THE QUEEN VIEWING THE ARABIAN HORSES PRESENTED TO 
HER MAJESTY, IN THE RIDING-HOUSE, AT PIMLICO

from The Illustrated London News, 1846

[ ... back to main menu for this book]

Riding Horses and Schools.—The best riding-schools of London are not to be found in London at all, but in London-super-Mare, better known as Brighton; but, notwithstanding, the art of riding can be attained even in London. One of the very best establishments in town is that of Mr. Allen, at 70, Seymour-place, Bryanston-square, which has as good a covered school as can be found. In this case, as in all matters of education, much must necessarily depend upon circumstances; but it may be roughly said that two dozen lessons from a competent instructor will cost 7 guineas in the school, and 11 guineas on the road. A shorter course will cost proportionately more. The hire of a riding-horse, like everything else in London, varies almost absurdly according to the time of year; a useful horse, which out of the season can be
hired at from 5 to 7 guineas per month, will cost between the middle of April and the middle of July from 10 to 12 guineas. These prices at a first-class house include every charge from corn to shoes.

Charles Dickens (Jr.), Dickens's Dictionary of London, 1879