Hempstead Equestrian Centre

Hemsted Forest Equestrian Centre is a licensed riding school and livery yard on Golford Road in Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4AJ. The riding school caters for beginners, experienced riders and people with disabilities or special needs.

Equestrian lessons include 40-minute private lessons for children under 16 and adults, and 40-minute semi-private lessons for two riders. Escorted forest hacks last 40 minutes or one hour and are offered seven days a week. Own A Pony days run during school holidays.

Pony Club welcomes participants aged 4 to 21 of all abilities and runs every Saturday morning throughout the year. It includes a 40-minute group riding lesson with up to six participants, taught by a BHS Advanced Instructor. Participants can use the centre’s horses and ponies and work towards achievement badges and BHS tests assessed at the centre.

Facilities include 30 stables with rubber matting and automatic drinkers, nearly 31 acres of grazing and a horse walker. There is a lit, covered 40 by 25 metre sand school and a 60 by 32 metre outdoor sand school with show jumps. Visits outside opening hours can be accommodated by prior arrangement.