Bank Farm Equestrian

Bank Farm Equestrian is a riding centre at Arley, upriver from Bewdley on the edge of the Wyre Forest, with bridle paths running straight off the yard into 6,500 acres of forest.

It is a progression-based centre rather than a beginner riding school, and it does not take complete beginners. Riders need a balanced rising trot, independent control of their horse and the confidence to ride in open country at a forward pace, and a rider registration form is completed before a first visit.

Guided and self-guided hacks run Tuesday to Sunday, on one of the centre’s horses or your own, from an hour out to a two-hour ride with a pub stop. Alongside the hacking there are lessons, clinics and jumping, livery, horseback holidays, hen parties and an Equissage service, and the yard keeps heavy horses including Suffolk Punches. Stabling and box parking are available for anyone bringing their own horse.

The forest bridle paths are not signposted, so the centre asks riders to join at least two guided hacks before going out self-guided. Bank Farm Equestrian adjoins Bank Farm Holiday Park, and both are part of Bank Farm Properties & Leisure.