Friends Lane Riding School operates from Great Sankey on the western side of Warrington, running sessions from a covered arena and a site that includes stables, paddocks and a clubhouse. Lessons are available in group and private formats, with separate carriage driving tuition also offered through the school. The teaching team works with complete beginners as well as more experienced riders, and the timetable includes hacking opportunities for those who want to take their riding out of the arena.
The school is set up with younger riders in mind. Pony days run during school holidays and give children a full day of structured activity, while birthday parties are held in the on-site party room with the ponies brought in for the group. Children from the age of four can be accommodated, making this a common starting point for families in Warrington and the surrounding towns who want their children to learn to ride in a structured environment. Showjumping is taught alongside general riding lessons for those who want to progress in that direction.
Facilities centre on the covered arena, which allows lessons to go ahead in poor weather, supported by the paddocks used for hacking and the stables that house the school ponies. The clubhouse gives parents and waiting riders somewhere to sit during sessions, and the same space is used as a party room for children's events.
The school holds accreditation from the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) and lists prices from GBP 25 for a 30 minute group lesson. Opening hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 2pm to 8:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 5pm, with Mondays and Fridays closed. The postcode is WA5 3LE for those planning a visit to the yard.