Horseback riding tours in Madrid are the perfect activity to escape from the monotony and stress of big cities. Riding a horse is an easy activity for any kind of person and with a great variety of tours available all over the geography of this province, as well as at a fairly good price: an extremely cheap one! Besides, here in Madrid you’ll find many special horseback routes for children too.

Where to go horseback riding in Madrid?

The autonomous region of Madrid offers multiple options that will allow you to enjoy the nature and being in contact with these beautiful animals both in the mountains as much as in the southern parts of it.

Who can go horseback riding?

If you have never ridden on horseback, this will not be a problem to you since all riding centres have routes specially designed for those who have never done this activity before. As part of the route, you will be accompanied by an expert instructor that will set the pace, but also keep an eye on you as he or she describes and explains your surroundings.

Horseback riding tours are a perfect activity to enjoy as a family. Depending on the equestrian centre, but especially on the geographical conditions of this region, the minimum age to carry out this activity is between 5 and 13 years old. For the youngest ones and for the ones that have never ridden before or might still get nervous about it, we also have especially tamed horses that are usually ridden by underage and non-experienced riders, which means that you will have nothing to worry about.

Take a look at this example video of a guided route on horseback across Spain’s capital:

Is an activity suitable for children?

And, if you are thinking about riding with the little ones of the family, many riding centres also offer pony rides around Madrid, an activity recommended for ages between 2 and 6 years old. An ideal activity to make sure children can have a first experience in the equestrian world.

How many options are there?

In the province of Madrid, you will be able to choose from more 140 equestrian centres by location, the beauty of the landscape, duration of the route, minimum age to ride, options that include food, accommodation, etc. Practically all you need.

In the area of the Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Norte is where many of the most beautiful horseback riding routes are found, Buitrago de Lozoya, Gargantilla de Lozoya, Oteruelo del Valle, Cercedilla, Miraflores de la Sierra, Collado Mediano, Los Molinos or La Cabrera are some of the places where you can enjoy a horseback riding route in the countryside and breathe pure and fresh air a few kilometres from Madrid.

In these areas, you have the possibility to do routes from 1 hour, which are especially aimed for people with no experience or for families, to half-day routes for more experienced people. Normally the minimum age required for these routes is 8 years old, and there are options that include food and even accommodation in wooden cabins.

- You'll be able to explore such emblematic towns as El Escorial and Aranjuez on horseback. But if you're looking for something closer to the area of southern Madrid, and which can be enjoyed with children from the age of 5, you have the option of Navalcarnero, Móstoles or Leganés.

What can I add to these tours?

- And if you are looking to combine horse riding with other activities, you have different options in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Gargantilla de Lozoya, Pinilla del Valle, Cercedilla, Miraflores or El Boalo. In addition to horse riding, you can practice archery, mini-golf or canoeing.

If, on the other hand, you are planning a romantic or different moment to enjoy with your partner, we suggest the moonlight rides. These are horseback trips that last between 2 to 3 hours, which take place at night on full moon days. It is a unique experience, in which you will cross mountains and forests with the light of the moon only. These activities usually take place between March and October. Sometimes you can complete the activity with a dinner. And, since we don't have a sea in Madrid, we also recommend horseback riding along the banks of a river. A very nice experience that you will also love.

- For those who love good food, you can combine the horseback riding route with a picnic or a barbecue in the area of Navalcarnero, Los Molinos, Gargantilla de Lozoya, Villaviciosa de Odón, Buitrago de Lozoya or Aranjuez.

With this wide range of possibilities, finding your perfect horseback riding route will be a piece of cake.