Horse riding

Horse riding: pick what suits you. Options for beginners, families or groups, in the finest settings there are.

Duration

30 minutes – a few hours

Difficulty

Beginner to advanced

Location

Riding centres, arenas, farms and open country

Season

All year, depending on the place and the conditions

What is horse riding?

Horse riding is a sport and a pastime built on what passes between rider and horse.

It can take in a first go, technical lessons, training, rides out and time in the saddle for its own sake.

It builds up balance, coordination and a sense of responsibility towards animals.

Horse riding: the kinds of people who take part.

Right for

Beginners

Beginners

People with no experience who want a first go.

Keen riders

Keen riders

Riders who want to be in the saddle regularly.

Experienced riders

Experienced riders

People who already ride and are after something harder.

Families

Families

Sessions for adults and children alike.

Organised groups

Organised groups

Activities for trips, camps or events.

Outdoor experiences

Horse riding: experiences available

Book activities run by specialist organisers.

Types of horse riding

Recreational horse riding

Time in the saddle with nothing to prove.

Riding lessons

Learning the basics and then some.

Horse riding as sport

Training for the equestrian disciplines.

Horse-assisted programmes

Special programmes run by licensed organisers.

Riding experiences

Activities laid on for visitors.

What is included

01

Riding

Riding in arenas laid out for it, or out on the trails.

02

Training

Lessons taken with an instructor.

03

Looking after the horse

Getting the horse ready and seeing to it afterwards.

04

Work in the arena

Training in a space where everything is under control.

05

Going out into open country

Rides out or trails on horseback.

How the activity runs

01

The briefing at the start

Going over the rules and how to be around the horse.

02

Getting the horse ready

Tacking up and getting ready.

03

Time on the horse

A lesson, exercises or a ride out.

04

Wrapping up

Seeing to the horse and closing the session.

At a glance

How long it lasts

From 30 minutes for a first go up to programmes of a few hours.

Experience level

Open to beginners, improvers and experienced riders.

Location

Riding centres, arenas, farms and marked trails.

Booking a slot

Worth doing for lessons and organised sessions.

Safety and organisation

Protection
A qualified instructor
Choosing the horse
Following the rules

Age and taking part

01

Children

They can take part in programmes set to their age.

02

Teenagers

They can follow introductory and improving programmes.

03

Adults

Riding for pleasure or lessons to get better at it.

04

Groups

Programmes for trips, camps or events.

What to bring

Safety helmet

Worth wearing whenever you are in the saddle.

Comfortable clothes

Clothes you can move about in.

Long trousers

They make the ride more comfortable.

Suitable footwear

Closed, steady footwear.

Horse riding — frequently asked questions

Do I need experience?
+

No — there are programmes for beginners.

Is kit provided?
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It depends on the riding centre and on the kind of session.

Can children come along?
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Yes — there are programmes made for children and teenagers.

How does it differ from a horse ride?
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Riding also takes in tuition, technique and building up your skills.

Can it be arranged for groups?
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Yes — many centres run programmes for schools, camps and events.