Offers of Horseback Riding Scotland

Few people who have seen the film Braveheart will ever forget the famous moment when Scotland’s most legendary hero, William Wallace, cries: “They will never take our freedom!” Being free is the very essence of this majestic country and it’s no coincidence that Wallace evokes this national quality from the back of a horse. Riding a horse gives us a sense of liberty that few other activities can match, as these athletic animals carry us across the landscape, while the bonds that we forge with our steeds bring us a deep sense of harmony and peace.

Scotish landscapes might have been purposefully designed for horse riding. From the forested hills on the border with England, to the fjord-like inlets around the coast, and the highland peaks in the North to the island chains around the mainland, there are riding routes to take your breath away in every part of the country. Bearing in mind that many of the remoter mountain valleys and island settlements didn’t have roads to allow motor transport until relatively recently, the importance of the horse has been paramount here throughout its history. This importance continues to this day, as stables and equestrian centres around the country are home to thousands of horses, which provide companionship and excitement to their riders, whether residents or visitors. Wherever you are, whatever you want to do, and without worrying about breaking the bank, there’s an opportunity for doing this activity with your name on it.

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

• Central Belt: Although the most urban part of the country, including the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, this central region is a great place for an equine encounter. You can go on a horseback trek in the hills and down to the beaches near Edinburgh, hack through the fens of Strathblane outside Glasgow, or organise a pony party for your child and their friends to get to know these gentle, inquisitive animals, and maybe even take their turn clearing out the stables!

• Southern: High wooded hills mark the historical boundary between England and Scotland, extending West to the Galloway peninsula. Hacking and trekking are on offer throughout the region, which promise fantastic views and a milder climate than you’ll find further North. At Brighouse Bay you can take an amphibious ride along the beach at the mouth of the River Dee, while in Lanark you’ll find the country’s only Equestrian hotel.

• Northeast: As you travel to the north, the scenery changes. Some of the highest mountains are located in the Cairngorms, and we recommend that you explore these impressive peaks from the saddle of a Scottish horse. Children and novices can feel the seabreeze in their hair while riding on the sandy beaches of the nearby coast, or go for a gentle walk or energetic hack through the countryside around Cupar.

• The Highlands: The best known region of the country is also the most popular area for tourists. But don’t worry - it’s a huge area of mountains, lochs and valleys, and if you climb onto the back of a horse you’ll be able to escape the crowds in no time. It’s hard to beat the horseback trekking here, whether you choose to go to Loch Lomond, the Kintyre peninsula around Inveraray or further North - Loch Ness, or the mountains of the Northern uplands.

• Hebrides: This island archipelago runs the length of the West coast, and is made up of over 140 islands, from small rocky stacks to large islands with towns, cities and bridges to the mainland in some cases. If you want to ride a horse in one of the most iconic parts of the country, we recommend trekking on the breathtaking isle of Skye, and if the experience is all too overwhelming then you can check in for an equine therapy session at the same stables! The islands of Mull and Arran are two of the biggest in the archipelago and also boast some fantastic routes for mountain and valley trekking, and of course when you’re on an island you’re never far from the beach. These islands are home to wonderful wildlife - you could spot otters, seals and even endangered sea eagles.

• Shetland: And if the previous options weren’t enough, you can travel the 110 miles that separate the Shetland islands. This group of islands retains traces of their Viking heritage and are famous for one of the cutest breeds of horses of all: the Shetland pony. There are also hardy Icelandic horses on the archipelago, and you can trek around the spectacular coastal landscape of Shetland in the saddle of one of these magnificent beasts.

What kind of equestrian experiences can you find?

- You don’t need to be an experienced jockey to ride a horse in Scotland. There are short rides for people who’ve never been on a horse before, lasting as little as 20 minutes. Once you’ve got a taste for life in the saddle, you’ll want to come back for more, and you can go riding on a longer route, seeing more of the beautiful scenery on a 1 hour or 90 minute ride. Trekking usually refers to longer rides, up to half a day or a full day. These are a perfect way to connect with both the horse and the landscape, while not involving challenging trails or riding styles. A hack, or hacking, refers to a ride that exercises the horse. If you want to take part you need to have some experience on horseback and be able to trot and canter. Hacks usually last between an hour and 2 hours.

- For children, riding a horse for an extended period might seem daunting, or a little dull. But here the youngest jockeys can have an equestrian experience that’s dynamic and interactive. Many stables run pony activity days, which include riding, games, and an experience of stable life. Birthday parties for children can also be organised, which your son or daughter won’t be able to stop talking about until you take them back next year! “Own a pony” experiences are another option for kids, aimed at those who are serious about getting involved in the equestrian lifestyle. This could be a one day activity or a week long course, and the participants will have the chance to experience every aspect of horse ownership, from mucking out the stables and grooming them, to developing their riding skills.

Requirements to do this activity

Horses are kind souls that don’t discriminate against any kind of person, and there are experiences that are aiming to be as inclusive as possible. Wheelchair access to stables is part of this project, and in some places associated with the RDA it’s possible for people with reduced mobility to ride a horse - get in touch beforehand to explain your situation.

All abilities are catered to here, with the huge variety of activities that are offered. When it comes to the minimum ages for riding a horse here, it varies from place to place.

From as young as 2 years old in some stables children can experience the joy of horseback riding, though in the majority of cases they have to be a bit older than that. When it comes to activities and parties, these are also open to young children so that everyone can get involved.

There are no upper age limits to do this activity, just make your own judgements about what you’re capable of and talk to the stable about getting a horse with a calm temperament if you think it’s necessary. There are, however, some weight restrictions in place for the wellbeing of the animals. The exact weight varies depending on the horse, so it will be different in every place and change over time, but from about 12.5 stone, or 80 kg, it’s a good idea to get in touch before your activity to make sure that you’ll have a suitable animal.

This is a land of wonders, and we’re sure that the best views you’ll get are between the ears of a superb Scottish animal. Go ahead and make your plans!