Join Chief and his friends on a gentle Trail Ride in western saddle through the New Forest National Park.

Forest Trails are at gentle paces, walk and jog, only in western saddle. We usually start off in the arena for the first 10 mins or so of your ride, to help you with the basics and settle you onto your trusty steed before riding out. Trails will take you out into the forest over the open heath where you can ride amongst the wild New Forest ponies and foals and then on into the leafy glades of the forest enclosures where you may be lucky and spot Fallow or Roe deer or one of the many other inhabitants of the forest woodlands.

You don’t have to be a ‘John Wayne’ to trail ride … but we do ask that all our riders have had some previous experience on horseback. So, there’s no excuse … ‘Get yer jeans on and ride the range’.

About the experience – There is restricted availability for Forest Trails  so please email to check when you can ride with us.  Riders must complete an online booking and an online registration form beforehand. Riders need to arrive 30 minutes before their ride time in order to check clothing, get riding hats, be briefed and mount up ready to start their Trail on time. Routes can vary and may exclude the open greens or  enclosures due to ground conditions or forestry work. The usual group size for this ride is 4 riders.

General

Guidelines – Forest Trails are suitable for riders over 14 yrs, minimum height is 5 ft / 1.55 m. Maximum weight is 14st/90kg. All riders must have had previous riding experience. Riding is not suitable during pregnancy and may not be suitable for some other medical conditions and disabilities. If in doubt please check with the stables before booking.

Clothing – Wear a at least a T-shirt (shoulders must be covered), long trousers or jeans and sturdy boots or shoes with a small heel. Please don’t wear trainers or flat soled shoes, we do have some boots you can borrow if you dont have any suitable shoes or boots yourself. If you’ve got a riding hat bring it along, if not, one will be provided. Dress for the weather.

The Weather – This experience won’t be cancelled due to rain – if it is raining … you’re going to get wet! In the event of very strong winds or thunder the ride may be cancelled and your experience can be rescheduled.

Other Information – Forest Trails will be mainly at walk and slow jog. More experienced riders will not be able to take a faster pace.  It is not practical or safe to take cameras, back packs, etc., on the trails. Traffic congestion at Lyndhurst can add considerable time to weekend or holiday journeys. Once booked you may not be able to cancel or change your reservation. We are closed Mondays & Tuesdays (except Bank Holidays), over the Christmas and New Year period.