Where to go horse riding in Sydney

Never ridden a horse? No problem. The team at Scenic NSW Horse Riding Centre have 360 hectares of paddocks to explore, whether you’re a novice rider or a paid-up member of the pony club. Veteran centre manager Martin and young rider Hannah accompany us on a one-hour trail walk around the beautifully sheltered valley in Denham Court. The centre has around 80 horses on the property and 20-or-so for their weekend rides. Beginners can book in for an hour’s trot for $55 (departing at 8am, 9.30am, 11am & 12.30pm).

The animals are beautiful, incredibly obedient and just happen to be the best company for a stroll around Centennial Park. Eastside Riding Academy offers riding lessons for all ages and experience levels – for a beginner without any experience, you’ll be taken around the perimeter of the Park with a member of staff. From here you’ll be able to see all the park going-ons and although it might not be the most inconspicuous viewing point, it sure is the most majestic. Expect lots of kids pointing at you and yelling, ‘horsie!’

Situated in the centre of Sydney’s polo hub in Richmond Lowlands, Kurri Burri offers horse riding and polo lessons as well as horse training services. Join their polo club if you’re intent on mastering your tail-shot or looking to keep up with club events. You can also frequent this farm for exclusive tournaments and annual polo events if you’re interested in being a spectator rather than a rider.

The beautiful and vast Centennial Parklands has great walking and cycling tracks, but it’s also one of the world’s only urban parks with riding facilities, with five riding schools that can take you out for a trot any day of the week. Take your pick for riding lessons or pony parties from Sydney Horse ($60-$90pp), Eastside Riding Academy ($100pp), Budapest Riding School ($90pp), Centennial Stables ($95pp) and Papillon Riding School ($95pp). Most of the schools are open daily and they’ll help you saddle up for a ride around Centennial Park’s picturesque 3.6km horse track.