Deen City Farm Horse Riding Lessons for Kids

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The biggest highlight at Deen City Farm is the horse riding school for all ages and abilities. There is a lovely cafe with reasonable prices as well as a farm shop where you can buy feed for the goats and sheep.

Located in Morden in Wimbledon, this is the only city farm in South West London. The farm is popular in the local community, especially during the weekends you’ll find it buzzing with children enjoying the animals. Like most other city farms, Deen Farm is a local community farm registered as a charity dependent on donations. Entrance is free, but with the suggested donation (£2), you can help make sure they can continue carrying out all their excellent work.

The animals at Deen City Farm

You’ll find an impressive number of animals on the farm, actually more than 120 residents, small and big! The animals are well looked after by a dedicated and experienced livestock team. In addition to the usual farm animals like pigs and cows, you can also see Alpacas and an owl! They also have as many as three farm cats that can be seen proudly patrolling the grounds.

The Farm Riding School

Deen City Farm offers pony rides for children aged seven and under, which is not bookable in advance, so you need to queue up. Check their website for the latest schedule.

Children can also join the Pony Club and take part in additional activities. Children aged eight or older can join one of the beginner riding lessons. Book these in advance through the website. There is no upper age limit, and no previous experience is required.

Horse riding lessons for kids

Horse riding lessons at Deen City Farm are available for kids from eight years of age. The riding school is approved by both the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools, and they have around 12 horses and ponies. Deen provide lessons in dressage, show jumping and cross country.  Lunge lessons are also available and stable management lessons up to BHS Stage IV are available on request.

Riders are divided into two groups:

Experienced riders

If you’re looking to join a group as an experienced rider you’ll need to have an initial assessment lesson, which can be arranged with their staff.  

New Riders

To get you started as a new rider you can book a session on the riding simulator before proceeding with the first lessons

Tasty food and produce

The café is serving tasty food at a reasonable price, such as delicious cakes and sandwiches. You can also buy their produce, with what’s on offer dependent on the season. Animal food can be purchased from a dispenser to feed sheep, goats, alpaca and cows. Note that you need a 50p coin for the machine.

Deen City Farm is a fantastic offering for kids in London to experience a slice of the countryside without having to go far out in the country. During school holidays, they usually organise additional activities at the farm, such as young farmer day, where kids can participate in daily farm routines. Check their website for an up to date view of the program.