Modern day Powys is named after the ancient Kingdom of Powys which emerged after the end of Roman rule in Britain. This land has been known since those days as the Paradise of Wales, and even today stands out for its natural beauty and riches. Wide open landscapes, fertile soil and tranquillity are just some of the factors that make for a great home for horses. Is one of the best places in the country for mid to long distance horseback trekking, with not only spectacular scenery and hardy animals, but traditional systems of trails and lodging places as well, which facilitate cross country rides. This is a fantastic option for making a holiday to this area a trip to remember, but there are plenty of options besides that don’t involve such an investment of time or money.

This is the biggest administrative area in modern Wales, covering 2,000 square miles, but it has one of the lowest population densities. In the south is the Brecon Beacons National Park, characterised by the Black Mountains, ancient forests and numerous lakes. Although wild and unspoilt, the Brecon Beacons are a popular tourist destination, but there are other parts that are just as rugged and beautiful, but not so well known among visitors. The Welsh Borders, partly marked by the River Wye, are a fantastic place to explore on horseback, while the areas around Llandrindod Wells in the centre of the county and Rhayader in the west boast stunning landscapes where you’re unlikely to cross paths with other travellers. The choice is yours - but when all the options are so good, you can’t go wrong!

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

• The Brecon Beacons: One of only three national parks in Wales, the Brecon Beacons protected status makes them a wonderful place for horses. More than any other breed, it’s Welsh mountain ponies, also known as cobs that thrive here. These are hardy beasts that can weather the elements without complaint, but they’re also friendly and enjoy the company of humans. This makes them perfect steeds for trekking adventures through the breathtaking scenery of the park, which includes the highest peaks in southern Wales, deep valleys, lakes and forests. Another animal which you’ll see in large numbers here are local mountain sheep which graze the high moorland of the park. Many of the trails that you can follow on horseback are routes that shepherds used to lead their flocks through the area to high pastures and sheltered valleys. Aside from trekking, there are exciting rides for experienced jockeys to enjoy here, galloping through forests and up mountainsides to find the most prominent viewpoints in the area. Your adventure will start from one of the picturesque towns set in the folds of the landscape, such as Brecon, Cricklehowell or Llangorse.

• Welsh Borders: The exact frontier between England and Wales has been somewhat unclear at certain points in history, so the area from Hay-on-Wye to Knighton has a unique personality that mixes elements of the two countries. There are memorable rides in the area, where you can enjoy views of Hay Bluff and the Begwyn hills from the vantage point of a horse’s saddle. It’s also the starting point for one of the longest treks in Wales, which crosses the entire country from the English border to the coast. It takes around 6 days to complete, with nights spent in small villages, or 11 days if you want to ride back as well!

• Llandrindod Wells: This town in the centre of Powys became famous for the healing powers of its spring waters in the Georgian period. Though it’s fallen out of fashion as a spa resort, it’s a great place to enjoy a trip through the surrounding farmland or up into Radnor Forest in the company of a horse. To the west in the area of the town of Rhayader, the land becomes wild and empty and is known by some as the Green Desert of Wales. It’s a place for quiet contemplation, where you might find yourself bonding with your horse in a deeper way than you thought possible.

What are the options for organising an experience?

The huge variety of horse and pony trekking options are what makes Powys stand out as top destination for equitation in Wales and the whole of the British Isles. There are few other places which have the providers and infrastructure to allow for cross country journeys with comfortable, convenient locations for lunches and overnight stays. If you’re not used to spending time in the saddle, a half day or full day trek might be the best option for you, but if sitting on top of a horse is what makes you feel at home, you’ll find a multi day trek incredibly rewarding. The majority of these experiences involve travelling in a group with a guide who knows the horses and the local area, but there are also opportunities for self guided treks.

But the horses in this region aren’t one trick ponies, so to speak. There are all kinds of riding experiences in this beautiful part of the country that can be enjoyed by all kinds of riders. Veteran jockeys can enjoy an energetic hack through forests or the sloping sides of mountains for an hour or two, whilst youngsters and inexperienced adults can take a lead rein ride along well maintained trails and bridleways for just 20 minutes.

Requirements to do this activity

There are some experiences in the county that have been especially designed to allow young horse lovers to spend time in the company of these gentle animals. A lead rein ride is a short excursion, where a child sits in the saddle of a friendly Welsh cob which is led by a person on foot. These activities are suitable for children from 4 to 6 years old, depending on their size, and up. To ride a horse as an indivu¡idual and join longer rides or treks, children should be 11 years old or more. The good news is that no expertise is needed for children or adults to take part in shorter, simpler treks. All of these will start with a briefing at the stables, and with the help of the most cooperative horses and ponies, anyone can begin their equestrian adventure. Please contact the stables if your weight is around 14 stone, 90 kilograms, or ensure that a ride can go ahead.

This county runs on horsepower, make a booking to get your adventure underway!