It can be difficult to imagine participating in outdoor sports like horseback riding in a city as enormous as Barcelona. However, many people are surprised to know that riding a horse in Barcelona and its surroundings is easy and accessible.

Beyond Olympic athletes, there are an increasing number of enthusiasts of this sport. The advantages of horseback riding and being in contact with animals are numerous, so it's no surprise that it's become a popular pastime among both the young and elderly.

Watch this video to get a better understanding of what we're talking about:

Where are the main equestrian centers in Barcelona?

Horse riding is easy if you know how to mount a horse. The Catalan province enjoys an idyllic natural setting. With the Mediterranean Sea to the southeast and surrounded by Tarragona, Lérida and Girona, the truth is that its interior has nothing to envy the rest. The Montnegre-Corredor, Montseny, Carbasí or the mountain ranges of Castelltallat, Picancelll and Miralles-Queralt are some of the enclaves where you will find different equestrian schools. If it's necessary to find a riding centre near you, it's just as important, if not more, to select one where the horses are kept in the best possible conditions for their activity and happiness. With our partner centres, you will be assured of this.

- Get in shape with a horse: Physical health professionals always encourage participating in an activity that you enjoy and are not too lazy to undertake. As a result, in addition to having fun, attending riding lessons will swiftly improve psychomotor skills, musculation, posture and body perception, flexibility. As is often the case, perseverance and discipline are the keys to achieving optimal bodily and mental health. Learning to ride a horse will immediately 'hook' you into a sport you will like.

Equine treatment, often known as hippotherapy, may be found in many of the riding schools in Barcelona. Through the relationship with horses, you can recover from neuromuscular, social, psychological, or cognitive illnesses. Adults and children come to equestrian centres to have a relationship with the animal that helps them improve their daily lives.

- Count on the best teachers: Fortunately, Barcelona has excellent riding schools that will be able to provide you with the best level of rider or horsewoman you desire. However, make sure you rely on professional instruction, preferably pooled, so that you may be taught in the safest possible manner. Although horseback riding is not typically a risky pastime, you must keep in mind that accidents sometimes occur, and relying on the professionalism and knowledge of the instructors is necessary, which you can count on.

- Learn to ride a horse for the best price: Fortunately for horse lovers, learning to ride has been accessible in recent years due to increased demand. Rates range from 18-20 euros for single starting lessons to no more than 100 euros for monthly vouchers. However, keep in mind that if you want to take things a step further and continue your education in the world of riding, more technical training may be more expensive. Dressage, show jumping, contests... the options are endless.

- Age is but a number: Horse riding is designed to be practised by any amateur who wishes to learn in Barcelona and other provinces. Don't be disheartened if you've never ridden a horse before, even if you're an adult; the centres will tailor the classes to your abilities. Ponies are better suited to their build and are available for very young children until they are mature enough to ride an adult horse. However, we do not suggest riding for children under the age of five to avoid potential developmental harm.

What should I know before riding a horse?

- Don't forget to be the best rider you can be: Prepare for your riding lessons ahead of time. Wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. If you want to get into this activity, the best thing you can do is purchase your own uniform and shoes. If you only want to test it out or get a feel for it, you may rent a helmet and, in certain cases, riding boots from the centres.

- Animals must be treated with respect: Riding teachers will educate you to form a bond with your horse that will allow you to quickly grasp what it needs at any given time and vice versa.

- Be consistent. This is the most effective approach to quickly learn to ride well. The teachers will assist you in your endeavour.