The World’s 12 Best Horseback Rides for Beginners and Families

1.Family Friendly Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 237 reviews · 40 min · from $39Our pick

Ride beneath wool blankets through Banff’s mountain meadows with views of Rundle and Cascade mountains. Guides such as Grace and Brooklyn share local stories, while elk and deer may appear. Finish with hot chocolate or cider by the fire. Snow conditions may mean a wagon ride instead.

“Fabulous activity- they catered for all needs and made the best out of not perfect weather! We were offered contingency plans well in advanced and emailed and then phoned to check this was okay! Absolutely top service. Our guides were amazing and so great with our kids!”

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2.Pony Rides For Kids

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $77Top rated

At Gunstock Ranch on Oahu’s North Shore, children ages 2 to 7 ride gentle ponies for about 30 minutes with a private wrangler. Parents may walk beside them free or book their own ride. Afterward, kids can pet, brush, and feed the ponies.

“it was great. my son is 7years,but he could ride by own. very good experience. appreciate kind staff,too.”

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3.Reykjadalur: Horseback Riding Tour for Families & Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 34 reviews · 1 hour · from $104

Meet guides from Sólhestar 15 minutes early at the stable for a gentle one-hour ride near Reykjadalur. You’ll learn about Icelandic horses, enjoy valley views, and use provided helmets, riding gear, rain clothing, or winter suits. Morning and afternoon departures suit family schedules.

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4.Family Friendly Horse Riding Tour in Skagafjörður

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $90

Ride an Icelandic horse for about an hour through Skagafjörður’s ridges, river paths, and canyon country. Hestasport supplies riding gear and a hot drink, while your guide matches the pace to your experience. The small group has no more than eight people, and children from age 8 have enjoyed the outing.

“Bellissima esperienza,soprattutto il passaggio nel fiume e al bordo della montagna,staff molto preparato,escursioni anche per chi alle prime armi”

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5.Brudenell: Family-Friendly Horse Ride goes on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 19 reviews · from $47

From the Brudenell Riding Stables, you’ll follow a guide along a wooded trail beside the river and out to the beach. Calm horses, helmets, small groups, and beginner-friendly pacing make this a good first ride for children age six and up. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

“We had a great time! The horses are beautiful and have great personalities.”

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6.Horseback riding in Boavista for beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 17 reviews · from $81

Meet the horses five minutes before departure at the bus station opposite Riu Palace. You’ll receive a safety briefing, then ride at a gentle pace along the beach or through Boa Vista’s white dunes. Guides speak English, French, and Portuguese, and may take photos during the outing.

“To be completely honest, the experience was just okay. Obviously, you'll ride past a beautiful beach with fine sand, and when the weather is nice, it's very pleasant to go for a horseback ride. However, when you arrive, you see people who are rather nonchalant about the experience. They don't seem particularly enthusiastic. So if you're sociable or like to ask questions to find out more about your surroundings, forget it. What's sorely lacking in the experience is water for the horses and enthusiasm during the tour. It feels like you're on a conveyor belt: When you arrive, you see other tourists getting off their horses and you go straight…”

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7.Horse Riding in Portugal – Picadero Kids

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

At Carrapateira Extreme Tours, young riders use a safe riding pen near their parents before grooming the horses and giving them treats. The 30-minute session costs $36.12, is limited to three children, and includes helmets and photos sent afterward. Nelson, Nuno, or Beatriz may guide the activity.

“We arrived early and we’re able to see our guide arriving with our horses. They were in great condition and very placid. After a quick groom and tack up we were able to get going. Along a small road and turned right onto a fabulous beach that went on for kilometres. Absolutely stunning views. I can’t recommend this any higher. If you like horses and cold fun you will love this.”

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8.Horseback riding and aperitif 2 hours for beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 11 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $107

Ride with a small group through Calci’s woods, a stream ford, Caprona, the Upezzinghi tower, Nicosia’s abandoned convent, and the Certosa di Calci. Beginners receive a ground lesson and guided practice first. Alex and the team are praised for patient instruction, followed by an aperitif and included photos.

“It was a really great experience to go horse riding in such beautiful countryside. It was idyllic. My tutor Alex was very very good and a really friendly guy which was good for me ass this was my first time travelling abroad solo.. I could not have enjoyed myself more. Silvio and his Team made me feel very welcome and I will never forget what wonderful afternoon I had riding in Calci. Thank you Silvio & Alex for a wonderful & beautiful experience. I shall never forget it. Grazie Mille, Paul Cowburn”

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9.Lusitano Trail – Horseback riding for beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $82

Ride a gentle Lusitano horse from Cedros with guides Sara or Diogo. After a short horse and riding briefing, follow an easy walking trail through green meadows toward Faial’s wild north coast. Small groups, helmets, insurance, and photo help make this a friendly first ride.

“Amazing sights, friendly guide Sara captured videos and pictures , beginner friendly horses. Will definitely be back.”

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10.Half-Day Horseback Ride in Tuscany for beginner riders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $120

At Prategiano Stables near Montieri, Caja and the riding team match you with a calm horse, provide a helmet and short lesson, then lead a two-hour walking ride through woods, meadows, valleys, and hilltop views. Beginners are welcome.

“Our guides were so helpful and patient! It was my first time riding a horse, but within an hour I was pretty comfortable on the trail and in the fields where they took us. Beautiful day, and perfect experience! Thank you so much!”

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11.Sanur Horse Riding for Beginner Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 6 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $35Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at Tangtu Beach for a private beginner horse ride lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can wear a helmet or cowboy hat, ask about a faster pace, and enjoy time for photos. The maximum weight is 90 kg.

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12.Gili Meno: 1-Hour Beginner Horse Riding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 1 hour · from $39

Ride at beginner pace along Gili Meno’s coast with an English-speaking guide and a group capped at six. You’ll follow the soft beach, watch local fishermen, and enjoy sea views from horseback. The ride lasts one hour, but hotel pickup details should be confirmed before booking.

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