The Ashdown Forest Riding Centre is located in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, in the South East of England. The Forest is a designated 'Special Area of Conservation' and is situated in the middle of The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With 6500 acres of unspoilt beautiful heathland crossed with bridle paths, we can offer uninterrupted off-road horse-riding for hours with beautiful scenery all the way.
We have been operating since 1995 and have horses and ponies ranging from 12hh to 16.3hh suitable for all levels from complete beginners to experienced riders. We offer a wide range of activities aside from our regular hacks out on the Ashdown Forest including lessons with our experienced instructors in our large (60m x 20m).
We have been operating since 1995 and have horses and ponies ranging from 12hh to 16.3hh suitable for all levels from complete beginners to experienced riders. We offer a wide range of activities aside from our regular hacks out on the Ashdown Forest including lessons with our experienced instructors in our large (60m x 20m).
Services
If you are looking for an hours escape into the beautiful Ashdown Forest or if you are wishing to rekindle a passion for horses in a relaxed atmosphere, then this could be for you. The Ashdown Forest Riding Centre is located in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, 6500 acres of unspoilt beautiful heathland.
Cancellation policy:The AFRC requires 3 hours notice to cancel a booking. Less than the required notice will result in full payment due. If the AFRC has to cancel a booking due to weather, ground conditions or for H&S reasons, then the AFRC will give the customer 3 hours notice and any advance payment made will be refunded in full.
Nestled in the middle of the farm, surrounded by beautiful woods and in front of the stunning lakes, our two cabins offer our guests the chance to relax and enjoy their stay in a spectacular rural setting. Our REAL log cabins are comfortable with basic power provided by solar panels, water is collected in filtered rainwater tanks and both cabins have log burners which makes then very warm and cosy.
All our foals are doing very well and we are expecting one more from Anderida Cambretta, she is due anytime now! We would like to mention our oldest resident Poly who show jumped to a high level in her younger years and joined the other horses on hacks on the Ashdown Forest until recently as she has now been retired and is living happily with some of the youngsters in a large field at the riding centre.
I have no riding experience, is that a problem? No, we cater for people of all abilities from no experience at all to very experienced riders. Is the Ashdown Forest Riding Centre licensed and insured? Yes, the Ashdown Forest Riding Centre is licensed by the Wealden district council and insured by Howden insurance.
Reviews (15)
Pippa Thomas
Jan 26, 2022
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Emily Wood
Oct 27, 2021
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Adele Neale
Sep 12, 2021
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Joanna Olney
Aug 28, 2021
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We enjoyed the most magical afternoon in the forest on a pony walk. My daughter had been asking all summer to ride a horse, and the experience was so much more than we could’ve hoped. She loved learning to… groom and muck out, and then felt a little nervous getting on, but was quickly put at ease by her kind teachers. The scenery was stunning which meant I enjoyed the walk (by foot!) every bit as much. We will be back! Thank you.
Frances Woodward
Aug 17, 2021
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Poor signage as sign reversed so arrived late.Although I had completed extensive online info girls completely unaware and unprepared for my grandaughters and had to complete forms all over again .They even asked if it was for a lesson.Took 20 mins faffing around at £1 per minute before starting so ended up paying£ 60 for half hour for 2 for a very boring lesson.
Eliz Breeze
Aug 09, 2021
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Teresa Coleman
May 21, 2021
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I’ve rode here many times but today I went after not going for 2 years and I took my granddaughter who’s 6. She rode Steph and was lead by Genie and I rode Puzzle. We had the most amazing time, the ponies behaved perfectly and gave us the best experience.
Big thank you to Stathis and Genie for making today possible.
AFRC really is the best!
Big thank you to Stathis and Genie for making today possible.
AFRC really is the best!
Jessica Martinelli
Mar 31, 2021
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Louise Kyme
Jan 22, 2021
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I had such an amazing experience here after taking a break from London in lockdown and endless Zoom meetings. Stayed in a beautiful remote log cabin on the lakeside, so close to nature and surrounded by horses. I rode horses in the day (I’m a beginner) and had bonfires in the evening. Bliss. Stathis the owner is kind and generous, and makes sure you’re all sorted and have got what you need, but gives you plenty of space if you’re looking to stay remote. It’s not a ‘luxury’ stay, (no shower) but that’s what made it more rejuvenating for me. You get into a wonderful rhythm of staying
Alison Mays Wong
Jan 14, 2021
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Richard Adcock
Sep 25, 2020
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Louise Razaq
Jun 21, 2020
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After a lovely hack on midsummers evening, my daughter and I spent the night in one of Stathis’ beautiful cabins. The fire pit to cook on was fantastic, the furniture looking on to the lake was gorgeous, overall a memorable way to spend the solstice. Thank you Stathis for sharing your fantastic accomodation.
Debbie Clark
Jun 03, 2020
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Alison Hampton
Oct 16, 2019
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Ellie W.
Aug 31, 2017
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Well trained and beautiful horses/ponies who can help expand your riding experience hugely. The staff are kind and helpful, great teachers and will happily have a horsey conversation. Rides outside the arena feel safe and offer a range of amazing views over the forest, with good cantering tracks for more confident riders. In the arena, it feels safe and allows lots of space for jumping and testing your skills. Prices are good and affordable, you should definitely ride here!!
