Barbarafield Riding School is a long-established, family-run centre based on a working farm in the rolling countryside near Cupar, North East Fife. Riders can take lessons, head out on guided hacks and trekking routes, or book onto children's pony experience days and kids fun days during school holidays. Beginners are welcome, and the school teaches children as well as adult riders, with a popular Pony Club programme running alongside the main schedule.
The setting gives the school plenty of space to work with. Riders use around 300 acres of farmland for lessons and hacking, which means hacks can take in open fields, country lanes and farm tracks rather than busy roads. The working farm background keeps the atmosphere practical and relaxed, and staff are used to introducing nervous riders as well as building on the skills of more experienced ones. Ponies and horses are part of the day-to-day life on site.
Practical kit is straightforward. Riding hats and boots can be borrowed on site, so new riders do not need to buy equipment before their first visit. Children's rides start from GBP 23 for a 30-minute session, making it an accessible way for younger riders to try riding for the first time. Group lessons and longer hacks are available on request, and the school also arranges pony experience days during school holidays for children who want a fuller introduction to ponies and basic horsemanship.
The school is open Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, making it convenient for after-school and weekend bookings as well as day visits. It sits on the outskirts of Cupar in Fife, with the postcode KY15 5PU for sat nav. Anyone interested in lessons, hacks, holiday camps or Pony Club membership is encouraged to get in touch directly with the school to confirm times, prices and availability.