Horse riding and pony trekking in Scotland

1. Crieff Hydro Riding Centre, Perthshire 

Whether you’re planning a day visit or an overnight getaway, Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire is happy for you to be their guest. Enjoy lots of horse related fun with beginner, intermediate and advanced hacks available to book. Don’t worry if it’s your first time in the saddle, beginner hacks go at a gentler pace giving you the benefits of soaking up more of Perthshire’s natural beauty. An expert rider will lead the way showing you all the best bits around the estate with hacks suitable for anyone aged 10 and above.  

Looking to hone your equestrian skills even further? The whole family can book a group lesson where they’ll learn the basics on how to stop, start, steer and trot. Helmets and equipment are provided for all hacks and horse riding lessons, just remember to wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes on the day. 

Go on a horse riding hack at Crieff Hydro 

3. Wilder Ways, Argyll 

Escape to the west coast of Scotland for a horse riding holiday. Meet the herd before hopping on your trusty noble steed where you’ll be treated to views of soaring mountains, quiet hills, wild meadows and golden beaches. All horse riding adventures range from three days to week-long all-inclusive holiday packages and are mostly spent in the Mull of Kintyre or Knoydart in the West Highlands. There’s lots of horsey activities to sink your teeth into if you’re strapped for time. Kids can experience the joy of looking after a pony followed by a 1-hour riding lesson. Embrace your inner warrior with an archery experience and enjoy the thrill of shooting arrows from a running horse. For experienced riders, enjoy a day out at the seaside and feel the wind in your hair on a beach gallop.  

If you become more of a regular, learn more about the horses on a working holiday. The Wilder Working Week gives you the opportunity to spend more time with the horses and on the best ways to take care of them. 

Plan your riding adventure with Wilder Ways 

5. Blackstone Farm Clydesdales & Dig-A-Day, Ayrshire 

Muck out on the farm and spend a day with some beautiful Clydesdale horses. Open from March to October, pamper your new friends as you wash, groom, walk and feed them - they won’t be short of love and attention. Each experience is tailor-made to suit your needs, so whether you wish to enjoy a leisurely trek around the estate or want to go galloping along the local sandy beach, the choice is yours. No previous riding experience is required, making it a great day out for the whole family. There’s lots of other farm animals to meet too, from cheeky donkeys and fluffy highland cows to geese, hens and ducks. They’ll be sure to entertain you with their antics and big personalities.  

Can you dig it? Yes, you can! Get behind the wheel and control a mini or 22-ton big yellow JCB tractor, you’ll be put through your paces with lots of mini challenges to test your coordination skills.  

Visit Blackstone Farm Clydesdales  

7. Seacliff Stables, North Berwick, East Lothian 

When it comes to scenic backdrops on horseback, Seacliff Stables in North Berwick provides the goods with impressive views of Tantallon Castle, Bass Rock and Seacliff beach. Horse riding experiences run from Tuesday to Sunday with kids as young as four being able to take part in shorter sessions that last around 30 minutes. You’ll be split into groups depending on your experience level and be introduced to your equine friend before the beginning of your session, or you can spend some quality time together after your ride.  

Before you visit, make sure to bring your own safety equipment and that your helmet complies with UK riding standards. 

Book a horse riding experience at Seacliff Stables 

Follow the Outdoor Access Code  

Before you go, make sure to read the Outdoor Access Code on how to behave responsibly while out on horseback. 

HORSE CARE HOLIDAYS

Get to grips with the day-to-day duties involved in looking after horses, from grooming and tacking up to riding out on hacks. Some great horse care holiday providers include the Crieff Hydro Riding Centre, Crieff and Gairloch Trekking Centre, Gairloch.

TRAIL RIDING 

Explore Scotland's glens, countryside and wind-blown beaches on a long-distance riding holiday over several days. There are a variety of stables that offer this type of holiday including the Scottish Equestrian Hotel, Lanark, Highlands Unbridled, Tain, Wilder Ways Riding Adventures, Argyll and Newtonmore Riding Centre, Newtonmore.

BRING YOUR OWN HORSE

Take your horse on holiday to Scotland and explore a gorgeous new environment together. We guarantee both you and your horse will love it!

CAN I TREK OR HACK ANYWHERE?

Yes. Just make sure you stick to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Find out how the code applies to horse riders.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO WEAR TO TRY HORSE RIDING?

You don't need to invest in specialist clothing to have a go at riding.

Wear comfy trousers (including leggings and jogging bottoms) and sturdy shoes with a closed toe, a smooth sole and a small heel (N.B. trainers should never be used for riding as they can slip and get stuck in the stirrup).

The staff at your chosen stables will give you a hard hat to use during your lesson, trek or hack too.

On warm days it's best to wear a top that covers your shoulders (though on not so sunny days a few layers and a waterproof coat could be handy too - just in case!).

IS THERE A WEIGHT OR HEIGHT LIMIT?

Although normally there is no height limit, the horse/pony's wellbeing is of the utmost importance and your stables will have a weight limit for each of their horses/ponies. Your chosen stables will be able to advise further on this.

CAN CHILDREN TRY HORSE RIDING?

Of course! Some stables are happy to offer lessons to children from four years old upwards though others start at five or six. Individual stables and riding centres will have their own age restrictions so it's best to contact them directly.

CAN I JUST WATCH, AND NOT RIDE?

It's best to check with the stables you want to visit. If you're a parent and you want to watch your child during their lesson most riding centres will let you watch (and cheer your wee one on) from outside the paddock or school.

There are also lots of shows and horse events happening throughout the country where you can see top riders competing for prizes.