The Best Horseback Riding Spots in Adelaide for Heart-Pounding & Scenic Rides
Forget about flashy Lamborghinis. Riding a magnificent mare with the wind in your face and the horizon as your view is where it’s at.
If you think we’re horsing around, you’ve never galloped in Adelaide’s finest horseback riding spots. Horsepower? They have it!
The real question, though, is: where should you saddle up? Fortunately, there’s no need to trot over long distances. The answers are just below.
Classic Carriage Drives
Address: 63 Institute Rd, Montacute
Contact Details: 0429 887 121
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 8 pm
Website
The yesteryear’s charm is what we basked in with Classic Carriage Drives. Their carriage-drive rides also trot through scenic Montacute, letting us relish nature’s beauty without breaking a sweat.
We’re talking about the Montacute Valley Ride, a 45-minute escapade along Fifth Creek. For just 180 bucks per head, this voyage took us to natural bushland, market gardens, and year-round orchards.
But if you’re after something magical for the kids, their Unicorn Tea Party is as enchanting as it sounds. It lasts for 1.5 hours and includes “unicorn” feeding and grooming.
Tip: Ready to say, “I do?” This place is a wedding hotspot, thanks to its naturally romantic scenery. Make a reservation here.
Cartmel Rise Equestrian Center
From frawls76
Address: 7 Highet Ln, Onkaparinga Hills
Contact Details: 0422 805 106
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 8 am to 6 pm
- Sat – 8 am to 1:30 pm
With gum trees, hills, and sea panoramas in full display, Cartmel Rise Equestrian Center is a horseback riding spot straight out of a Hans Heysen painting.
They also offer horse riding lessons that can cater to rookies and pros from age 5 to 80. The best part is you can get these horseback riding 101s along with your crew or family.
We also have to mention the Olympic-sized arena, ensuring you won’t bump heads with other riders. In addition, the surface here is specialized for any weather type, so you can ride rain or shine without worry.
Tip: Don’t barge in without booking. Cartmel Rise requires prior arrangements for lessons, so call the number above at least a day or two in advance to avoid the hassle.
Pegasus Pony Club
Address: 171-191 Greenwith Rd, Golden Grove
Contact Details: 0410 105 377
Website
While not technically an equestrian center, the Pegasus Pony Club can still satisfy your horseback riding itch. After all, they wouldn’t last over 70 years if their experiences were meh.
The club’s riding and horse care lessons are all about fun, friendship, and education. Qualified and confidence-boosting coaches also conduct these sessions, so riders of all ages and levels won’t leave empty-handed.
As for the vistas, you’ll enjoy lush foothills and tree-lined pathways—both made better by Golden Grove’s serenity.
Tip: Hitting up their contact number is the fastest way to enquire about membership. You can also message their Facebook page if you’re willing to wait for a day or two for a response.
Megan Jones Equestrian Training
From sakuraliu
Address: 171 River Rd, Hahndorf
Contact Details: 0435 831 304
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun – 9 am to 5 pm
Facebook
When it comes to dressage and showjumping lessons, Megan Jones Equestrian Training is top-of-the-line. Couple this with the majestic Hahndorf landscapes, and you’re in for a ride worth every cent.
Megan, a silver medalist in the 2008 Olympics, also has an approach to training that’s refreshingly laid-back yet effective. Her horses start with hill trots and get plenty of mini-breaks to keep them fresh and focused.
Tip: Since you’ll mostly ride on natural grounds, it’s important to check the weather before sitting on the saddle.
Maidendale Equestrian Center
From mimi_goldsmith
Address: 352 Aldinga Rd, Whites Valley
Contact Details: 0412 841 795
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
The journey to Maidendale Equestrian Center isn’t a hop, skip, and jump, but the adventures are well worth the drive.
For starters, Whites Valley is a sight to behold. The area’s bushland is in a pristine condition, and the valley views are jaw-dropping, especially during the golden hours.
Their professional trainers could also out-wait a sloth. They’re very patient. Just be ready for slightly higher fees, as an hour here will typically set you back for around $80.
Tip: The center isn’t near any stores or diner. Bring a lot of snacks and a couple of water bottles.
Templewood Horse Riding Center
Address: 49 Millbrook Rd, Inglewood
Contact Details: (08) 8389 2388
Operating Hours: Wed to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
Website
Space and scenery are two things Templewood Horse Riding Center will never run out of. The spot has 200 acres of training grounds—all ideal for the tiniest tots and seasoned pros.
Their experienced steeds and coaches are no joke, either. From hillside trots to jumping over cross-country hurdles, they can handle anything under the sun.
