What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city than to go for a relaxing horse ride through Richmond Park?

Riding in Richmond Park is an unforgettable experience, at almost 1000 hectares, it is the largest Royal Park in London.  The idyllic landscape of hills, woodlands, ponds, gardens and grasslands set amongst ancient trees offers a peaceful escape from busy London life. Besides the sheer beauty of your surroundings, there are around 650 free roaming deer to encounter. On horseback they allow you to get so much closer than if you approached them on foot. You get to see the park from a different perspective on a horse, and with the park being so big it allows you to cover a lot more ground. Come the summer months the horses are allowed off track which opens up the entire park for exploration!

Stag Lodge Stables, at the park’s Robin Hood Gate, is a family run, British Horse Society approved riding school literally on the doorstep of the park. It is rich in heritage, having been established since 1790. Stag Lodge stables have forty two horses and ponies ranging from the tiny Shetland ponies for children, all the way up to their biggest Shire, Samson. There is a horse to suit riders of all ages and abilities. They offer a wide variety of activities on horseback. Whether you want to go on a relaxed hack through the park, or even be led by an instructor if you’re nervous, they can cater for all types of riders.

Stag Lodge Stables also offer lessons in one of their two arenas on site or at the large jumping arena in nearby Wimbledon Common. They also have activities for children including Pony Club, Pony Week during school holidays, group lessons and much more.

The long daylight hours during the summer months lend to the unique experience of the pub rides. These fast paced rides last for an hour and a half and are available for competent riders one evening a week from May to September. On the sociable pub ride you ride in a group to either Ham or Petersham gate, hop off your horses, enjoy a refreshing drink and then ride back to the stables. Coming up in March they are offering special Mother’s Day rides, which last an hour and a half and include a champagne stop. The perfect way to spoil your mother!

SA PROMO RIDER 1 - Colette Reid
It was a cold, icy morning and I was looking at this beautiful beast thinking; what on earth am I doing here? I was about to climb onto my favourite ‘My Little Pony’, only it was huge and white and didn’t smell of candy floss!  The instructor was patient and made me feel relaxed and as I got more comfortable with my lovely horse I felt like Arwen in the Lord of the Rings, riding across undiscovered lands on some epic adventure!

SA PROMO RIDER 2 - Thomas Holmes
Being a bit on the heavier side I was put on one of the bigger horses. ‘Mrs T’ was my trusty steed and she towered above me. Not being the best equestrian I must say I was a little intimidated.

Once we were in the wide open spaces of Richmond Park I relaxed into it and could appreciate my surroundings in a new light. All the stresses of the city life vanished and being in the park I forgot that I was actually anywhere near the hustle and bustle of London.

I especially enjoyed trying to master the ‘Rising Trot’, but when I got it wrong it was a little painful to say the least.

Stag Lodge Stables

For more information contact: 02089746066 
Website: www.ridinginlondon.com Address: Robin Hood Gate, Richmond Park, London. SW15 3RS.