Camps with horseback riding in London 2026

If a child living outside the UK has English at a sufficiently advanced level, they will definitely want additional activities during the summer holidays (most often the choice falls on sports camps). Such leisure time will also be useful for those who plan to study in English boarding schools in the future. Classes are mostly held at boarding schools that have their own stables.

Horseback riding is a good pastime and an interesting sport. And where better than in the UK to get acquainted with equestrian sports? Advantages of learning horseback riding for children in London:

• physical development,
• improvement of intellectual abilities (ability to make balanced judgments, critical thinking, concentration),
• mental development: reducing stress and anxiety, increasing self-confidence, building trusting relationships with people.

Children's horse riding camps offer children not only to learn horseback riding and improve their language skills, but also to participate in various events, trips, excursions, get to know England better and make new friends from different countries.

All classes, both language and sports, are conducted by highly qualified professionals. Coaches have certification from sports federations, and their qualifications may even be higher than those who train adult teams. English teachers are native speakers with many years of experience working with children. They use innovative and proprietary teaching methods, focusing on the academic level of each child.

Globally, all equestrian camps can be divided into:

• day camps,
• round-the-clock (boarding).

The former are more suitable for younger children or those who have come to the UK with their families: in the first half of the day, children attend classes and training sessions, and return to their relatives after lunch. Round-the-clock camps will be an excellent option for more independent boys and girls. There are more events and trips held here, which can also be organized in the evening.

Almost all equestrian camps with a riding program in London offer a wide choice of programs: from beginners to professionals, and the level is assessed not only academically but also physically. Children who just want to acquire horse riding skills start training in groups where they learn the basics under the guidance of a highly qualified coach: controlling a horse and balancing. After successfully mastering the basics, boys and girls are allowed to more advanced training sessions: trot, gallop, and jumping over obstacles. Experienced children who feel confident in the saddle study new styles and improve their existing riding skills. During their stay at an equestrian camp, which can last from 1 to 4 weeks, young riders also learn how to take care of horses.

There are many options for horse riding camps in London, but the best among them are considered to be:

• Harrow Summer School,
• Mill Hill Summer School,
• Alpadia London language school,
• Embassy Summer School London UCL.

Since most riding camps are based in boarding schools or universities, children live on campus in a boarding school setting. Accommodation varies depending on the school, but it is usually 2-4 people per room. The conditions provided are comfortable, students can use all the infrastructure of the school or university hosting the camp. Residences have equipped common areas with kitchens, TVs, and free internet.

Some sports camps may accommodate children in hotel buildings. For these purposes, an entire floor is usually booked where staff are on duty around the clock.

Meals in a boarding school are usually three times a day, but you can also choose options with additional meals. All dishes are prepared from fresh products, the menu is varied and includes cuisines of different nations. Chefs can cook individually if the child has such a need, for example, allergies or intolerance to certain foods, vegetarianism or veganism.

The average cost of horseback riding lessons for children in London is around £2000 for 2 weeks: this amount usually includes English classes, horseback riding lessons, entertainment activities, excursions, accommodation, and meals. Transfers and medical insurance are often included in the total cost, but you will always need to pay separately for visa fees and air tickets.

The main thing to pay attention to when choosing a horseback riding camp for your child is safety. It is important to carefully study the program, see (virtually or in reality) sports facilities, residences where children live. A good reflection of a good camp are its pets - horses. They must be healthy, well-groomed, and adequate in behavior.

Special attention should be paid to clothing in summer horseback riding camps. You won't need a full "equestrian" wardrobe, but it is worth getting basic things, at least a helmet and special shoes (you can rent them).