The 5 Best Horse Riding Lessons in Sydney to Add to Your Sidequest Log
You know how everyone is talking about “sidequests” right now? It’s collecting random skills and experiences to make the most out of life. In an era where it dominates our free time, it’s hard not to wonder what your next move should be.
Some people chase their love for music with piano lessons, while others pick up survival skills like swimming. Well, our team decided to unlock a slightly more unexpected achievement: we learned how to ride horses!
Now, you might be thinking, when are they actually going to use that? Valid question. But honestly, the best part was simply stepping out of our comfort zones, learning something new, and having an absolute blast doing it.
If you’re tempted to add this to your own sidequest log, we’ve got you covered. We did the legwork and tested out the field ourselves.
Here’s our ultimate roundup of the best riding lessons in Sydney—all personally tried, tested, and highly recommended by our team!
How much do horse riding lessons cost in Sydney?
Horse riding lessons in Sydney generally range from $80 to $200 per session, depending on whether you choose a private or group setting.
1. Eastside Horse Riding Academy
Address: 120 Lang Rd, Moore Park
Phone: +61 293 607 521
Business hours:
- Monday: 2 PM – 7 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Eastside Horse Riding Academy’s location alone almost won us over before we even touched a saddle. Being right in Centennial Parklands means you get this gorgeous urban greenery.
We loved how they offer private sessions, shared duos, and bigger groups. Beyond the basics, students can also learn about handling, grooming, and stable routines of the horses.
During our visit, everything was well-supervised. Clients who’d attended their holiday programs even mentioned that lessons are still loaded with coaches, junior helpers, and senior volunteers.
But as we dug deeper and heard what some people were actually experiencing on the ground, something started to show.
A client pointed out that his coach is sometimes late and wraps things up early. For the premium price you usually pay for one-on-one attention, that’s indeed disappointing.
Highly recommend this
“We had a very special experience at Eastside Horse Riding Academy. The one hour trail ride into centennial park was gorgeous and our guide Lotus was professional, informative, kind and thoughtful. I took my 12 year old daughter and her smile the whole way was priceless. Highly recommend this for a one off horse riding experience in the beautiful surrounds.”
Carmelle Hedges, Google review
My first riding experience here was incredible!
“I recently had my first riding experience at Eastside Horse Riding Academy in Sydney, and it was incredible! This opportunity to ride in a park at CBD setting was truly special. My instructor, Tweety, who can speak Cantonese also, made me feel right at home. It was so excited…”
Ding Ding, Google review
2. Sydney Hills Horse Riding Centre
Address: 54-56 Kenthurst Rd, Dural
Phone: +61 421 218 983
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Thursday to Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
It was a little hard to book a slot at Sydney Hills Horse Riding Centre, but once we were in, we couldn’t help but be impressed.
They aren’t just a conveyor belt for riders but also take horsemanship seriously. So not only were the lessons focused heavily on groundwork, but they also made sure we actually understood the horses beneath us.
The horses seem to live their best lives here, and regular folks backed it up. They’re all treated with massive amounts of love, and each has a distinct personality.
This care translates directly into the lessons, where the horses are cooperative. For the instructors? Well, they’re very supportive and encouraging with us. Word on the street says they’re extra patient with young children too.
If there’s one thing they can improve, though, it’s their communication. We actually felt it during the booking. Some clients also had similar or worse experiences than us where they never got a callback or an email response from them.
Lessons are fun, educational, and fulfilling!
“I would like to strongly recommend the Horse Riding Centre! My three children attended the School Holiday Camp and several private sessions during our stay in Sydney, and they absolutely loved it. The staff are incredibly friendly, experienced, and patient with kids—making every lesson both fun, educational and fulfilling. They focus not just on riding but also on comprehensive groundwork, more important, they care about the horsemanship!…”
Andy Tse, Google review
Their passion for horses and teaching shines through in every lesson
“Sydney hills horseriding Centre Dural, run by Olivia and her mum Amanda, offer a welcoming and safe environment for riders of all ages and skill levels. Their passion for horses and teaching shines through in every lesson, whether group or private. The well-trained horses and ponies, combined with their friendly and knowledgeable approach, make it a fantastic place to build confidence and riding skills. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a professional yet warm horse riding experience close to Sydney.”
Braedon Douglas, Google review
3. Sydney Horse Riding
Address: 205 Campbelltown Rd, Denham Court
Phone: +61 477 888 980
Business hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM
Sydney Horse Riding really shines in variety, offering a much wider range of activities than other riding schools.
