Why you should go horse riding in the New Forest

The beautiful New Forest National Park is popular with fans of horses, and no wonder! There are more than 3,000 New Forest ponies roaming this stunning landscape! The ponies graze freely, but are owned and monitored by the New Forest Commoners. It’s a haven for equine life, as the wild ponies and horse riders have the right of way on the roads. This provides a level of safety for horses and riders that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Whatever your level of experience with horses, we’ve provided information on horse riding in the New Forest and reasons for you to try this unique experience.

Horse Riding is Easy: Perfect for beginners and families

If you’re staying close to the New Forest, horse riding can be the perfect way for your family to explore the local area, from the cute, traditional villages to the vast and stunning landscapes. You don’t need to be an expert to experience the wonder of the New Forest. In fact, you don’t need any experience at all! Horse riding schools and stables in the local area are happy to offer lessons to complete beginners. It’s worth booking in advance, especially during the summer months, especially if you would like to ride in a group.

For extra comfort and relaxation, consider taking the family on a Western trail with Burley Villa School of Riding. On weekends, they run a 2 hour ride with a barbecue lunch full of sizzling steaks or chicken! They also run special cowboy-themed days for kids. Visit their website for current dates and prices.

There are also plenty of ideas to keep avid horse riders entertained during your holiday. If you own your own horse or pony, try riding on one of the local beaches! The beach provides a great setting for riding, and may be different to what you are used to. There are no restrictions for riding on any New Forest District beaches, which include Barton on Sea, Calshot, Milford on Sea and Hordle Cliffs.

Horse Riding is Safe: Codes of conduct

As we already mentioned, ponies and horses have the right of way in the New Forest. But to make sure you and your family stay completely safe, there are certain codes of horse riding conduct that should be followed. Avid horse riders likely already know the rules of conduct in their local area, but all those holidaying in the New Forest should be up to date with the special conduct and safety guides when horse riding.

The Forest is well furnished with suitable tracks, and those caring for the Forest ask you to please keep on the gravel tracks, especially when the ground is soft and muddy and while birds are nesting on the ground (between 1st March and 31st July). Riding is permitted on public roads and byways open to all traffic, public bridleways and dedicated horse riding routes. OS maps are marked with bridleways, so if you plan on riding without a guide from a local stable, make sure you plan suitable routes beforehand. As a rule, you never ride more than two abreast and limit groups to a maximum of eight horses on the road.

From August until November, the New Forest Agisters and the Commoners round up the New Forest ponies, which can be very dangerous and is not suitable for members of the public to be present. If you are planning to take your horse between these times, contact the Verderers to check whether a drift is taking place.

Horse Riding is just One Option: Other New Forest activities

There are also a number of other ways to enjoy and explore the wildlife of the New Forest. Cycling is a huge part of many holidaymakers’ New Forest experience. Many campsites are within a suitable cycling distance for you and your family. Another gentle way to see the New Forest is to take a trip on a wagon ride on quiet lanes around the village of Burley. This relaxing journey is suitable for the whole family. Alternatively, take a picnic to one of the many beauty spots and just spend a while watching, photographing or painting the New Forest ponies.

The New Forest is brimming with opportunities for equestrian activities suitable for your holiday, whether you choose to camp in a New Forest site, in the nearby Hampshire countryside or in nearby Dorset. Along the many horse-riding paths, you will find plenty of country pubs, cafes and restaurants to provide you with a lunch break and some well-earned rest!