Crieff Hydro
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.
Coast To Coast ride with Highlands Unbridled, long distance riding
© Highlands Unbridled
2. Highlands Unbridled, Aberdeenshire
Pony trekking adventures await you in Aberdeenshire. Based in the beautiful Royal Deeside on the edge of the Cairngorms, Highlands Unbridled offer a range of horse riding holidays across Scotland for all ages and abilities. Available to book all-year round, experience the changing seasons of Scotland’s wild and rugged landscapes. Make the most of the longer nights from June to August or escape the midges over September and October. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming 2025 riding season with a variety of riding routes to choose from.
Watch the magic of Outlander unfold on the Outlander Trail or book The Longest Ride, an epic 15-day journey on horseback taking in the sights of Brora, Glen Loth, Badenloch and much more. Riding holidays also offer accommodation options with meals included within the price. All the appropriate horse riding gear is provided but make sure to bring your own riding boots.
Old Forge, Knoydart
© The Old Forge
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 the 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.
Horse riding around autumnal woodlands on Alvie & Dalraddy Estates
© Alvie & Dalraddy Estates
4. Alvie Stables, Kingussie
Fulfil your love of outdoor adventure on horseback. Open all year round, enjoy hacking and horse trekking experiences in the Cairngorms National Park. The countryside is teeming with wildlife so keep your eyes peeled for deer, red squirrels, rabbits, osprey and buzzards too. Choose from 45 minutes or an hour-long ride and for our wee upcoming riders, ‘mini rides’ are available for children aged 3 and over.
There are some new additions to the stables too, make sure to say hello to the resident donkey’s Joey and Alfie when you pay a visit here. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking in advance to help you guarantee a riding slot.
Horse riders along Ayr Beach on the back of a Blackstone Clydesdale horse
© Visit South West Scotland / Damian Shields
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 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.
A young rider in formal attire rides a white and brown horse
© Uist Community Riding School
6. Uist Community Riding School, Isle of Benbecula
Our horse and pony trekking adventures can be enjoyed on our islands too. Uist Community Riding School in the Outer Hebrides have been delighting novice and experienced riders with their offerings. Feel the wind in your hair on a beach ride and if the weather takes a turn for the worse, seek shelter at the indoor school with high quality facilities available to hone your skills further.
For the little ones, they’ll get the chance to take care of their own pony. They’ll be able to feed and groom them while also learning a few interesting facts. Pony rides are available for up to three hours with a supervised adult on hand. Kids below the age of four who are too young to take the reins can spend time with cute Shetland ponies while plaiting and brushing their magnificent mane.
Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle
© VisitScotland / Grant Paterson
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 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.
