Chelmsford Equestrian Centre
BHS & ABRS Approved Riding School and Livery
Chelmsford Equestrian Centre - Riding School, Livery & Equestrian Lessons in Essex
Welcome to Chelmsford Equestrian Centre RDA Approved, BHS- and ABRS-approved riding school, equestrian centre and livery yard set on 72 acres of Essex countryside, just minutes from Chelmsford.
We offer riding lessons and have a horse livery yard at our riding centre in a welcoming, professional, and safe environment where riders of all ages and experience levels can learn, progress, and enjoy horse riding at their own pace.
join us for fun, progressive horse riding lessons
What do we offer?
Riding Lessons for Every Experience Level
Whether you’re a complete beginner taking your first ride, a child looking for fun and steady ponies, or an adult seeking to refine your flatwork or jump confidently, CEC has something for you.
We carefully select and match our horses and ponies – from gentle, calm mounts for first-time riders, through to responsive, well-educated horses for advanced lessons.
Qualified Instructors and Structured Lessons
Our qualified, safeguarding-trained instructors provide structured private and group lessons in a variety of disciplines – flatwork, showjumping, cross-country, and more – all designed to build confidence, balance, and correct riding technique.
Top-Class Facilities for Riders and Horses
With top-class equestrian facilities – including two indoor arenas, outdoor ménages, a full cross-country course, jumping paddocks, extensive grazing, well-maintained hacking tracks, and on-site livery – we cater both to those learning to ride and to those with their own horses.
Join Our Supportive Riding Community
At CEC, you’re not just booking a lesson – you’re joining a supportive riding community. Whether you want regular lessons, casual hacks, or a journey from beginner to confident horse owner, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
REGISTER OR BOOK NOW
Flat work lessons
Joining one of our flatwork horse riding lessons is a great way to improve your balance, rhythm, and communication with your horse.
Our instructors focus on the foundations – transitions, circles, and clear aids – helping you ride in harmony and build confidence.
Flatwork strengthens your skills for every discipline, making it an ideal session for riders who want steady, noticeable progress.
Showjumping lessons
Joining one of our showjumping lessons is a fun and confidence-building way to improve your balance, control, and abilities over fences.
Your instructor will help you to understand the importance of some key skills, including: staying relaxed and allowing the horse to jump, keeping a balanced position and developing a good rhythm in canter.
Showjumping sessions are perfect for riders looking to develop technique, build trust, and experience the excitement of jumping in a supportive environment.
Cross country sessions
Joining one of our cross-country sessions is an exciting way to build confidence, control, and partnership with your horse in an outdoor setting.
Our instructors help you develop the key skills needed for riding natural obstacles – steady approaches, balanced positions, and safe navigation over fences, ditches, and terrain changes.
It’s a supportive, structured lesson that lets riders enjoy the thrill of cross-country while improving technique and trust every step of the way.
Kids lessons
Joining one of our kids’ riding lessons is a fun and confidence-boosting way for young riders to learn and enjoy time with ponies.
Our instructors focus on safety, balance, and simple skills, helping children feel comfortable in the saddle while keeping every session engaging.
With gentle guidance, games, and steady ponies, kids develop coordination, confidence, and a real love for riding in a friendly, supportive environment.
BUY a Voucher
Riding vouchers make great gifts from parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and are fully redeemable against horse riding lessons, stable management sessions, and beginner riding experiences.
They’re perfect for children, teens, and adults — whether someone is already riding, wants to start riding, wants to join one of our riding centre events, or simply hopes to get back in the saddle and enjoy time with horses.
BUY A VOUCHER
meet our fine selection of horses and ponies
From ponies to horses we have something to suit
We carefully select the horses that enter our riding school, which ultimately gives you the very best experience.
The easy plodder for the total beginner or nervous rider, the sporty pony for kids who want to jump, and then the finer sport horse for advancing adults.
Whatever you’re looking, we have something that will meet your needs and help improve your riding.
Our ponies are great fun
Your children are going to love the ponies we have here at the yard. For beginners, we offer calm, steady starter ponies who help young riders learn the basics, feel secure in the saddle, and build confidence from their very first lesson.
As they progress, we also have well-schooled, responsive ponies that introduce children to jumping, polework, and early cross-country skills, supporting them as they grow through each stage of their riding journey.
Horse for the teens and adults to enjoy
We have a great selection of horses at the yard to suit every level of rider, from total beginners to those with more advanced experience. For newcomers, our calm and steady horses help you learn the basics, feel balanced in the saddle, and build confidence at a comfortable pace.
As your skills develop, we also have responsive, well-schooled horses that can support more technical riding, including flatwork, polework, and small jumps, allowing you to progress naturally and enjoy each step of your riding journey.