Hampshire is blessed with two national parks, which together cover almost half the area of this county in the south of England. These are the South Downs, which extend to the east into Surrey and Sussex, and the New Forest. The most famous residents of the latter are the charming New Forest ponies, which live a semi-wild life on the heathland and in the woods that make up this beautiful protected zone. They’re resilient, strong, and, above all, incredibly cute, and many people who’ve gone about walking in the national park and come across a group of these ponies have been inspired to take up horse riding as a hobby. That’s why this county boasts a good number of stables and riding schools, not just in the national parks but also near populated areas and other scenic settings. If you want to know how to get involved yourself, keep reading!

Where are the best places to go horse riding in Hampshire?

• The New Forest: Large parts of England once looked like the modern day New Forest - open spaces of low lying vegetation, mature deciduous forests, and animals roaming wild and free - so riding a horse through this area is like a trip to a bygone age. There are rails that wind through this ancient landscape, providing wonderful scenery and routes of varying ability. As well as traditional riding and hacking, you can try Western riding here, a style developed in the USA for traversing long distances in a way that’s comfortable for the horse and the rider. Stables can be found in many locations, including near New Milton, Bagnum, Sway and Landford.

• Southampton: This is the largest city in the county and is famous for its port. But boats aren’t the only way of getting around here. Not far from the urban centre, you can go horseback riding in the rural zones of Ampfield, the valley of the River Itchen and along the banks of the beautiful River Hamble, or stay at the stables and enjoy the rhythm of the equestrian routine. Either way, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled a million miles from the city.

• The Test Valley: The town of Stockbridge sits in the gentle folds of the valley of the River Test, and there are several riding stables in the vicinity. You can go on a ride or a hack from the stables and into the countryside - and back - without ever putting a hoof on a road in this idyllic part of the region, and if you go down by the river, you might even spot an otter!

• South Downs: Chalky hills topped with green grass characterise this National Park, which starts at St Catherine’s Hill outside the ancient city of Winchester. One of the most rewarding horse riding routes in the park is Shipwrights Way, which leads towards the Solent from Alice Holt Forest, passing the village of Liss, the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Petersfield and Rowland’s Castle on its 50 mile route.

• Portsmouth: Just like Southampton, Portsmouth is an important maritime city with ample opportunities to do this activity in the surrounding countryside. If you’re in Fareham, Purbrook or Waterlooville, you don’t need to travel far to get into the saddle and ride off into the sunset. There are a lot of activities geared towards children in the area too, so the whole family can enjoy a stable day here.

• Fleet: Voted as one of the best places to live in the UK 6 times in the decade from 2010 to 2020, Fleet is near the largest lake in the north of the county. And it’s not just the human population that’s happy to live here - there are plenty of happy horses too that are just waiting to meet you!

What are the options for organising an equestrian experience?

- There’s a huge range of activities that you can take part in alongside horses in Hampshire, and the number of providers ensures that prices are kept competitively low. The more traditional experiences are rides and hacks. While rides can be easy routes which last anywhere from half an hour walkout to a full day, with breaks included, hacking is a 1 or 2 hour activity which is a workout for the rider and their horse. There’s also the opportunity to try Western riding in the New Forest. Forget the intensity of the horse racing that you see on TV, and imagine instead a cowboy riding for miles across the landscape in partnership with their equine companion.

- But carrying people around is just one part of the life of a horse. They also need to relax, eat, stay clean, and socialise. In stables around the county, you can give your child the chance to get involved with these parts of their lifestyle. There are several options for this kind of activity, from pony parties or seasonal events, where the emphasis is on having fun, to stable days and own-a-pony experiences, in which your son or daughter will take on the responsibilities associated with the animal's care and stable management.

Requirements to do this activity

We all know that some children have a love for horses from the day they’re born. Well, here you can give them their first introduction to precious ponies when they’re still very young. Kids as young as 4 years old can be taken on a lead rein ride, which means that someone will guide the horse by the reins for the duration of the walkout. Lessons are another option for children at stables around the county for junior and adult riders. It should be noted that stables have weight limits for getting on horseback, the maximum weight is usually between 13 stone, 83 kilograms, and 16 stone, 102 kilograms.

But you’re never too old to have your first experience. Short and simple rides, sometimes called walkouts, are suitable for adult novices, and enjoying these rides in the beautiful scenery of this county is enough to make sure that this is your first experience of many. When you gain skills in the saddle and are confident enough to walk, trot and canter, you’re ready to take part in hacking, which will take you deep into the countryside on a variety of tracks, lanes and paths.

You’ve got to say you’re tempted, and if there’s anything we can do to make up your mind, just get in touch!