Pakefield Riding School is one of the oldest and best known riding centres and stables in the East of England. Pleasantly situated close to the countryside and Pakefield beach, we offer a wide range of activities to novices, experienced and advanced equestrian enthusiasts. So contact us today and experience it for yourself.
We have changed our operating practices and biosecurity in order to safely provide lessons and hacks to as wide a range of customers as possible. For up to date information on the type of riders we can take, sessions we are able to offer, and pricing/booking details please visit the Pakefield Riding School Facebook page or call us on 01502 572257.
We have changed our operating practices and biosecurity in order to safely provide lessons and hacks to as wide a range of customers as possible. For up to date information on the type of riders we can take, sessions we are able to offer, and pricing/booking details please visit the Pakefield Riding School Facebook page or call us on 01502 572257.
Services
I started by riding school in 1946, with just on horse called Bonny Lass. I bought Bonny from Beccles Market with my savings a little help from my dad. I rode her back to Pakefield with just a rope halter and no saddle; something that we just wouldn't dream of doing nowadays. But in those days the roads were much quieter and 'Health and Safety' hadn't been invented.
First thing in the morning we muck out, groom the horses, feed and water them. You have 1hour lesson, 1hour grooming which you win rosettes for the best groomed horse, 1hour stable management then lunch. After lunch they play gymkhana games where they win more rosettes, then they have a go at vaulting and at the end of the day they feed and water their horses.
We offer a very popular one hour beach ride all year round. This is open to all levels of riders, from beginner to advanced, with each ride tailored to suit those taking part. Children from the age of two years can ride with us. For beginners, and those who may never have ridden before, we can go for a walk along the beach with staff leading the horses.
Parties take place at the riding school. First there's an hour of gymkhana games. For anyone who hasn't seen this before, imagine sport's day races on ponies! It's fantastic fun, and tailored to suit the ability of all the children taking part so that everyone can join in. Lots of time on the ponies and the chance to cheer on your team throughout the races.
Tess Hardy, M.B.E. is proprietor of Pakefield Riding School and Chair of Lowestoft Riding for the Disabled group. The riding school actively promotes inclusivity and offers access to clients with wide range of additional needs seven days a week.
Pakefield Riding School was established by Tess in 1946 and has been a member of the British Horse Society (BHS) since 1969, Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) since 1991 and a registered Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Centre for over 50 years.As part of regulatory controls the riding school must be inspected annually and we repeatedly achieve the highest award of 5 stars with East Suffolk council.
Pakefield Riding School was established by Tess in 1946 and has been a member of the British Horse Society (BHS) since 1969, Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) since 1991 and a registered Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Centre for over 50 years.As part of regulatory controls the riding school must be inspected annually and we repeatedly achieve the highest award of 5 stars with East Suffolk council.
Reviews (17)
Jonathan Allcorn
Jan 03, 2022
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My daughter was there riding on boxing Day she is now covid possitive and I've heard that alot of staff there and helpers are also positive for covid and are still working apart from this my daughter had a great time except for treatment from one staff member there she was rude and obnoxious and seemed drunk or hungover don't know here name but she is about 5"4 dark greasy hair she robust not slim and way she dresses thought was on the game not working there
Sky Holmes
Dec 04, 2021
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Clare Beatwell
Nov 24, 2021
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Cherri Summers
Nov 14, 2021
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Liz Geary
Oct 23, 2021
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A group of us came up from London for a weekend in early Oct 21. Everyone on the yard was friendly and helpful and we were not made to feel like a fleeting client. A comprehensive assessment lesson and 3 days of beach riding. Our coaches were supportive, the horses well
mannered and looked after. Tilly was brilliant as a lead coach and we fully enjoyed our time with Pakefield. We will definitely be back.
mannered and looked after. Tilly was brilliant as a lead coach and we fully enjoyed our time with Pakefield. We will definitely be back.
Alison Hayhoe
Oct 22, 2021
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Valerie Meads
Oct 18, 2021
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I booked a 3 day riding experience for my Granddaughter and the tuition she got in the school and the supervision on the beach rides were second to none. Everyone from the owners through to the stable girls were lovely, very friendly and helpful. These stables seems to run like clockwork with everyone knowing exactly what they are doing even though they are extremely busy. The wonderful horses are so well behaved, it is obvious they are very well cared for and loved. Thank you for making those 3 days memorable for her. she definately wants to return.
Carly R. Head
Oct 17, 2021
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Annie Walter
Sep 27, 2021
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Unfortunately not what I expected. I had a beach ride today (me-advanced & my boyfriend - beginner) The girl from the stables who went on the hack with us was not friendly, was on her phone most of the time, not talking to us, we did not feel welcome at all. After the ride, she did not tell us what to do, she straight went on to a schooling lesson, leaving us doing our horses - my boyfriend (beginner) did not know what to do and he accidentally undid the bridle wrong and got a really grumpy reaction by someone. After that we wanted to ask the girl who was on the hack with us how we can get the
Mikaiya Night Watcher
Sep 15, 2021
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Hadn't been here since my disability stopped me from riding, but I popped in over the bank holiday to see if my favourite horses were still there and what new ones had arrived. It was so nice to see everyone. Warm and friendly greetings from the manager and the owner. The horses were very happy and well looked after. There's an indoor school for some lessons and also an outdoor paddock for lessons. To the side and behind the stables and indoor school there's several large paddocks where some of the horses can go if they're not needed for the day, or if they need to be moved so the stable can be
Katy Lee
Aug 26, 2021
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100% would recommend to anyone, horsey or not. We booked a 1.5 hour beach ride unfortunately the weather was not on our side and was incredibly windy, horses however were perfect, could not fault them and… weren’t fussed about anything, a huge confidence boost for us both after one of us not ever ridden on the beach before and the other was 8 years ago.
Lil took us out and she was very approachable and friendly.
We will definitely be back again!
Lil took us out and she was very approachable and friendly.
We will definitely be back again!
Denise Hone
Aug 24, 2021
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Rhiannon Stevens
Aug 24, 2021
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Rhian Sayles
Aug 23, 2021
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The beach ride was the highlight of our holiday! The staff were very friendly and took videos and photos of us cantering along the beach which they sent to us before we got home. The horses were extremely calm and well behaved in traffic and on the beach. It was an unforgettable experience, thank you.
Joanna Smith
Jul 14, 2021
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The beach hack option was really lovely, I am an experienced rider but have never ridden on the beach. The riding school horses are very well behaved and this option was perfectly fine for complete beginners who were on the hack with me. If you choose the hour option it takes about 15 minutes to get to the beach so bear that in mind (although that could have been down to my beginner co-riders/horses).
Would highly recommend and will be going back for a lengthier ride if I'm ever back in the area!
Would highly recommend and will be going back for a lengthier ride if I'm ever back in the area!
Clare Stevens
Jul 10, 2021
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Matilda Marshall
Jun 26, 2021
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