps are on hand to keep sessions varied and progressive.

The school caters for everyone from complete beginners to advanced riders, with horses and ponies to suit all sizes. Children are welcome from age 5, and there is no upper age limit for adults. Riders are grouped by age and experience so sessions are always pitched at the right level.

Three lesson formats are available: group lessons (weekdays and weekends), private one-to-one sessions (Tuesday to Friday, term time), and lead rein lessons for younger children just starting out. Lead rein riders are each paired with a dedicated member of staff who stays with them for the full session. The school is Monday-closed.

Facilities

Floodlit
Livery
Outdoor Arena
Parking
Stabling
Tack Room
Toilets

Arena information

Surfaces:SandRubber
Sizes:20m x 40m

Pricing

TypeDurationGroup sizeWeekdayWeekend
Private lesson30 min£40£45
Private lesson1 hr£60£70
Semi-private30 min2 riders£35£40
Semi-private1 hr2 riders£50£60
Group lesson45 min£35£35
Group lesson1 hr£40£40
Lead-rein
Group lead-rein lesson, weekend only.
30 minPOA£30
Pony club
Stable management session, weekday only.
1 hr£20£20
Hack
Group hack.
1 hr£40£40
Hack
Group hack, weekend only.
2 hrPOA£67.50
Party
Birthday party. Includes hat and boot hire and a birthday rosette per rider.
1 hrmax 6 riders£285£285
Arena / facility hire
Hat or boot hire (each, restricted).
£2£2

Group lesson £37.50/hr (£32.50 for 45 min). Private £40-70/hr depending on weekday/weekend. 1hr group hack £37.50-£42.50. Lead rein 30 min £27.50.

Opening hours

Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours

Hours are sourced from Google and the venue. Always confirm with the venue before visiting.

Frequently asked questions

What age do you accept riders from?
From age 5. There is no upper age limit for adults, and riders at every level are welcome. Children and adults are always grouped separately, and within those groups riders are matched by experience.
Do I need any riding experience?
No. The school caters for complete beginners right through to advanced riders. If you have ridden before but it has been a while, there are return-to-riding sessions available for adults.
What is a lead rein lesson?
Lead rein lessons are for children aged 5 and up who are new to riding. Rather than riding independently, each child is paired with a member of staff who stays with them for the full session. The "buddy" keeps the child safe, helps them understand the instructor's directions, and lets them focus on learning without any anxiety about controlling the horse.
What is the difference between group and private lessons?
Group lessons run on weekdays and weekends and are a sociable way to learn. Riders of similar ability ride together, which brings a sense of camaraderie and creates a positive learning environment for both riders and horses. Private lessons are one-to-one sessions that run Tuesday to Friday in term time. They are useful for working on specific skills, whether you are a beginner who wants targeted teaching or a more experienced rider looking to refine something particular.
When are private lessons available?
Private lessons run Tuesday to Friday during term time. There are also private lesson slots on Thursday all day (10am to 4:30pm) and short Friday morning and late Friday afternoon windows. Contact the school to check current availability and book.
Is the school closed on Mondays?
Yes. The school is closed on Mondays. Lessons run Tuesday through Sunday.
Do you have hacks as well as lessons?
Yes. There are guided hacks on Fridays (1pm), Saturdays (12:15pm) and Sundays (12:15pm), as well as the Wednesday Wander on Wednesday mornings. The Wednesday Wander is a relaxed countryside hack open to riders aged 10 and up.
Are you a Pony Club centre?
Yes, Sandridgebury is a Pony Club Linked Centre. Pony Club sessions run on Thursday evenings. Contact the school for membership and rally details.

What to wear

Standard guidance for equestrian yards in the UK. Check with your yard if you're unsure.

Riding helmet
Hire available

Hat hire £2 if you do not have your own.

Subject to availability, contact the yard to confirm before your visit.

Footwear

Boot hire £2.

Clothing

Clients should wear warm, comfortable outdoor clothing, suitable for the weather at that time. Waterproof clothing may be required as all our lessons are outdoors. Clothing should be close fitting and all jackets, cardigans, coats etc should be fastened securely. Shoulders and legs must always be covered. Clients will not be permitted to ride in vest tops, shorts or anything similar.

Hair & jewellery

Jewellery will have to be removed prior to riding and long hair must be tied back in a ponytail.

Clients arriving in unsuitable clothing or footwear may not be permitted to ride, for their own safety. If in doubt, contact the yard before your visit.

Riding with insurance?

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Livery vacancies

Spaces currently available at this yard.

Full livery

£150/week · from 25 Oct

test

  • Outdoor school
  • On-site instructor
  • Floodlit arena
  • Off-road hacking

Enquire via email →

Job vacancies

Currently hiring at this yard.

Weekend Instructors (qualified and junior)

Instructor · Part time

Good rates of pay.

Working within our team, you will deliver professional riding tuition to the highest standard. Junior instructors in training are also welcome to apply. Shifts: 8:45am to 12:15pm or 12:45pm to 4:30pm. Full days available. Fantastic team of horses and humans. Please contact us for further details. Sandridgebury Riding School is a Pony Club Linked Centre.

Apply via email →

Weekend and holiday grooms

Groom · Casual

Good rates of pay.

We're looking for shining stars to look after our school horses to the highest level. Duties include catching in, readying horses for lessons, delivering horses to and from arenas, side-walking in lessons, assisting instructors, and finishing off after lessons (ensuring horses are clean and comfortable before feeding and turning out). Shifts: 7am to 12:30pm or 12:30pm to 5:30pm. Full days available. Fantastic team of horses and humans. Please contact us for further details. Sandridgebury Riding School is a Pony Club Linked Centre.

Apply via email →