Riding and riding schools for kids in Oslo

9 options are listed under riding and riding schools for children in Oslo, across 7 districts, for ages 3 to 18. Below is the full overview with age, district and a link to sign-up.

Districts with an offering: Alna, Søndre Nordstrand, Frogner, Marka, Nordstrand, Stovner, Vestre Aker.

Riding is the activity on this list where the child relates to an animal rather than only to a coach. Riding schools in Oslo generally welcome children from three to five on ponies, and the first lessons are as much about grooming, brushing and feeling safe around the horse as about riding.

The stable community is a large part of the offering. Many children become as attached to the fellowship in the stable as to the riding itself, and some stables have helper schemes where older children and teenagers work in exchange for lessons.

Worth knowing about riding

A helmet is mandatory, and most riding schools lend out both helmet and body protector at first. Jodhpurs and boots can wait until you know the child wants to continue.

Riding lessons cost more per hour than most other activities, because the horse has to be fed and cared for all week. In return the groups are small, often four to six children, so the child is seen every single time.

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9 activities

Alna Ridesenter

Ridning

Alnaparken, Alna

A riding centre in Alnaparken with courses for almost every level, from toddler courses for the youngest around age three to regular riding-school groups. The centre offers drop-in riding at weekends (book ahead) and runs day camps in every school holiday, including Easter. One of few riding options in the east of the city with such a wide age range.

ages 3-18

Østmarka Rytterklubb

Ridning

Alna Ridesenter, Alna

The riding club attached to Alna Ridesenter, and a different thing from the riding school itself. The club is the route into competition: it runs show jumping, dressage and carriage driving, keeps its own calendar and lends equipment to members. It also has outdoor arenas at Ellingsrud. If a child simply wants to learn to ride, the riding centre is the place; if they want to compete, it is the club. The club has its own code of conduct for parents and a scheme for entry and training support.

ages 8-18

Nordmarka Rideskole

Ridning

Elveliveien 21, Sørkedalen, Vestre Aker

A small riding school in Sørkedalen with the Nordmarka riding trails right outside the stable door. Lessons run Monday to Saturday with at most six pupils per group, so everyone gets close attention, and they teach all levels. Beginners below school age need an adult who can lead the horse when needed. The school also runs day riding camps in the summer holidays for children from age eight.

ages 7-18

Bygdø Kongsgård rideskole

Ridning

Bygdø Kongsgård, Frogner

A riding school at the King's own farm on Bygdøy, run by the Norwegian Folk Museum. The programme is an introduction to horses and riding as a hobby, for beginners to slightly experienced riders, with all riding on three outdoor arenas and in the area around the farm. The youngest course, Knøttekurs, takes children from 3 to 6/7, and an accompanying adult has to lead the horse. Terms follow the school year, and the farm also runs riding camps in the summer holidays.

ages 3-18

EKT Rideskole

Ridning

Ekebergsletta, Nordstrand

One of Norway's largest riding schools, on Ekebergsletta ten minutes from the city centre. Pony courses from age five, regular riding-school courses at all levels and dedicated jumping courses for those who want to go further - all in the middle of a petting farm with cows, goats and rabbits. Courses run through the school year, and the centre also holds day courses during the school holidays.

ages 5-18

Søndre Aas gård kjøre- og rideklubb

Ridning

Søndre Aas gård og miljøsenter, Søndre Nordstrand

The riding club at Søndre Aas farm and environmental centre near Holmlia, established in 2007, with around a hundred members and activities for children from age 6. This is a different thing from the farm itself: in most riding clubs members own their own horse, whereas here you are lent a regular riding-school horse from the centre. That turns club riding into a low-threshold activity rather than something that assumes the family owns an animal. The club also does carriage driving. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 6-18

Langlielva Rideklubb

Ridning

Nordmarka Rideskole, Marka

The riding club attached to Nordmarka Rideskole, and a different thing from the riding school itself. The point of the club is that a rider can borrow the school's horses and enter competitions without owning one, which otherwise puts competitive riding out of reach for most children. The club also helps train the school horses. If a child simply wants to learn to ride, the riding school is the place; if they want to compete, it is the club. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 6-18

Stovner Rideklubb

Ridning

Øvre Fossum gård, Stovner

A riding club with a stable and indoor arena at Øvre Fossum gård, in green surroundings in the north of the city. The riding school takes in children from around age six on gentle school horses and ponies of all sizes, from beginner courses upward. Riding builds mastery, balance and a close bond with animals.

ages 6-18

Søndre Nordstrand Rideklubb

Ridning

Lofsrud gård, Mortensrud, Søndre Nordstrand

A riding club founded in 1991 at the municipal Lofsrud farm at Mortensrud, with around 500 members. Pony courses for the youngest from age three in groups of at most five, riding school at all levels and dedicated vaulting courses, with an emphasis on horse welfare. The club also hosts children's birthday parties. The largest equestrian offering in the south of the city.

ages 3-18