“Come and experience the joys of horse riding”
Horse Riding
Ridgeway Riding School and Trekking Centre is part of Matlock Farm Park. It offers qualified horse riding lessons as well as pony trekking.
Beautiful Derbyshire Scenery
Enjoy riding in the attractive surroundings of Matlock Farm Park, with views over to Riber Castle. Scenic farmland, adjoining beautiful forests and a new purpose built arena provide extensive riding facilities, there is no need to ride on roads.
Friendly Horses and Well Trained Staff
There is a good selection of well mannered horses and ponies to suit all ages and abilities.
Fully qualified instructors are available for group or private individual lessons. If you would like a lesson or to go pony trekking, then booking is essential.
Although lessons are great for beginners, a basic knowledge is required for Trekking and Hacks. Lessons are available every weekend and most days in the week – Prior Booking is Essential.
The Advantages of Horse Riding
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- Riding is one of Britain’s fastest growing sports.
- It is great for fitness and posture, as well as improving confidence and emotional well-being. There’s no better feeling than to be at one riding with your horse!
- It is a great outdoor hobby to have.
- Taking up riding is a great way to meet new friends with a mutual interest. A lot of our old pupils (now with their own horses) regularly go riding together.
- It is a great work ethic for kids and teenagers.
Own a Pony Day
Throughout the year we offer the experience of owning a pony. Your day will include grooming, tacking up, cleaning tack, general pony care, practical horse experience and theory. We ask you to please bring a packed lunch with you. Please keep an eye on our Whats on page or our facebook page for available dates. The recommended minimum age is 4 years and upwards as this is a full day experience, the price includes the entry to the farm park for the rider (plus one accompanying adult with under 16’s).
Horse Riding & Pony Trekking Charges
- One Hour £25
- Two Hour £45
- Half Hour £15
- Special offer: 5 x lessons for £100 (when paid in advance)
- NEW: PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN OFFER – A pony riding experience for pre-schoolers in our arena £10 (weekdays, term time only). Three year olds may be able to ride, following an assessment by our instructors.
- All prices include FREE entry into Matlock Farm Park for the rider for the day (plus one accompanying adult for under 16’s). Private lessons and hacks available. Discounts available for group bookings, hen parties etc.
A viewing area of the riding arena is now available without requiring entry to the farm park.
Payment cash or credit card. Booking essential, if you are not block booking lessons you will be asked for a 30% deposit. 24 hour cancellation required.
Contact Details:
Ridgeway Riding School
Jaggers Lane, Matlock DE4 5LH
Tel: 01246 590200 – 24 hour answer phone
Please leave a message and your call will be returned. Open weekends all year round and days during the week in the school holidays.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Horse-riding is a risk sport and there is a chance of riders falling off, being bitten or kicked by horses.
Pony Birthday Parties
Please see our Party Page for more details
Other Information
- It is important to wear a boot or a shoe with a small heel. Gloves are a good idea, especially for the younger children with softer hands, as well as a waterproof coat. Hats are provided at first, but we do recommend that you purchase your own hat and jodhpurs if you decide that you are really keen. Leggings are also suitable for riding.
- The recommended minimum age to ride with us is 4 years old. We will assess younger children.
All lessons include time to get on and off within the lesson. - Private lessons are available with prior booking. Price £45/hour.
- Specialist lessons for Dressage and Show Jumping available.
- Lessons and treks are available all year round.
- On site cafe and toilet facilities (Matlock Farm Park).
- Free car parking.
- ‘Own a pony days’ – Keeping your own horse is hard work and very demanding. Here is a chance to experience it before you take the plunge! (due to popularity, priority for booking is given to our regular riders).
- Riding available for groups with Special Needs (subject to an assessment).
Opening Times
- January – Mid December
Everyday 10.00am – 4.30pm Extended opening to 5:30pm during summer weekends (weather permitting) - Middle – End December
10.00am – 4.00pm - Opening times subject to change
- Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- Please note, due to the close contact with our animals, we cannot allow dogs into the farm park. We can permit Guide dogs however.
Come
along and meet Mr Doodle Doo the new mascot of Matlock Farm Park
T: 01246 590200
Season Tickets
Click here to download a Season Ticket application form. Please either complete and return it with your cheque by post to: Enquiries at Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Near Two Dales, Matlock, DE4 5LH. Or, you can complete a form and bring it along to make payment in person the next time you visit us, with your visit included in the price of the season ticket.
