Finding the right equestrian introduction for a child in Amsterdam means navigating options from historic city stables to community-focused centres just outside the A10 ring. Prices generally fall into a mid-range band, though several budget-friendly foundation clubs, such as Stichting Ponyclub Het Landje, offer accessible entry points for younger riders. Families seeking more intensive training or smaller groups might look towards premium providers like Green Riders Academy, particularly if competitive riding is a long-term goal. What parents can generally expect across the board are structured lessons catering to everyone from preschoolers on their first pony adventure to older teens looking for advanced skills.
See our top picks
Mandy's Pony Plezier
This highly reviewed school in Nieuw-West focuses on small groups, which can really help a nervous child gain confidence quickly around the ponies.
Stichting Ponyclub Het Landje
As a dedicated Pony Club foundation, this location often provides the most budget-conscious entry point for consistent, local instruction.
Horsify
This Oost provider uses a unique app-based booking structure, allowing families to schedule private or small sessions without the pressure of long-term term commitments.
26 Horse Riding Providers in Amsterdam
The traditional setting within the city makes it a unique venue for accessible horse riding lessons for children in Amsterdam-West.
This historical riding school in Amsterdam-West offers a range of lessons for children learning horse riding, catering to various skill levels throughout the week. Located centrally, it provides a convenient option for city-based families seeking structured equestrian education for their kids.
- Long-established provider near Vondelpark for easy access
- Offers lessons across all primary and secondary age groups
- Check website for specific times regarding junior instruction
This school in Amsterdam Nieuw-West is highly rated and often hosts sessions that specifically cater to the youngest riders starting horse riding.
Mandy's Pony Plezier provides joyful horse riding lessons specifically for younger children in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, often using smaller ponies suitable for beginners. The focus appears to be on fun and gentle introduction to ponies, making it a warm environment for little ones starting their riding journey.
- Very high user rating suggests a positive experience
- Focus on smaller ponies, possibly ideal for toddlers
- Contact via mobile seems to be the preferred method
This Amsterdam provider incorporates eco-conscious principles into their horse riding education for older children and teens.
Green Riders Academy offers unique horse riding lessons in Amsterdam focused on responsible and sustainable horsemanship for primary and secondary aged children. They emphasize a deep connection with the animal, often using smaller group or one-to-one formats for their specialized instruction.
- Booking seems required via their dedicated portal
- Appears to focus on a nature-based, ethical approach
- Check their site for exact locations hosting children's lessons
This Amstelveen-based school offers a comprehensive program with facilities available for both indoor and outdoor horse riding lessons year-round.
Equito, located near Amsterdam in Amstelveen, is a popular pony farm offering diverse horse riding lessons for all ages, including sessions for toddlers learning to handle ponies. With both indoor and outdoor facilities, they provide consistent instruction regardless of the Amsterdam weather.
- Has good ratings and operates just outside city limits
- Offers riding for very young children starting with ponies
- Both covered and open-air arenas are available for use
A significant and established riding school in Amsterdam-West, often featuring in local guides for children's activities.
Operating from a well-known location in Amsterdam-West, this riding centre provides structured horse riding classes for older children and teens looking to develop their skills. Being centrally located makes accessing these equestrian opportunities quite straightforward for many city residents.
- This is the same location as the Hollandsche Manege listing
- Known venue in the area for horse related activities
- Focuses on lessons for primary and secondary aged riders
This Amstelveen school provides a balanced program with indoor and outdoor riding arenas for children's horse riding instruction.
Manege Nieuw Amstelland in the Amstelveen area runs regular horse riding classes suitable for children across primary and secondary school ages throughout the week. This facility offers both indoor and outdoor riding options, supporting consistent learning across different seasons for young riders.
- Main contact appears to be via email or phone line
- Offers trial lessons to assess suitability for young riders
- Good choice for consistent lessons close to Amsterdam South
This Zunderdorp opportunity provides community-focused pony riding lessons primarily aimed at younger children near Amsterdam-Noord.
The NHPK in Zunderdorp offers pony riding lessons specifically for preschool and primary school children in a more community-focused setting north of the city centre. This seems geared towards local families wanting accessible, regular introductory horse riding experiences for their youngsters.
- Information found via a directory for kids' clubs
- Location is in the northern Zunderdorp area
- Likely a non-profit or community-run club structure
A highly-rated stable in the Amstelveen region offering consistent horse riding lessons for children up to secondary school age.
The Amsterdamse Manege in Amstelveen provides horse riding lessons for children spanning the preschool through secondary age ranges in a well-regarded facility just south of the city. They often feature introductory lessons, making it a solid starting point for new young riders in the area.
- High rating suggests a positive reputation among users
- Trial lessons are available before full enrolment
- Offers both indoor and outdoor riding space for kids
This Amsterdam Nieuw-West provider delivers regular, structured horse riding lessons for school-aged children in an open-air environment.
Manege Geuzeneiland offers horse riding instruction for children within Amsterdam Nieuw-West, focusing on the primary and secondary school age groups in an outdoor setting. This local centre provides consistent lessons for young people keen on developing their riding skills near home.
