Horse riding and caring for horses can help to boost confidence, improve mental health, improve coordination and reduce stress. Horse riding is also a fun way to get your blood pumping and boost endorphins.
Northern Ireland’s stunning countryside is the perfect place to go out for a horse ride whilst admiring the beaches, loughs, coasts, forest trails and mountains that you can discover along the way.
Here are seven of the best places to get up close to horses across Northern Ireland:
5. Western Style Horse Riding, 6 Leitrim Road, Hilltown, Newry,
This popular experience has been featured on BBC TV's Northern Exposure with Gary Lineker. Ride in cowboy style in the Mourne Mountains with stunning scenery and a nearby beach. Choose whether to breathe in the sea air or to trek up the mountains in this experience. Western Style Horse Riding offers overnight camps which include barbeques and music alongside hour-long, half days or full days of horse riding. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com Photo: discovern
6. Mount Pleasant Trekking Centre County Down, 15 Bannanstown Road, Castlewellan
This family-run business has an associated membership with the British Horse Society and is a number one choice for trekking and horse riding in Ireland.Dedicated to helping novice and experienced riders, Mount Pleasant Trekking Centre offers a range of country hacks, horse riding holidays and barbeque facilities at their centre. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com Photo: discoverni
7. Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary 26 Crosskennan Lane, Ballynoe Rd, Antrim
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary is the only horse welfare charity that is based in Northern Ireland, and all of the horses and ponies at the sanctuary have been rescued from neglect or abuse. Catering to all abilities and encouraging nervous riders to enjoy the experience of horse riding, book an appointment and get up close and personal with the horses.For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com Photo: discoverni