Not only are horses wonderful, calming creatures, horse riding is a top way of keeping fit and getting some exercise in a fun way. Horse riding is excellent for core strength, and whether you’re a dressage pro or a happy hacker, there’s no better place to learn to ride – or revisit a childhood hobby – than the UAE.
From desert hacks to dressage competitions, to show jumping lessons in the sunshine – there are loads of places to practise your equestrian skills. We’ve rounded up the best places to try horse riding, whether you’re after a taster session or a more substantial outing.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi
Hop in the saddle at this capital riding establishment. Whether you’re learning from scratch, polishing skills that you haven’t used in years or are gearing up for a competition, all levels and skills are catered for here.
Al Mushrif, www.adec-web.com (02 445 5500).
Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai
This is one of the fanciest riding stables in Dubai and it’s a top place to try out riding. The state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community is devoted to equine sports. From beginners lessons to coaching jumping and dressage, all levels and all ages will feel perfectly at home in the saddle here. You’ll need an assessment lesson first (which is Dhs340) and after that group lessons are from Dhs240. If you’re after something a little more serious, and you have the time and commitment, you can lease a horse for one to six days a week via a monthly basis, so if you’re looking to compete, this is for you. And if you’re not in the mood for taking up the sport, then you can always kick-back and watch the pros in action at the weekly Friday polo brunch instead.
Dubailand, www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com (04 436 2222).
Bab Al Shams, Dubai
This luxury desert resort offers desert hacks daily from 6am until 6pm, and the stables has horses suitable for all levels. There are also ponies for younger riders if you want to go for a ride across the dunes as a family.
Dhs320 (one-hour hack). Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Al Qudra, www.babalshams.com/horse-riding.
Baniyas Equestrian Center, Abu Dhabi
Arabian horses are renowned worldwide for their unique beauty and grace and we’re lucky to have access to them here. Baniyas Equestrian Center’s Riding Schools provide classes for tiny three-year-old riders all the way to adults. Sign up the little ones to learn first-hand all about equestrianism.
Al Nahda East 13 (050 823 2900).
Desert Palm Riding School, Dubai
An idyllic location where horse enthusiasts can learn to ride or develop their skills. The riding school boasts an impressive collection of horses and ponies ranging from smaller steeds of 11 hands up to larger rides of 18 hands and group lessons start at Dhs263. There’s livery if you have your own horse, plus a full cross-country course if you’re into eventing. The school caters to all levels of kids and adults, while it also runs its own multi-discipline competition series including show jumping, one-day eventing and dressage. If you’re after something more casual you can book in for a guided hack.
Al Awir Road, www.desertpalmllc.com (050 451 7773).
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai
Complete beginners as well as more experienced riders will all feel very at home here among the calm, idyllic setting of the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, with all manners of riding and livery lessons for all ages and abilities. Lessons start at Dhs240 for beginners, and run all the way through to advanced, plus there are polo lessons, too.
Al Qudra Road, poloclubdubai.com (04 361 8111).
JA Equestrian Centre, Dubai
Imagine riding off into the desert, cantering over dunes, the sun setting in the distance, before trotting into the waves of the Arabian Gulf for a swim with your mount. It may sound like the stuff or romantic movies but, believe it or not, if you know one end of a horse from the other, you can do just that at this state-of-the-art facility in Dubai’s Jebel Ali.
JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, www.jaresortshotels.com (04 814 5555).