- Standard contact via phone or email for this location
- Outdoor focus means lessons are weather dependent
- Located centrally within the Amsterdam Nieuw-West district
This Amsterdam Nieuw-West foundation provides horse riding experiences often favoured by local families looking for pony-focused, community-style instruction.
Het Molenpaardje in Amsterdam Nieuw-West runs horse riding activities primarily for younger children, likely focusing on basic handling and short rides on their ponies. As a foundation, this venue often provides a more community-oriented and potentially lower-cost introduction to horses for local youth.
- Good rating for a community focused equestrian provider
- Likely focuses on younger children due to the name
- Situated in the western part of Amsterdam near Lutkemeerweg
This Amsterdam-Zuidoost facility provides year-round horse riding lessons for older children and teens using both indoor and outdoor arenas.
The Prins Willem-Alexander Manege in Amsterdam-Zuidoost offers structured horse riding lessons for children of primary and secondary age, utilising both indoor and outdoor facilities. This venue supports progression through the sport, with options for regular skill development for young equestrian enthusiasts.
- Offers trial lessons for prospective young riders
- Has both covered riding areas for winter use
- Located in the southeastern sector of Amsterdam
This highly rated Amstelveen stable offers comprehensive, year-round horse riding instruction for school-aged children.
A popular choice for horse riding lessons just outside the city in Amstelveen, this manege serves children across primary and secondary school years with regular classes. They combine indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure continuous learning for young riders throughout the year.
- This listing is a duplicate of horse-riding-amsterdam-8
- Offers introductory lessons for beginners
- Facilities support riding regardless of weather conditions
This Amsterdam-Zuidoost foundation provides a community-based, outdoor horse riding programme primarily for school-aged children.
Stichting Waveren operates as a riding foundation in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, providing accessible horse riding education for primary and secondary aged children in an outdoor environment. As a foundation, it often presents a community-focused, potentially budget-friendlier option for consistent weekly lessons.
- Likely a non-profit structure serving the local community
- Lessons are conducted in the outdoor arenas
- Positioned in the southeastern area of Amsterdam
A highly-rated equestrian centre in Amsterdam-Noord providing dependable outdoor horse riding lessons for school-aged riders.
Stal Oostwal in Amsterdam-Noord offers reliable horse riding lessons for primary and secondary school children, benefiting from a good user rating in the area. This stable provides regular instruction to help young people build their confidence and riding technique outdoors.
- Good rating suggests high satisfaction among current clients
- Situated in the northern part of Amsterdam near Belmermeer
- Focus is likely on standard weekly lesson schedules
This is a community-focused Pony Club, accessible via Instagram, likely providing budget-friendly introductory horse riding for very young children.
Ponyclub Het Landje appears to operate as a local pony club offering introductory horse riding experiences, likely for toddlers and primary school children in the Amsterdam area. Updates and interaction seem heavily focused through their Instagram feed, suggesting a tight-knit, community club feel.
- Contact is primarily through their social media channel
- Geared towards younger children and pony experiences
- Look for their updates on Instagram for scheduling information
This Amsterdam-Noord stable supports riders across the entire youth spectrum, from nervous beginners to those aiming for the competition pathway.
Stal Oostwal runs comprehensive horse riding classes in Amsterdam-Noord, catering to a wide age range from preschool up through secondary school students. Utilising both indoor and outdoor facilities allows for consistent training regardless of the Amsterdam weather.
- Riding lessons are available year-round using indoor facilities
- Catches riders from preschool age through to secondary years
- Located in the northern part of Amsterdam
As a foundation in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, Manege De Ruif is likely one of the more budget conscious options for ongoing weekly horse riding lessons for older kids.
Manege De Ruif, a foundation-run stables in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, offers pony and horse riding classes across the primary and secondary age bands. Its foundation status often means more accessible pricing for regular after-school and weekend sessions.
- Foundation-run facility potentially offering budget friendly options
- Accessible for primary and secondary age horse riding students
- Situated in the western districts of Amsterdam
This Amsterdam-Noord provider appears to prioritise smaller class sizes for its kids horse riding programme, suitable for focused learning across all youth years.
Turner's Stable provides engaging horse riding classes for children across primary and secondary ages in Amsterdam-Noord, often utilising small group settings. This ensures younger riders receive close supervision during their time learning to ride and handle ponies.
- Likely offers smaller classes for more focused instruction
- Located up in the Amsterdam-Noord district
- Suitable for both primary and secondary school children
With a high rating, this Amsterdam-West programme appears to excel in providing engaging and effective horse riding lessons tailored for the primary school age group.
Stichting Kakelbont runs excellent horse riding programmes for preschool and primary age children in Amsterdam-West, often in small groups to maximise time in the saddle. The high rating suggests a positive and effective learning atmosphere for younger equestrians.
- High parent satisfaction noted for this Amsterdam-West centre
- Focuses on younger children up to early secondary age
- Small group lessons provide valuable time on the pony
This Amsterdam-Noord Pony Club provides a more traditional, potentially budget-friendly club environment for consistent horse riding practice for school-aged kids.
