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Giddy up, equestrians! For those not in the know, you may be surprised to learn that not only is Hong Kong well-established in the horse-racing industry, but it also has just enough land to spare for a few horse-riding centres. Whether you are an experienced rider looking to further your training in Hong Kong or a newcomer itching to pick up the sport, the city’s stables are worth a visit (unless you wish to ride with a Western saddle—most riding centres here only offer English tack). Read on to find out where to sign up for your next horse-riding adventure in Hong Kong.
Managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong’s public riding schools don’t require memberships and are less costly than their private counterparts. However, most public equestrian centres already have a high number of students attending classes on a regular basis, so this does mean you may be placed on the waitlist, especially if you have less experience in the saddle.
Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School is currently the only riding school operating on Hong Kong Island (that is, until the Pok Fu Lam branch reopens its doors). Comprising a two-storey stable housing over 30 horses and ponies, this recently renovated school also has two paddocks for both riding lessons and turning out horses, as well as a lecture room for theory classes. Surrounding the Lei Yue Mun Park is a hacking trail that meanders over nearby hills, with views of the Lei Yue Mun strait and Kowloon East. It occasionally hosts dressage and show-jumping competitions, too—rosettes for everyone!
Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School, Lei Yue Mun Park, 75 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan | (+852) 2568 9776
The largest of the city’s public riding schools, Tuen Mun Public Riding School spans 400 square metres consisting of three sand arenas, stables that house over 90 horses, a grazing paddock, and more. What sets this school apart from the others is its horse simulator, which acts as an additional piece of training equipment for beginners to learn the three disciplines of English riding (dressage, show-jumping, and cross-country) in a controlled and safe environment. Like its branch in Lei Yue Mun Park, Tuen Mun Public Riding School also hosts its fair share of competitions for riders of all levels.
Tuen Mun Public Riding School, Lot 45, Lung Mun Road, Tuen Mun | (+852) 2461 3338
This riding school is currently under redevelopment and is scheduled to reopen in 2025. Keep an eye out for updates from the Hong Kong Jockey Club here.
Most of the city’s equestrian centres are privately owned and require a membership fee to join. These schools usually have better facilities for both riders and horse owners alike, and are equipped with a larger number of paddocks, horse walkers, covered arenas, and more.
The largest of all four horse riding centres managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Beas River Equestrian Centre is not only home to a riding school, but also to other rehabilitation and retraining facilities for retired racehorses. The site has four outdoor paddocks for various uses, an indoor arena, a lunging pen, a cross-country course, and many more. Due to this centre’s size and number of facilities, it remains the city’s go-to spot for hosting local and international competitions, including the equestrian events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. Do note that a membership is required if you plan to take riding lessons at this school.
Beas River Equestrian Centre, Beas River Country Club, Kam Tsin Road, Kwu Tung | (+852) 2966 1990
Spanning 14,000 square metres, the International Riding Centre is one of the largest riding schools the city has to offer. It comprises five sand paddocks and takes care of over 30 horses and ponies suitable for riders of all levels. This centre occasionally hosts horse and pony camps that involve several days of riding and stable management lessons, as well as fun days for children. If you are especially gifted, you may even have the chance to compete and represent the riding centre overseas!
International Riding Centre, 228 Fan Kam Road, Pat Heung, Yuen Long | (+852) 2488 0828
Equipped with several paddocks and arenas, as well as over 40 horses and ponies, the Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre welcomes riding enthusiasts of all levels and experience. While it is membership-based, the riding centre also offers one-off classes to non-members. As well as regularly holding competitions on school grounds, the centre participates in those organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club as well, so get ready to be a representative if you are confident about your skills! Do not fret if you lack the right qualifications—this centre offers exams that comply with the British Horse Society on top of additional training lessons, which members are encouraged to sign up for.
Clearwater Bay Equestrian and Education Centre, Lung Ha Wan Road, Clear Water Bay | (+852) 6398 6241
Originally founded as a British Army camp, Lo Wu Saddle Club is a piece of history that’s been kept alive through the decades. Several generations of skilled riders were trained here, and the centre still offers lessons to this day. This riding school takes up over 4,000 square metres of land and comes with a competition-sized sand paddock, a smaller paddock for training, a turnout field with grass, a clubhouse, and a stable that is home to more than 40 horses and ponies. While some of the club riders are members, guests are also welcome to attend the riding lessons. Having formed five competition teams, many of the club’s regulars take part in competitions both on- and off-site.
Lo Wu Saddle Club, Ho Sheung Heung Road, Kwu Tung | (+852) 2673 0066
Located within the Tai Tong Organic EcoPark, this riding school offers regular lessons suitable for riders of all levels. Tai Tong Riding Club is also known for its equestrian experiences specifically catered to groups of 20 or more, ranging from horse-riding and barbecue events to full-day camps. It even offers wedding photoshoots! Alike some of the other stables included in this list, Tai Tong Riding Club regularly participates in off-site competitions. Here’s a fun fact: Some of the horses and ponies of this club have taken part in the filming of movies and advertisements!
Tai Tong Riding Club, Tai Tong Organic EcoPark, 11 Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long | (+852) 2470 3638
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ashley has always been captivated by the city and how its bustling heart coexists with flora and fauna. While writing is her passion, you might also find her relaxing with a cosy video game, feeding horses at a local riding school, or checking out climbing gyms in the city.
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