1 / 2Mount Mascal Stables
π Bexley, Greater London
Family-run riding school operating since 1966, with covered arenas, countryside hacking, birthday pony parties, and holiday camps. Particularly praised for supporting children with additional needs and confidence issues.
I returned to lessons at Mascals, after a long break from any riding, and now have a horse stabled there and regular lessons with in-house coaches. I also join weekly adults-only rallies and friends and family use the riding school too. The first thing you will notice about the yard team and the coaches is that they all genuinely know, and care deeply about, the horses. In lessons youβll hear them encouraging the love of the horse as much as instructing people in their ridden progress. This means the riding school herd are really well looked after, with plenty of fuss, turnout and regular schooling. Thereβs a good mix of coaches so youβll always find someone youβll gel with and learn from, whatever your experience. And thereβs an equally good mix of equine characters too, with established riding school ponies for little ones starting out, and more capable horses for the more experienced to still be challenged. Being older and back in the saddle I have so much to learn, and I can be nervous, but I feel extremely supported both in lessons by coaches and on the ground by the yard team. They are extraordinarily patient, but know when to push you, and enthusiastic even about the small wins. They know my boy too, so our lessons focus not only on my progress but his, which is hugely valuable. The whole team at Mascals are not only committed to the school continuing to thrive (in, letβs face it, challenging economic conditions) but also everyone being welcome to have fun and learn with horses. I am endlessly grateful to have found this little gem of a place and the support we have there.
π Family Action Verdict
The standout choice for families whose children have additional needs, anxiety around horses, or zero prior experience. Instructors Amber, Sam, Megan, Eden, Karen, Lauryn, Freddy, and Fiona are named repeatedly for building genuine confidence.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β158 Google reviews
Hayley Buery
5 months ago
βI returned to lessons at Mascals, after a long break from any riding, and now have a horse stabled there and regular lessons with in-house coaches. I also join weekly adults-only rallies and friends and family use the riding school too. The first thing you will notice about the yard team and the coaches is that they all genuinely know, and care deeply about, the horses. In lessons youβll hear them encouraging the love of the horse as much as instructing people in their ridden progress. This means the riding school herd are really well looked after, with plenty of fuss, turnout and regular schooling. Thereβs a good mix of coaches so youβll always find someone youβll gel with and learn from, whatever your experience. And thereβs an equally good mix of equine characters too, with established riding school ponies for little ones starting out, and more capable horses for the more experienced to still be challenged. Being older and back in the saddle I have so much to learn, and I can be nervous, but I feel extremely supported both in lessons by coaches and on the ground by the yard team. They are extraordinarily patient, but know when to push you, and enthusiastic even about the small wins. They know my boy too, so our lessons focus not only on my progress but his, which is hugely valuable. The whole team at Mascals are not only committed to the school continuing to thrive (in, letβs face it, challenging economic conditions) but also everyone being welcome to have fun and learn with horses. I am endlessly grateful to have found this little gem of a place and the support we have there.β
Terri-louise
5 months ago
βMy daughter has been coming here for 10 months now & as a child with additional needs she has confidence issues & the staff & instructors she has come in contact with (Amber, Sam, Megan, Eden & Karen) they have helped her grow confidence & has helped her progress amazingly in her passion for horse riding & helping her now have a more clearer understanding of herself as a individual & know that she can do it & what ever she puts her mind too & not to give up . They also provide an amazing range of fun activities for all levels of horse riders. And the pony club sessions are very informative & fun. My daughter always comes away feeling good about herself & like she is learning more & more each time. Theyβre all amazing with her & I canβt thank them all enough.β
Rebecca Viola
5 months ago
βWe have our ponies here on livery and are happy with their care and the facilities are excellent. The teaching is very good with a special mention to Megan, Sam, Lauryn Freddy, Eden, Amber and Fiona who are all brilliant. We are looking forward to coming out of lockdown from Strangles so we can go hacking again (the off road hacking is excellent) and use the arena at Little Mascal Farm. My daughter is progressing well in her riding since moving to MMS and has made some lovely friends. It is a busy, buzzy yard with lots of events and fun activities on which is great for kids. Overall we are very happy and we would certainly recommend this stables to others.β
Rosemary Vincent
2 months ago
βBooked my daughter's 10th birthday party and all the party goers had an amazing time. Sam was an amazing host, couldn't ask for better. To the non rider majority, this was an experience they won't forget. Some are now keen to start riding. Also thanks to Jason, they were big fans of the tractor ride. Thank you Mascal. Hopefully we will get the chance to visit again.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Mount Mascal Stables has operated since 1966 and offers individual and group lessons in covered arenas plus off-road countryside hacking. Specialist support for children with additional needs is a consistent strength. Birthday parties include stable activities and tractor rides. A helper training programme lets dedicated young riders earn free Friday sessions. On-site cafe and party room on site.



