ABOUT US

Old Town Riding School  is a friendly, family-run riding school located on Fletcher Way, just on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead Old Town, Hertfordshire.

Originally established in 2000 by Brian Bannard and his daughter Laura King, the riding school first operated from Piccotts End before moving to its current location in 2006 to accommodate its growing needs.

At the new site, Brian constructed purpose-built facilities including: 10 rubber-matted stables with automatic water drinkers, tack room and feed room, isolation stable, rest room, classroom, office, toilet, 20m x 40m sand arena, all-year-round turnout, on-site parking all set within 15 acres of beautiful countryside.

From the beginning, Old Town Riding School has offered pony rides, private lessons, pony parties, pony mornings, and pony days - all of which remain core to what we do today.

In 2010, we began working with local schools to offer lessons to young people with special educational needs (SEN), which led to the development of our Equine Support Sessions - combining well-being support with horse care and interaction.

In 2022, Laura and her husband Daniel King founded Old Town Support Service, an alternative provision based at the riding school. This bespoke support service offers care and guidance to vulnerable and challenging young people and their families, as well as to adults with additional needs. We are proud to be an approved provider for both Hertfordshire County Council and Buckinghamshire County Council.

Our mission is to empower individuals through horses, nature, and a supportive environment - helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and feel good about who they are.

In June 2025, Laura completed her Equimotional Wellbeing training and now offers well-being sessions grounded in connection, calm, and emotional safety. Laura is a qualified and accredited Equimotional Wellbeing Coach, registered with the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM). Laura combines a deep understanding of emotional development with many years of experience working closely with children, young people and animals, creating a unique and nutting environment for growth and self-discovery.