About Carrington Riding Centre
A Family Tradition of Excellence in Equestrian Education
5 Star Licensed
UK Riding School
Our Story
Carrington Riding Centre is a family-run riding school nestled in the beautiful Mersey Valley green belt, just a few miles south-west of Manchester. Despite being surrounded by 450 acres of open countryside, we're conveniently close to the M60 motorway network.
We are passionate about providing quality riding instruction and maintaining the highest standards of horse welfare. As a British Horse Society Approved Centre with a 5-star licence rating from Trafford Council, we are committed to excellence in everything we do.
That commitment was independently confirmed in May 2026, when our BHS inspection returned our best result yet: Highly Commended in every category assessed, Fully Compliant for safeguarding, and no action points at all.
"To provide an excellent standard of affordable tuition with a classical approach from the start. We are committed to making horses and riding accessible to the whole community."
Our 2026 BHS Inspection Results
Every BHS Approved Centre is inspected by an independent British Horse Society inspector. Ours visited on 26 May 2026 and rated us Highly Commended in every category assessed, Fully Compliant for safeguarding — and raised no action points.
- Horse Care Highly Commended
- Client Experience Highly Commended
- Coaching Standards Highly Commended
- Tack & Equipment Highly Commended
- Grassland & Turnout Highly Commended
- Working Practice Highly Commended
- Safeguarding Fully Compliant
- Hacking & Riding Out Not assessed
"The centre demonstrates a strong commitment to horse welfare, learner support, safeguarding, and health and safety. Effective horse management, good facilities, and a supportive educational environment contribute to a positive provision that continues to develop and improve."
— British Horse Society Approved Centre inspection report, 26 May 2026
BHS Approved Centre no. 10000850. Approved as a Riding Centre from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Hacking and riding out is not assessed because all of our tuition takes place in our own arenas.
Our Accreditations
5-Star Licence Rating
We hold a 5-star licence rating from Trafford Council – the highest possible rating for animal welfare.
BHS Approved & Highly Commended
A British Horse Society Approved Centre (no. 10000850), rated Highly Commended in every category assessed at our May 2026 inspection.
Fully Licensed
Licensed by Trafford Council under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018.
Our Licence & Approvals
Two separate bodies check us: Trafford Council licenses us to operate a riding school, and the British Horse Society approves and grades us as a training centre.
Trafford Council Licence
| Licence Number: | 089632 |
| Star Rating: | ★★★★★ (5 Stars) |
| Licence Duration: | 3 Years |
| Valid Until: | September 2027 |
| Issued By: | Trafford Council |
British Horse Society Approval
| Centre Number: | 10000850 |
| Approval Type: | Approved Riding Centre |
| Date of Inspection: | 26 May 2026 |
| Overall Result: | Highly Commended in all assessed categories |
| Action Points: | None |
| Approved Until: | 31 March 2027 |
Our Values
Horse Welfare
We maintain the highest standards of care for all our horses and ponies. Their wellbeing is our priority.
Qualified Instructors
Our instructors are fully qualified and insured, providing expert tuition in a supportive environment.
Safety First
We follow all BHS and government safety guidelines to ensure a safe experience for everyone.
Meet the Director
Sharon Groos JP, LLB Hons
Director, Carrington Riding Centre Ltd
"We are passionate about providing quality riding instruction and maintaining the highest standards of horse welfare. Our goal is to make the joy of horse riding accessible to everyone in our community."