We loved how they’ve built a setup where you can actually progress too. They host beginner trail rides, advanced treks, group lessons, and even private coaching! The instructors are knowledgeable and prove to be amazing teachers for all riding abilities.
Some of our researchers visited and had a lesson for a few weeks here. Every single ride feels slightly different, they said. Some days there were in thick bush trails, other days they’re along quiet creeks. It keeps the lessons fresh!
There were also other clients mentioning their experiences of seeing roos, wild rabbits, and hearing glorious birds along the trail. Nature lovers would definitely love it here.
However, riders with a limited budget might want to book elsewhere. Their pricing is a bit higher here.
My whole family did a ride and loved it!
“My whole family did a ride and love it! This was our first time, weren’t sure how it will go at first but the staff (Casie if im not mistaken) was so patient, lovely and helpful throughout the private lesson. Emailed them and Tracey replied within 2days, was kind enough guiding us how to enjoy horse riding whilst bringing a 3yo. Wonderful view. We did morning rides and definitely will be back!!”
Fransisca Cynthia, Google review
Looking forward to my next lesson
“The Advanced Trail Ride was AMAZING! Thank you for providing such a wonderful service with the Beautiful Horseys and Nature, very memorable! Plus, I learnt so much from your Lovely Instructor, Jamila who study’s Equine Science. Looking forward to my next lesson.”
Juliana Cameron, Google review
4. South East Equestrian Club
Address: Anzac Rifle Range, Malabar
Phone: +61 477 772 953
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Friday: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
South East Equestrian Club teaches holistic horsemanship greatly. Besides teaching students how to ride horses, they also tackle horse psychology and body awareness.
Their instructors also have a superpower for reading rider anxiety. We spoke to one first-time rider. He mentioned how the team immediately understood his fears, paired him with the perfect horse, and had him trotting comfortably by lesson three.
We also felt a real connection to the horses. And that’s because they’re clearly happy, active, and well looked after!
However, their greatest strength is also the exact reason why they might not be ideal for everyone. Here, they expect you to roll up your sleeves. They allow riders to care for, saddle, and clean the horse before and after the session.
For some clients, this is a massive bonus. But for others, it can feel like a bait-and-switch. Especially since we heard feedback from someone who said he spent the majority of his time on saddling and cleaning rather than actual saddle time.
100% recomend this place
“Absolutely amazing riding facility, best one here in sydney. Extremely caring and fair to the horses, even giving the riders the opportunity to care for the horse before and after every lesson! Many riding schools dont do that so its a cool experience to be able to do that here. The instructors are amazing and so proffesional, they truly care about the riders learning. 100% recomend this place, its very very good. 🙂 You will probably learn a lot more here that u didnt know mattered.”
Nikolina Radojcic, Google review
As a first-time rider, I can’t imagine a better place to start
“As a first-time rider, I can’t imagine a better place to start. The horses are active and very well looked after. A special shout-out to the wonderful instructor, Alice! She is so talented at what she does. She understood my fears immediately, paired me with the right horse, and by my third lesson, I was trotting comfortably!…”
Aleksandra Sh, Google review
5. MC Equestrian Riding School
Address: 101 Booralie Rd, Terrey Hills
Phone: +61 433 247 247
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 7 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 8 PM
What MC Equestrian Riding School does best is building real, foundational horsemanship from scratch. They have a structured progression and would teach you everything.
While we were there, we met parents who watched their kids transform from nervous beginners into fully accomplished riders.
Some of the kids are even entering competitions now. But most importantly, they’re capable of caring for a horse independently.
Our experience was also enough to back up the parents’ claims. The instructors didn’t just tell us what to do. They also explained the why behind every pull of the reins and shift in weight. They also treat safety as a non-negotiable priority.
Plus, as a massive bonus, they have an indoor undercover arena. Lessons aren’t cancelled here when it rains.
As long as your budget can match up with their higher rates, you’re in great hands! Just be mindful that they also have a strict cancellation policy.
Worth every cent!
“Had my first lesson today with Monica on the handsome Nimbus! After not riding for nearly 10 years everyone made me feel really welcome and helped me in every way possible. Monica was great at encouraging me and explained everything really well which made me feel safe and confident! I can’t wait to book more lessons in the future to get my confidence and skills back! Easy to book the lessons on the app which a bonus! Worth every cent!”
Alice MacEwan, Google review
She made me feel very confident after 20 years of no riding
“Facilities are amazing with a covered arena. Horses are well looked after. My lesson with Anna was exceptional, great attention to detail and she made me feel very confident after 20 years of no riding.”
Jenny Hopwood, Google review