Offers of Horseback Riding Gloucestershire

It will come as no surprise to anyone who’s read the books or seen the films of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit to learn that the idyllic rural land of the Shire was based on the Gloucestershire countryside. Green, rolling hills, quaint villages, ancient forests, Tolkien included all of them in his vision of rural peace and tranquillity. He also populated his fantasy world with magical animals. Trolls and dragons might be the most memorable for their roles in great battles, but when it comes to companionship, reliability and loyalty, it’s the horses that stand out. Unsurprisingly, Middle Earth’s real world inspiration is also inhabited by magnificent horses, and you can have the fantasy experience of taking a ride on one of them.

A large part of the county is taken up by the beautiful Cotswolds, grassy ridges and peaks which occupy the region between the rivers Thames and Severn. In the folds of this undulating landscape there are picturesque villages of stone and thatch, while wild flowers crown the tops of the hills. Apart from the Cotswolds, there are other beautiful natural areas in the county including the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley on the Welsh Border, and the Severn Vale which cuts through the county. There’s no better way to discover this stunning part of the world than on the back of a horse, and there’s no shortage of stables and bridleways around here.

Where are the best places to go horse riding in Gloucestershire?

• Gloucester: Gloucester city has its share of fantasy connections. It was a filming location for the Harry Potter movies, where the cathedral took on the guise of Hogwarts school. Not far from the urban area, there are horse riding experiences for aspiring adventurers of all games and abilities, and trekking routes that lead into the Forest of Dean.

• Chepstow: On the border between Wales and England, this town sits on the north bank of the Severn Estuary. There’s a stable here that welcomes novices, children and disabled people to meet their horses and learn how to ride them, all against the backdrop of the beautiful landscape.

• Cheltenham: This spa town is familiar to horse racing enthusiasts, as it hosts one of the most important steeplechase events in the equestrian calendar. But it’s not just professional jockeys who can get into the saddle here, and it’s not only traditional horse riding on offer either. There’s a specialist Western Riding School outside town, which teaches the distinct methodology that focuses on working in harmony with the horse, without coercion. If that’s something that appeals to you, why not join them for a trial session?

• The Cotswolds: Some of the best horse riding trails in southwest England are found in these chalky hills. Starting points are found close to Gloucester, Stroud, and the villages of Stanton and Bouorton-on-the-Water, and lead over hills and through dales, along rivers and under treetops, and finally to quaint country pubs. Whether you’re looking for a gentle ride, or a lively hack on horseback, you’ll find it at the Cotswolds and remember it forever.

• Tewkesbury: In the north of the county, Tewkesbury is a historic town with Saxon and Norman heritage, as well as connections to the Wars of the Roses. There’s great hacking in the surrounding countryside, with views back to the tall spire of the Norman church, and also the opportunity to take a horse drawn carriage ride on country lanes around the village of Chaceley.

• Cirencester: This town is in the heart of the Chilterns and it’s a good starting point for trekking into the hills. But you can also enjoy a horseback ride around the beautifully manicured and maintained grounds of Cirencester Park, the estate of the noble Bathurst family. Lawns, lakes, woodland and meadow, this is a fantastic place to trot peacefully, or warm your horse up with a gallop.

What are the options for organising an experience?

- Are you looking for an activity for your kids? It doesn’t matter if you’re organising a special celebration or helping them to find a hobby, you can’t go wrong by giving them the chance to spend time with horses and ponies. There are stables around the county that cater to children, whether by offering short introductory sessions or 30 minutes and courses of lessons, or more immersive experiences. You can organise a pony party for your son or daughter and their friends, where they’ll do some riding and enjoy games and arts and crafts with the ponies in a session that lasts a few hours. Or, if your child is serious about getting into the equestrian lifestyle, you can send them to the stable for a day, to learn about the routine of looking after horses.

- What if you want to have horse riding experience as an adult beginner? Well you can find horse rides and walkouts around Gloucestershire that are suitable for first-time riders, lasting just an hour or so. Those who have more experience in the saddle can go on longer treks for a couple of hours through the beautiful landscape, or enjoy shorter, more intense rides, known as hacks.

Requirements to do this activity

You’re never too young to get into the saddle in Gloucestershire. In fact, this county is home to some pint-sized ponies that could almost be purpose built for toddlers. From the age of 2 years old, your son or daughter can ride one of these ponies, and continue to enjoy their company until they reach 5 years of age, or 20 kilograms of weight, when they’ll have to upgrade to a larger horse. Lessons are offered to children of primary and secondary school ages. And you’re never too old either, adults are welcome to learn about equitation and go for rides no matter what their ability.

This can be a great activity to enjoy as a group. If you’ve got something to celebrate with your friends, why not organise a fantasy journey through the Cotswolds or other parts of the region. And why not plan the route to take you past some charming pubs? Now that’s a particularly good idea for stag and hen parties. You should note that there are upper weight limits of adult riders. These vary from horse to horse, but if you weigh more than 13 stone, it’s best to get in touch with the stables before your ride, to ensure that they’ll have a horse for you.

Giddy up to this county! You can’t put off your equestrian activity anymore.