Ponyclub Floradorp offers affordable horse riding opportunities for children in Amsterdam-Noord, focusing on the experience of being part of a club for primary and secondary riders. As a pony club, there is an emphasis on community and regular participation.
- A foundation-style pony club in Amsterdam-Noord
- Offers regular riding for primary and secondary children
- Likely one of the lower-cost options in the area
This IJburg farm provides unique flexibility with drop-in horse riding opportunities, perfect for younger children who need casual, small-group exposure to ponies.
Boerderij op IJburg offers horse riding and pony time with a focus on hands-on farm experiences for toddlers through primary school age in the IJburg area. This location is notable for offering drop-in sessions, providing flexibility outside of fixed term bookings for horse riding.
- Unique option for toddlers wanting introductory farm/pony time
- Located on the edge of Amsterdam in the IJburg area
- Flexibility with pay-as-you-go drop-in session availability
This Amsterdam-Noord stable appears to foster a close-knit atmosphere, potentially offering more one-to-one attention during the regular weekly horse riding classes.
Stal gouwzicht provides horse riding lessons for all youth ages in Amsterdam-Noord, often running smaller, more intimate sessions suitable for building confidence. Families looking for a less commercial environment for their child's riding journey should explore this local stable.
- Intimate setting likely means smaller, focused riding groups
- A long-running stable option in Amsterdam-Noord
- Lessons available for preschool, primary, and secondary riders
This Amsterdam-Noord area stable integrates skills development, making it suitable for children progressing beyond introductory pony riding lessons.
Stal De Drie Merrien offers structured horse riding classes just north of Amsterdam in the Amsterdam-Noord vicinity, welcoming primary and secondary age riders. This stable focuses on developing skills for children who may wish to progress through graded lessons.
- Structured riding programme available for older children
- Located near the Waterland area, just north of the city
- Offers classes for preschool through secondary school riders
Unique app-based booking system in Amsterdam-Oost for flexible scheduling of private or small group horse riding instruction.
Horsify offers a modern approach to booking horse-related services in Amsterdam-Oost, potentially connecting children with experienced instructors for one-to-one or small group horse riding experiences. This service is ideal for parents seeking flexible, pay-as-you-go instruction rather than a fixed term commitment.
- Modern booking platform for flexible scheduling
- Located in the eastern Amsterdam IJburg area
- Likely a premium service based on model
This unique offering near Vondelpark blends historical learning with hands-on time for toddlers and young children.
Connected to the Hollandsche Manege, the Levend Paardenmuseum in Amsterdam-West offers unique, experience-based horse interaction sessions suitable for young children and toddlers. These are less about formal riding technique and more about sensory introduction to horses in a gentle setting.
- Shares address and phone with Hollandsche Manege
- Focuses on museum experience alongside interaction
- Best for younger children learning about horses
A highly-rated riding centre in Diemen offering the convenience of both indoor and outdoor arenas for consistent children's lessons.
Manege De Eenhoorn, located just outside Amsterdam in Diemen, hosts year-round horse riding lessons for children across primary and secondary years, utilising both indoor and outdoor facilities. Their solid rating and competition pathway suggest a commitment to skill development for dedicated young riders.
- Offers year-round riding with indoor and outdoor arenas
- Lessons available for most school years in the Diemen area
- Trial lessons are offered before committing to a course
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids horse riding classes cost in Amsterdam?
The majority of Amsterdam providers operate in the mid-price band for standard weekly lessons. However, budget-focused options, often run as foundations or pony clubs, can be found that cost significantly less, sometimes representing half the cost of the more intensive or premium schools located in areas like the city centre or Amstelveen.
What age can kids start horse riding in Amsterdam?
Many schools begin introductory pony sessions as early as toddler age, or perhaps around age three or four for preschool-level instruction. Most sustained lesson programmes, especially those leading towards competition, are geared towards primary school-aged children and continue seamlessly through the secondary school years.
What should I look for in a beginner horse riding class?
For a true beginner, look for providers who explicitly mention small group sizes or offer introductory trial lessons. A safe environment where instructors focus on basic handling, balance, and building a bond with the pony, rather than immediate competitive skills, usually signals a positive start.
Can my child try a horse riding class before committing?
Yes, many facilities understand that trying riding is important. Several providers explicitly list availability for trial lessons or taster sessions before requiring enrollment in a longer course. It is always worth checking the specific listing to see if a trial is offered.
Where in Amsterdam can I find kids horse riding classes?
The options are quite spread out, providing geographical variety for city dwellers. Amsterdam-Noord and Amsterdam Nieuw-West feature a high density of stables and clubs, often with budget-friendly options. Amstelveen, just south of the city, is another area rich with equestrian centres, while central areas like Amsterdam-West also house some traditional venues.
Do all riding schools offer pathways for competitive riding?
No, the pathways vary significantly. Some schools, particularly those focused on foundations or very young riders, concentrate purely on pleasure riding and basic horsemanship. Other centres clearly state they offer a competition pathway, which usually involves more rigorous training schedules suitable for older children and teens.
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