What’s even better is that there’s no downtime here. If you aren’t riding across Inglewood, you’ll be learning about proper horse grooming, saddling, and lunging.
Tip: Consider booking the center for a birthday party that not only rocks but also gallops! To secure a date, give their number above a ring.
Gainsborough Equestrian Center
From __hallows
Address: 172 One Tree Hill Rd, Golden Grove
Contact Details: 0418 814 029
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
It doesn’t matter if you want to learn a thing or two in the saddle or just want your mare pampered like royalty, Gainsborough Equestrian Center has you covered.
Here, they have a knack for turning colts into dressage masters—courtesy of trainers John and Linda who boast accolades in horse education.
Moreover, the scenery is hard to beat. The center’s locale brims with greenery, from the towering gum trees to the undulating landscape.
Tip: Their blogs provide comprehensive advice and solutions for horse-related issues.
Cagah Park
Address: 158 Cromer Rd, Birdwood
Contact Details: 0409 924 175
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 7 pm
Website
Cagah Park is one of the reasons we went on a Birdwood trip. This stop’s equestrian center flaunts Birdwood’s beautiful bush, all while providing lessons to match your saddle goals.
We opted for the $60 group session, a 1 hour-tutorial that included high jumps, exploration of the 80-acre land, and basic riding routines on their Olympic-sized, covered arena.
They even have a feature that lets our non-riding teammates chat with four-legged therapists. Naturally, the horses didn’t dish out advice, but they’re terrific listeners—perfect if you just want to vent out or simply connect with animals, Disney princess-style.
Tip: Making reservations is essential here. Book your schedule to avoid disappointment.
Alba View Equestrian
From jorjaspence.equestriann
Address: 623 Parkers Rd, Ward Belt
Contact Details: 0407 803 004
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 10 am to 5:30 pm
- Sat – 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Located on a sprawling 72-acre estate just a hoof’s gallop away from the CBD, Alba View Equestrian is more than just a riding school. Here, equine enthusiasts come to frolic and learn horseback riding without spending too much.
Their pros will teach you the ropes, from advanced and simple riding techniques to vital horse grooming and care. The pony or horse you’ll ride depends on your level and size.
In terms of views, the bushland vistas here are stunning. The lack of shade can be a drawback, though, especially during summertime.
Tip: To combat the heat, pick a day that won’t make you sweat bullets. Check the weather forecast.
Academy of Dressage Pty Ltd
Address: 41 Waters Rd, Mount George
Contact Details: 0400 639 909
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 4 pm
Website
If you’re on the prowl for bespoke lessons, the Academy of Dressage is the place to be. They meticulously address every aspect of equestrian training, from immediate rider adjustments to the horse’s responsive behavior.
Additionally, their coaches offer immersion courses, ideal for those really serious about horseback riding. These cover a wide range of topics, such as controlling horses without using force and understanding how each bridle or bit works.
For the scenery, expect riding trails that are dotted with trees and wildflowers. This means visiting during spring is a no-brainer, particularly if you also want to run into kangaroos.
Tip: If you need guidance on various aspects of horsemanship, take advantage of their video services. These cover topics like training concerns, horse evaluation, and more.
Four Oaks Farm
From bec.mcgair
Address: Downing Rd, Littlehampton
Contact Details: (08) 8388 6361
Operating Hours: Tue – 10 am to 3 pm
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Four Oak Farms is where city slickers can kick off their boots and embrace country life. The key services here include lessons for beginners and little ones, as well as horse care and management.
What sells the most, though, is their Ponies Love Parties deal. Pick this, and your mini-mes will have blast riding ponies, carriages, fire engines, and even vintage merry-go-rounds.
The countryside scenery is the cherry on top. It’s the most diverse on this list, with sights like gardens, plains, woodlands, ponds, and even peacocks.
Tip: Enhance your visit by timing it with a live music event! See the schedule or announcements on their Facebook page.
Wirraway Homestead
Address: 660 Old Bull Creek Rd, Strathalbyn
Contact Details: (08) 8388 5234
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
Website
Rustic and relaxed, Wirraway Homestead is your ideal summer camp far from the frenetic city. What sets this spot apart, though, is its dedication to all things horsey.
With an on-site riding arena and trail rides passing through 180 acres of hills and tree-shaded paths, rides here offer more than just a trot around the block. Their staff is also highly qualified, so your chances of failing are slim to none.
If riding isn’t on your agenda, you can still get involved by joining the horse care programs. It usually takes place inside a comfy indoor arena, where you’ll groom and handle steeds like a true Aussie cowboy or cowgirl.
Tip: Remember that this spot is an hour away from Adelaide. If you plan to stay longer, consider making arrangements for their lodging facilities.
