Brighton is a fantastic city which, along with its partner, Hove, boasts beautiful beaches, a thriving cultural scene and great nightlife. The urban area stretches along the Sussex coast from Worthing to Newhaven and is well connected to London by road and rail. But what a lot of people don’t realise is that is also within easy reach of some magnificent countryside. When the urban environment and comings and goings of people become oppressive, there’s nothing like finding some peace and tranquillity in the company of horses in the Sussex landscape.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, an experienced jockey or a first time rider, young, old, or anything in between, there are horseback riding adventures waiting for you not far from the city centre. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the stable owners and their wonderful horses and they’ll do their best to ensure the experience is exactly what you need - or even better. There’s no better way to enjoy the stunning scenery and unique landscape of this part of the country, and we’re going to tell you how to make it happen.

Where are the best places to go horseback riding near Brighton?

• South Downs National Park: This city is cradled on 2 sides by the gentle slopes of the South Downs hills. They form a band that runs Southeast from Hampshire before meeting the sea in a line of white cliffs in East Sussex. Good paths, fresh air, and soft green grass make this a perfect place for horses, and you’ll sense and share in their enjoyment if you go for a ride here. Some of the highlights of the park are the valleys above Shoreham-by-Sea, the dramatic gorge of Devil’s Dyke just 5 minute’s drive from Brighton, and the chalky cliffs above the seaside village of Rottingdean.

• High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: This landscape of patchwork fields, woodland and rolling hills is like something from a bygone age. Travelling by horse along country lanes and bridleways is sure to transport you away from the stresses of the modern world and into a calmer frame of mind, where the only things that matter are the sound of the horse’s hooves, the unspoilt surroundings, and the proximity of the nearest pub. The High Weald lies about 15 miles to the North of the city, around the towns of Horsham and Haywards Heath.

• Ashdown Forest: Part of the Weald, Ashdown Forest inspired the Hundred Acre Wood where the Winnie-the-Pooh stories are set. It’s a magical landscape, including woodland and wide open spaces, with routes suitable for riders of all abilities. The nearest towns are Haywards Heath and Crowborough, both well connected, but once you're in the saddle and on riding through the forest you’ll forget all about the towns and cities and connect with nature in the best way possible.

What are the options for an experience?

- When it comes to horse riding, there are different options available. A simple ride on a good tempered horse and good paths can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of age or experience. This is the perfect way to bond with a horse, and you can’t get a better viewpoint of the Sussex landscape than from the saddle. You can organise a horse ride for just 15 minutes, which is especially good for young children, or go trekking for several hours. Another option is a hack, when the focus isn’t so much on the route, but the physical experience of the horse and rider. Hacking is the best way to exercise a horse, including different paces like trotting and cantering, and a variety of terrains. It’s more physically and technically demanding than a standard ride, so it’s reserved for experienced riders and it will leave you and the horse out of breath, but full of joy. For a horse to get a full workout, a hack needs to last at least an hour, 90 minute and 2 hour options are also available.

- While riding and hacking in Brighton will take you through the countryside, there’s plenty of fun to be had back at the stables. This is where you can take horse riding lessons to build up your confidence, refine your technique, and form long lasting bonds with the stable’s horses. Lessons are usually organised into courses with a couple of hours’ riding per week over one or two sessions. A great idea for kids who love horses, and we know that there are a lot of them out there, is a stable day. Usually running during school holidays, these are full day immersive courses where your son or daughter will experience a day in the life of a stables, taking part in stable duties like feeding and mucking out, horse hygiene and grooming, and, of course, horse riding. If your little ones are nagging you to buy them a horse, this will give them a chance to understand exactly what’s involved in the equestrian lifestyle. Or if enjoyment is the objective, why not organise a pony party for them and their friends to celebrate a birthday? They’ll spend a couple of hours riding, and playing games around the stables.

Requirements to do this activity

We’ve mentioned it before, but we want to make it absolutely clear that this activity isn’t just for seasoned jockeys in jodhpurs. Horses are gentle, social animals that enjoy the company of humans and are open to making new friends! In addition, their owners are always keen to welcome newcomers to share their love of horses and riding. A love of them is common among children and here they can have their first equestrian experience from as young as 5 years old. But it’s never too late to take up, in fact there are no upper age limits, and any adult, including those with physical disabilities, can get involved in equitation, one step at a time.

One thing to bear in mind is that each rider needs to be paired with the right kind of horse. Different horses have different moods, personalities and capabilities when it comes to the weight they can carry. Some horses can’t carry people who weigh over 12 stone or 75 kilograms, and if you weigh 13 stone (82 kilograms) or above, we recommend contacting the stables before setting off to make sure that there’ll be a suitable one for you.

Giddy up horsey! We’re ready to help you organise your equestrian adventure.