At Squirrells Riding School in Chatham, we believe riding should be thrilling, nurturing, and genuinely fun — for beginners discovering horses for the very first time, and for experienced riders pushing their limits.
From your child's very first time in the saddle to preparing for BHS qualifications, we have a programme designed around you. All sessions are led by qualified, passionate instructors who genuinely love what they do.
Whether you're stepping into the stirrups for the first time or looking to sharpen your technique, our riding lessons are tailored to meet you exactly where you are. We offer individual tuition for focused, personalised coaching and group lessons for a sociable, energetic atmosphere. Our skilled instructors work with riders of all ages and levels to build genuine skill, safety, and a lifelong love of horses.
Individual & Group Available
Our Pony Club is the perfect home for young equestrians who want to go further. The programme combines hands-on riding progression with essential stable management skills — from grooming and horse care to understanding nutrition and health. Ideal for children and teens who dream of owning their own horse one day, it builds responsibility, confidence, and a deep connection with these wonderful animals.
For Young Riders
As a fully accredited British Horse Society riding school, we offer BHS-recognised courses for riders who want formal, nationally respected qualifications. Whether you're pursuing a career in equestrian sport, looking to teach, or simply want structured progression benchmarks, our BHS courses are delivered by experienced instructors committed to raising the standard of horsemanship across the region.
BHS Accredited
Treat the birthday child to a party they'll never forget! Our riding birthday parties bring the magic of horses to your special celebration. Children get to ride, interact with our gentle ponies, and enjoy a truly memorable experience in a safe, supervised environment. Our warm and welcoming team is happy to accommodate special requests — because your day should be exactly as you imagined it.
🎂 Perfect for KidsWe're more than a riding school — we're a community. Our BHS accreditation means every lesson meets rigorous national standards, while our involvement in life-changing programmes shows our commitment goes far beyond the arena. When you join Squirrells, you join something special.
Fully accredited by the British Horse Society — a nationally recognised mark of quality and safety.
Proud participants in the BHS Riding School Championships, competing at the highest level.
Recognised through the BHS Changing Lives programme — using horses to transform communities.
A wonderful, varied string of horses and ponies suited to every age, size, and ability level.
We teach the full picture — both in-saddle skills and essential stable management knowledge.
A licensed, regulated riding establishment you can trust. Licence No. TM/ANIMAL/025.
Squirrells Riding School is a proud British Horse Society-approved equestrian centre nestled in Chatham, Kent. We've spent years building a place where riders of every age and background feel genuinely welcome — a school where ambition is encouraged, progress is celebrated, and the bond between rider and horse is always at the heart of everything we do.
Our programmes span casual recreational lessons through to structured BHS qualifications, and our Pony Club provides younger riders with a rounded equestrian education that combines riding with the equally important art of stable management. We believe understanding horses holistically — not just sitting on them — creates better, safer, and more compassionate riders.
Our recognition through the BHS Changing Lives programme reflects something we're deeply proud of: the belief that horses have the power to transform lives. We've seen it happen, and we work hard every day to make sure Squirrells remains a place where that transformation is possible for everyone.
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what riders, parents, and partners have shared about their experiences at Squirrells.
One of our students was recently invited to a British Horse Society event at The Saddlers Hall in London to celebrate the BHS Changing Lives programme — and it was a moment of real pride for everyone involved. The programme has been a tremendous success and has genuinely benefited us and so many other schools. We extend our deepest thanks to the team at Squirrells Riding School for their role in making this possible.
Thank you so much to every member of staff at Squirrells for making our daughter's birthday party so incredibly special. You went above and beyond to accommodate our last-minute changes with warmth and a smile. Absolutely outstanding service — we couldn't recommend you highly enough.
What a fantastic place. The staff are incredibly warm and knowledgeable, and the variety of horses and ponies here is genuinely impressive — there really is something for every rider. Whether you're a nervous beginner or an experienced equestrian, you'll feel right at home at Squirrells.
Whether you'd like to book a first lesson, find out more about our Pony Club, or enquire about a birthday party, we'd love to hear from you. Give us a call or send a message and our friendly team will get back to you promptly.
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