Horse riding with no experience: is it safe if you've never done it?

“But I’ve never ridden.” People say it to us daily, almost apologetically. It’s the other way round: most people on our tours have never been on a horse. That’s who they’re built for.

Why a tour isn’t a riding lesson

A lesson teaches you to handle a horse on your own — that takes time and practice. A guided tour works differently: you ride at walking pace, in single file, with a guide up front setting the rhythm and watching the group. The horse knows the trail better than you do and has no interest in leaving it.

Put simply: you don’t need to know how to steer a horse, just to be comfortable on top of one.

What happens in the first 15 minutes

1. Introductions. We match you to a horse based on your height, weight and how relaxed you are. It isn’t random.
2. Helmet and adjustments. We provide it, then check stirrups and saddle with you already mounted.
3. The basics. How to hold the reins, how to ask the horse to stop, how to sit. Three things — not a course.
4. A short trial. We do a few laps before setting off. If something doesn’t feel right, we swap horses or adjust. No rush.

The safety, specifically

• Approved helmets are compulsory for everyone, adults included.
• Horses selected and used to beginners. We don’t take a nervous horse out on a tour, however handsome it is.
• A qualified guide with the group from start to finish.
• Small groups. Fewer people means more attention for each one.
• Walking pace throughout. No galloping, no surprises. If someone wants to trot, we discuss it first.

Common worries (and what we usually say)

“I’m scared of the height.” The most common one. It feels striking for the first few minutes and then it goes. If it still bothers you, tell the guide — they can walk alongside you for as long as you need.

“I’m not fit.” You don’t need to be. At walking pace there’s no effort involved. At most you’ll feel your inner thighs the next day.

“What if the horse spooks?” These animals do this route several times a week, with dogs, cyclists and background noise. Routine is their best insurance.

“I’m coming alone — is that odd?” Not at all. Solo riders come constantly and usually end up chatting with the rest of the group.

And if you’d still rather start small

Start with the 1-hour ride. It’s short, calm and enough to tell whether you like it. Plenty of people come back two weeks later for the 2- or 3-hour route.

Specific questions? Write to us and we’ll answer before you book.