Horse Riding Centres in And Around London

When you are in London, there are plenty of facilities to choose from, irrespective of your level of expertise in horse riding. The most well-known stable of London is perhaps the Hyde Park stables which are near Paddington railway stations (this always reminds me 4.50 from Paddington, the famous Agatha Christie mystery), just north of central London’s largest railway station. You can ride on horseback, down the famous Rotten Row. Rotten Row is not a new tourist spot; in case you don't know, this is the most famous equestrian spot in London for over three hundred years. This is an idyllic place right at the centre of the city and this is so beautiful and leisurely that you will forget that you are in the same London which is known for the mad rush. Even if you are not riding on a horse, you can still visit this place, during a trip to London, so beautiful is this place. However, coming back to horse riding, the stables here are known for providing horse riding experience to every rider of different skill level. Whoever is looking for a simple day out with the family and undertake some fun activities, or if someone wants to revive his lessons in horse riding, all are welcome here.

If you move away from the main London, Kingston riding centre is just near the famous Richmond Park in Kingston-upon-Thames. This is another fine centre for horse riders of every skill level and the centre offers riding sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening. You get to experience what can easily be described as the largest green area in the surroundings of London. The riding school offers riding lessons to groups as well as individuals. If someone is just starting his horse riding at an early age, he can visit the Kingston Riding Centre’s Pony club which especially trains young children to ride. If you move to the northern side, two side by side clubs offer horse riding in north London, namely Wimbledon village stables and Ridgway stables. Wimbledon must be known to everyone, thanks to the famous Grand Slam tournament at All England Tennis Club. These stables are located at the very edge of Wimbledon Commons, a few streets away from the venue of the Grand Slam. Both of these stables offer horse and pony rides to families, groups and individuals of different skills levels.

London Has Plenty to Offer for Horse Lovers

We expect to see a horse I the London city only when a mounted police officer passes on it. Justly, the busy and crowded nature of the metropolitan is to be blamed. However, you might be surprised to know that there are some excellent stables and riding schools which offers horse riding in north London. If you are a horse enthusiast, you wouldn’t want to miss these, as a Londoner or as a visitor during your sojourn.

You can also enjoy the London International Horse show which takes place annually. It is a very prestigious event for horse lovers. You shouldn’t miss the super hit national theatre play, War Horse. Finally, you can always pay a visit to the royal ascot meeting, during a summer trip to London, which is only a little drive away from the city.

Whether you are a complete beginner to horse riding or someone with expert level skill and experience, London has something to offer to every horse lover. You can easily access the Hyde Park stables, which is the most well-known stable of London. It is near the Paddington railway station, on the northern side. Visitors can travel on horseback and pass through Rotten Row, the most cherished destination, better to say the equestrian capital of England. For three hundred years or more, this is where every horse lover comes whenever they are in London. This place is so idyllic that you wouldn’t believe that it exists right in the middle of a busy metropolitan, if you have not seen it before. Riders with different levels of riding skills can find something for themselves. From getting a fun family outing to lessons for a budding professional horse rider, you can find the just perfect exercise here.

There are two more side by side stables for you to explore, which are not far from the Hyde Park stable. Wimbledon village stables and Ridgway stables are found at the very edge of the Wimbledon Common. These stables are not far from what makes Wimbledon famous, the All England Tennis Club. Wimbledon Common is just another fine place to roam around on horseback. You can hire ponies, as well as horses, to accommodate the whole family. You can make it a day affair by opting for the two hour hacks, which Wimbledon village stables offer. It goes via Wimbledon Commons and ends in the Richmond Park. This whole area is so green that you will forget that you are well inside London.

Horse Riding Safety Precautions You Need

Not every horse rider is an expert. In fact, many choose to ride a horse during a vacation, especially if they have not ridden a horse before. Many others ride only during an occasion, may be during their yearly outing with the family. Then there are, of course, the regular riders who go to the riding club every week and stay in perfect shape. Experienced riders and club members know what to look for in their rides and how to check the equipments to know if they are safe to use.

If you are planning to go for a horse riding vacation, you should first check the insurance policy and see if you are covered against every mishap. This is the same step you follow before participating in any active sport. Some of the other countries might not have the strong horse riding safety rules as we have in Great Britain, North America or Australia. Thus, it would be a better and safer idea to find cheap horse riding in London itself. When abroad, you might not even get a safety hat or helmet. If you have your own safety gears, it is a great idea to pack those before leaving for the foreign holiday.

The footwear is as much important as the hat, if not more. You need a pair of shoes but they should not have laces just above the tongue, as we generally have in our shoes. The laces might get caught in the stirrup and if you fall from the horse, you will still be stuck and this is a fatal accident. Safe shoes for horse riding has an anti-slip sole and has half inch heel. You can get leg chaps from certain riding clubs. This are wraps which cover your leg below the knee by covering it wholly. These are excellent gears to have as they protect your feet, especially the front of it and if you are not wearing proper safety boots, you are still safe from the mishaps. 

Choosing the ideal ride would be the tricky part. In the UK you can look for the BHS logo but if you go abroad, you wouldn't see it. You should look for other signs, see if the yard is tidy, the stable is clean and the trainers look professional and in control. Have a look at the stable to check if the horse look calm and tamed. If they get violent as you approach them, it is risky for you to try them out.