Other places to ride

Wimbledon Common connects on to Richmond Park ( a favourite with riders) and Ham Common so, if you're keen on longer rides, there's plenty of opportunity.

Lee Valley: This spacious regional park is based near Leyton, in East London and offers one of the best-value riding schools in the capital. For more details, go to www.leevalleypark.org.uk

Epping Forest: Measuring 12 miles by 3miles, Epping Forest is the largest open public space in Greater London, combining the roles of wildlife habitat and conservation area. Two-thirds is wooded. The area as a whole was the subject of a struggle between the Corporation of London and private interests in the 19th century, when enclosure threatened to remove the land from common recreational needs.