We’re delighted to announce Friars Hill Riding Stables as the winner of Equestrian Centre of the Year at the My Local Awards 2026 Yorkshire.

This award celebrates equestrian businesses that combine expertise, care and community spirit, and Friars Hill Riding Stables is a truly deserving winner. A fun, friendly, family-run riding centre catering for all ages and abilities, Friars Hill has built a reputation that goes far beyond riding lessons alone. It is a place where horses, riders, families and the wider community all come together.

What makes this win so special is that it reflects decades of dedication. Friars Hill Riding Stables may have started small in the late 1970s, but over the years it has grown enormously while keeping the same welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere that made it special in the first place. That blend of experience, warmth and genuine passion is exactly what this award is designed to recognise.

Built from humble beginnings

The story of Friars Hill Riding Stables began in the late 1970s, when it started on a much smaller scale than the thriving centre it is today. The business was founded by a mother and daughter team who had a number of ex-competition ponies in need of a new purpose. What began as a practical solution soon grew into something much bigger.

That origin says a lot about the values behind Friars Hill. It was never simply about running a riding school. It was about giving horses a role, sharing a love of riding and creating an environment where others could be part of that world too. Over time, that vision expanded and developed, but the heart of it has remained the same.

Today, Friars Hill Riding Stables stands as a much-loved equestrian centre with deep roots in the local area. The growth of the business over the decades is a reflection of hard work, trust and a real understanding of what riders and families need from a centre like this.

More than a riding school

One of the things that sets Friars Hill apart is that it is not just a riding school. In their own words, it is more of a community with great family vibes, and that really captures what makes the centre so special.

There are plenty of places where people can learn to ride, but not every centre creates the sense of belonging that Friars Hill clearly does. Here, it is about more than lessons and schedules. It is about friendships, support, encouragement and a shared love of horses. That kind of atmosphere is often what turns first-time riders into long-term members of a riding community.

It also explains why this award means so much. Businesses like Friars Hill do not just teach skills. They create memories, build confidence and become part of people’s lives. That family feel is something clients value deeply, and it has clearly played a big part in the centre’s success.

Milestones to be proud of

Over the years, Friars Hill Riding Stables has achieved some truly impressive milestones. One of the standout achievements was becoming the first centre pony club in the country to have one of its members achieve their Pony Club “B” Test. That is a major accomplishment and a strong reflection of the standard of support and tuition available at the centre.

Achievements like that matter because they show what is possible when riders are given the right guidance, encouragement and opportunities to develop. It is not only a proud moment for the individual involved, but also for the instructors and wider team who helped make it happen.

There have also been some remarkable personal highlights along the way. Among the proudest moments connected to Friars Hill are being invited to judge at the 2012 Olympic Games and being presented to HRH Princess Anne on three separate occasions. Those are extraordinary honours and speak volumes about the reputation, knowledge and standing behind the centre.

Rising to every challenge

Like any long-running independent business, Friars Hill Riding Stables has faced plenty of challenges over the years. More recently, rising costs have added even more pressure, something that will be familiar to many businesses in the equestrian world and beyond.

What stands out, though, is the way the centre continues to move forward. They speak warmly about having the very best clients and superb staff who so often go the extra mile. That support network clearly means everything. It is one of the reasons Friars Hill has been able to navigate challenges while maintaining the high standards and welcoming environment that clients know and love.

That resilience is part of what this award celebrates. Success is not just about achievements when things are easy. It is also about how a business responds when conditions are tough, and Friars Hill has shown time and again that it has the dedication and community spirit to keep going.

A strong commitment to the community

Community has always been central to Friars Hill Riding Stables, and that is one of the biggest reasons this award feels so fitting. The centre runs riding for the disabled lessons, helping make horse riding more accessible to people who can benefit enormously from the confidence, enjoyment and therapeutic value it can provide.

They also work with a large number of mainstream school clients with varying issues, showing a real willingness to support young people with different needs and backgrounds. On top of that, they are looking to introduce Changing Lives Through Horses in conjunction with the British Horse Society, which is an exciting step that could make an even wider positive impact.

That kind of work highlights the role equestrian centres can play beyond sport and leisure. Friars Hill is using its experience and facilities to support inclusion, wellbeing and personal development, and that makes it a hugely valuable part of the local area.

Deep local roots

Friars Hill’s connection to its local area runs deep. The owner was born locally, with childhood and upbringing centred around the village, and that sense of belonging is clearly woven into the business.

That personal connection gives the centre a very genuine relationship with the community around it. It is not just a business based in the area. It is part of the area’s story, shaped by local people and built on years of shared history. That makes the support shown through this award even more meaningful.

When a business has that kind of local bond, it tends to create stronger relationships with customers too. People feel the authenticity of it. They know they are supporting somewhere that genuinely cares about the place and the people it serves.

What this award means

When Friars Hill Riding Stables learned they had won Equestrian Centre of the Year, the reaction was one of being absolutely delighted for the team and deeply grateful to clients. That response says a lot about the values of the business. Even with such a major win, the focus immediately went to the people who have made it possible.

The recognition means a great deal because the team works incredibly hard and always strives to do their utmost for both the horses and the clients alike. That balance is so important in the equestrian world. Great centres care not only about the riders they teach, but also about the welfare and wellbeing of the horses at the heart of everything they do.

For the owner personally, the support has been overwhelming in the best possible way. They shared that they never imagined they could receive such a show of support, which makes this award all the more special.

Looking ahead, there are exciting plans in place too. Friars Hill is preparing to open a new building featuring a kitchen, reception area, excellent disabled bathroom facilities and a fully functional conference suite. It is a development that could allow the centre to open its doors even further to those who need such a facility, adding another dimension to its role in the community.

Congratulations to Friars Hill Riding Stables

At My Local Awards 2026 Yorkshire, we are proud to celebrate businesses that combine passion, expertise and a genuine commitment to the people they serve. Friars Hill Riding Stables is a brilliant example of all three.

From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to becoming a much-loved equestrian centre with a strong family atmosphere, impressive milestones and a real community focus, Friars Hill has built something truly special. This award is a reflection of the hard work of the instructors, the loyalty of clients and the dedication of the volunteers who help make it all possible.

Congratulations to Friars Hill Riding Stables, a highly deserving winner of Equestrian Centre of the Year 2026.

And finally, a message from the team: “Thankyou would seem inadequate, but THANKYOU.”