Horse Riding in and near Hertford

High Beech Riding School

We provide carefully chosen mounts for our clients to enjoy their ride. Horses and ponies of all heights allow us to cater for all the family. The yard is open six days a week and is available for lessons and hacking. ... more

What better way to explore England's lovely countryside than on horseback? Horse riding is a particularly popular English activity, which means that there are countless places around the country where you can go on an exciting horseback trail.

There are horse riding centres in some of England's most scenic regions, and they provide rides ranging from multi-day trail rides to one hour beginners' rides. Beach rides and mountain treks provide a thrilling experience for the more experienced riders, and rides through gently undulating countryside on quiet ponies are enjoyable for novice riders. Horse riding in England is an incredible experience that will remain in your memory long after you've hopped off the saddle.

Exmoor in Devon, and its beautiful National Park, is a spectacular area to go horse back riding, with its wooded valleys and wild heather moorland. There are some 600 km of bridleways within the Park, and if you're lucky enough to be able to bring your own horse, there are many stables available in the area. Alternatively, hire a horse or pony from one of the many riding schools or trekking centres in the area. Some equestrian centres organise special picnic rides, or even week-long holidays, and most offer instruction ranging from basic skills to advanced techniques such as jumping. Horse riding in Exmoor's stunning landscape is amazing, and you may even be able to spot some of the many red deer that roam the area, or even a rare Exmoor pony.

One centre on the edge of the Exmoor National Park offers 'Off Piste Riding' that takes the rider on a guided trail off the beaten track near Exeter. Their outrides take you as far as Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Somerset, right down to the sea at Porlock Weir, and also explore the unspoilt wilderness of the Exmoor Forest, as well as some of the quaint villages in the area. Experienced riders can journey out to the Chains, an area of wetlands that is the source of Exmoor's three main rivers, or to the Quantock Hills, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views across to Dartmoor and Wales.

Yorkshire is well known as offering some of the most magnificent scenery in England, ranging from the rugged fells and wild moors of the Yorkshire Dales to the hills and wooded valleys of the Pennines. Horse riding is an ideal way to explore this stunning terrain, and if you're a keen rider you'll be in your element as your sure-footed horse clambers over challenging routes and past beautiful views.

The Yorkshire Dales Trekking Centre in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park near Leeds, is the perfect base for exploring the Dales on horseback. What's even better is that they breed and train the local Dales Ponies, a rare native breed specifically suited to the local environment. They are bred to cope with the varied Dales terrain, and have charming and willing temperaments that will calm even the most nervous rider. The Trekking Centre offers holidays and short breaks including lessons and treks through the bridleways of the National Park.

North Yorkshire has its own wilderness, the North York Moors National Park, and there are many riding centres located around the park, including the Boltby Trekking and Trail Riding Centre near York, based on a working farm. Using their horses and ponies, you can access the variety of bridleways, forestry, hills and moorland trails available in the Park, and their guided trails range from short rides for beginners and children to longer full-day treks through challenging and awe-inspiring terrain. There are also fun pub and picnic rides and even two day trail rides with bed and breakfast stops at farmhouses on the way.

The Lake District is world-renowned for its attractive scenery of impressive mountains, fells and romantic lakes, which inspired literary greats such as Wordsworth to pen lyrical words about the region's beauty. Horse riding is a excellent way to get out in this lovely area, and you can really appreciate the views while your horse trots along the trails. There are a host of equestrian centres that provide horses, guides, routes and everything else you need for a brilliant horse back riding holiday.

Near the lakeside town of Windermere is Murthwaite Green Trekking Centre offering horse riding and pony trekking on the beach and fells. The centre has access to the long golden sands of Silecroft Beach and offers beach rides for riders of all abilities. Experienced riders can enjoy the excitement of galloping through the surf, and venturing off on a fell ride is the best way to take in the breathtaking views of the Lake District.

Also near Windermere is Lakeland Pony Trekking, which has direct access to the tracks and bridleways of the lovely Troutbeck Valley and the impressive high fells. They offer a variety of treks, day rides and trail rides in the heart of the Lake District, and their horses range from superb Irish and Welsh cobs, Irish hunters, native Cumbrian fell ponies and even adorable small ponies for children.

So giddy up and head to England for a wonderful horse riding holiday, where the scenery and top quality riding centres guarantee a brilliant time in the saddle.