Our Ethos
At Howden Equestrian Centre (HEC), we believe that a riding school should be more than just a place to learn a skill—it should be a sanctuary for horses and a nurturing space where people can grow.
Over the last decade, we have grown from a small yard of five horses to a thriving community of nineteen, but our core mission has never changed.
Horses always come first!
​We don’t view our horses as "equipment"; they are our partners, our teachers, and our friends. Our management style is built on the "Three F’s":
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Friends: Our horses live in social groups, allowing them to play and groom one another.
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Forage: We prioritise a natural diet that keeps their digestive systems healthy and their minds at ease.
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Freedom: Daily turnout is non-negotiable. We believe a happy horse is a safe horse, and a safe horse is the best teacher.
A different way.
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Our lessons are a little different to your average riding school. We prioritise quality over quantity, focusing on meaningful progress rather than just filling slots.
We believe that learning happens best when it’s personal. Our private and semi-private lessons are designed to move at your pace, focusing entirely on your personal journey with the horse.
We take the same focused approach to our children’s groups; by capping them at just four riders of similar age and ability, we create a consistent environment where students can progress together as a team, rather than starting fresh each week.
This means every session is designed to build a real rider, not just a passenger, through purposeful and high-quality instruction and individual attention.
Passion for
learning.
We are dedicated to "doing it right." We believe that to be a great rider, you must first be a great horseman, and we are here to support you on that journey.
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Experienced Guidance: Our team is led by BHS professionals Stage 4/5 Senior Coach (BHSI)—One of the highest levels of international certification. All of our staff are BHS accredited professionals.
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Always Growing Together: Our team is dedicated to the idea that we never stop learning. We are deeply committed to our ongoing professional development, regularly engaging in voluntary CPD to stay at the forefront of the industry. We love staying curious and progressing our skills so we can always offer you and our horses the very best care.
Holistic horsemanship.
We believe in the value of a quality, all-encompassing education. Our goal isn't just to help you stay in the saddle, but to help you become a "real" rider—someone who understands the rhythm, the balance, and the subtle language of the horse.
We take a holistic approach to every lesson, teaching you that riding is just one part of the bond. By understanding horse behavior and welfare, you learn to ride with empathy and precision, creating a partnership built on mutual respect rather than just instruction.
Passion for welfare and education.
BHS award winning - We are so passionate about horse welfare and education that our yard manager Jenna received an award at the BHS Annual Awards at Newbury Racecourse in 2025.
Jenna was honoured to receive the BHS Exceptional Achievement Award 2025 from BHS President Martin Clunes!
