Horse Riding
HorseRiding
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There is no better place to have a canter than in Yorkshire, be it alongside the Heritage Coastline, through one of the three National Parks or along the bridleways and routes specifically intended for the rider. The choice of route is pretty much endless, and with miles of country roads, it is easy to travel between small hidden villages or along riverside trails. There are also a wide range of trekking centres in the region to give you a first experience of horse riding or to up your skill level.
For more information see our pages on:
- Trails
- Trekking centres
Or see the year of Adventure activities:
Trekking Centre Horse Riding
Multi day horse ride at NYMNP Horse Riding
Trails for horse riding
A new guide, 'Horse Riders' Guide to the North York Moors' has been produced to help riders enjoy the Moors. In it you will find accommodation for horses, vets, saddlers, riding centres/schools and feed outlets. This is available here.
Forest Enterprise now welcomes riders on their extensive network of tracks in Dalby, Cropton, Harwood Dale, Broxa and Langdale Forests - find out more by visiting the Forestry Commission website. At Dalby Forest a network of forest roads including the 9 mile Dalby Forest Drive provide access to this outstanding landscape. Formed in the Ice Age and shaped by the people from the Bronze Age to the present day, Dalby is very much a forest worth visiting.
There have been significant additions to the bridleway network in the last few years, and concessionary bridleways such as the impressive former Scarborough to Whitby railway are now included, as well as new sections created as part of the Pennine Bridleway project.
Newtondale Horse Trail
The North York Moors National Park Authority has established a 35½ mile circular route for horse riders through the dramatic gorge of Newtondale. It is a two or three day ride and ideal for anyone with their own horse. A detailed guidebook which includes essential information and an accommodation booklet is available. More information.
The Pennine Bridleway National Trail
This is an exciting trail which provides a fresh challenge for horse riders, off-road cyclists and walkers. Threading through the Pennine hills, it combines historic packhorse routes with specially created paths. An area of all year round stunning beauty and tranquillity, the Pennine Hills are accessible and a great way of getting closer to nature. More information.
The Settle Loop
The Settle Loop is the first section of the Pennine Bridleway to be opened in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The 16km (10 mile) loop takes in stunning limestone scenery including views of the nationally important Malham Tarn. This exciting route starts in Settle and climbs out of this lovely town into the Dales, traversing the wonderful limestone upland, before descending back towards Settle. The Trail incorporates open grassy stretches, limestone outcrops, grass and gravel paths and quiet winding lanes. Again see for more information including a route map. More information.
The Mary Towneley Loop
The Mary Towneley Loop is a 47 miles circular trail which forms part of the Pennine Bridleway. For riders of all types, it provides a wonderful curtain-raiser to this ambitious National Trail.
For the more adventurous horse-owner seeking to bring their horse for a week long exploration of the region, pre-arranged itineraries are available from Bridle Rides covering both the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds.
For more information click here.
Horse riding in the region is a great way to see the diverse landscape and abundant wildlife. Most riding centres in the area cater for beginners through to experienced riders but some also have facilities for disabled riders, side-saddle and carriage driving. It is always wise to contact the centre first to find out what facilities they have to offer, where the centre is based, what level of rider they cater for and the type of riding offered before you book.
Book a day riding and you could be heading across the open moors, along the rugged coastline, through the picturesque dales and villages or having a lesson in a covered arena. The choice is yours!
There are a large number of riding centres throughout the area, offering everything from a first adventure on horseback, through to learning how to jump, or go on long cross country rides.
Bilsdale Riding Centre
Shaken Bridge Farm
Hawnby Road
Hawnby
Helmsley
Tel: 01439 798225 and 798252
Bogs Hall Stables, Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon. HG4 3QL Tel: 01765 658184
Boltby Pony Trekking and Trail Riding Centre
Thirsk, YO7 2DY
Tel: 01845 537392
Email: sheila@boltbytrekking.co.uk
Denton Riding Centre
93a Main Street
Irton
Scarborough
YO12 4RJ
Tel: 01723 863466
Draughton Riding Centre
Heights Lane,
Draughton,
Skipton.
BD23 6DU
Tel: 01756 710242
Farsyde Stud and Riding Centre
Robin Hood's Bay
Whitby
YO22 4UG
Tel: 01947 880249
Friars Hill Riding Centre
Friars Hill
Sinnington
YO62 6SL
Tel: 01751 432758
Helmsley Riding School
Helmsley
Tel: 01439 770355
Hollin Hall Riding Centre
Hollin Hall
Great Fryupdale
Lealholm
Whitby
YO21 2AS
Tel: 01947 897470
Kilnsey Trekking & Riding Centre
Homestead Farm,
Conistone with Kilnsey,
Skipton.
BD23 5HS
Tel: 01756 752861
Naburn Grange Riding Centre
Naburn,
York.
YO19 4RU
Tel: 01904 728283
Rosedale Trekking Centre
Heygate Farm
Rosedale
Pickering
YO18 8RB
Tel: 01751 417355
Saltburn Riding Centre
Marske Road
Saltburn
Cleveland
TS12 1PW
Tel: 01287 622157
Staintondale Trekking Centre
Lower Quarry Farm
Staintondale
Scarborough
YO13 0EL
Tel: 01723 871846
The Shod Squad
Pheasant Hill Farm
Ebberston
Scarborough
YO13 9PB
Tel: 01723 859041
Find out more about horse riding on the North York Moors
