Yorkshire


<p>Grab your hats and buckle up for a ride – Yorkshire has the stones to rival anyone’s cowgirl fantasy. And phew, are we blessed with some of the finest horse riding countryside in the UK, nay (neigh?), the world. Yes, really. From the blustery Dales to the broody moors and rugged coastline, everywhere you turn is a postcard-perfect picture. Imagine yourself listening to the clip-clop of heels, feeling the hurrumph of a pony, drinking in the views of mist-cloaked wooded valley – there is surely no lovelier way to spend a spring day than on horseback here – especially if you’re looking for things to do with the kids. Without further ado, this is where to head for some unapologetically marvellous equine fun in God’s Own Country.&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kilnsey-trekking-amp-riding-centre-wharfedale"><a href="https://www.kilnseyriding.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kilnsey Trekking &amp; Riding Centre</a>, Wharfedale&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1512" height="2016" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/image4-2-rotated.jpeg" alt="Horse riding Kilnsey Trekking and Riding Centre, Wharfedale " class="wp-image-7589" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/image4-2-rotated.jpeg 1512w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/image4-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/image4-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/image4-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1512px) 100vw, 1512px" /></figure>



<p>Fall hard for a storybook Yorkshire landscape? You’ll adore this farm in the Dales. In the sweeping Wharfedale Valley, surrounded by tousled moorland, limestone features and wildflowers, the setting simply makes you want to unband your hair and gallop across open moor. Led by the lovely Jane and her warm and hospitable team, the BHS-approved trekking and riding centre offers bespoke activities for different ages, abilities, lengths of time, and interests. So one day you can bring the little’uns to family events (adorable Easter ponies, yes please), another you can trek up to Cool Scar and other Instagram-worthy landmarks, all depending on experience of course. Fancy stretching your time over a few days? Single- and multiple-day rides and overnighters are horsey heaven. And from September, fans of <em>All Creatures Great And Small</em> will be able to enjoy a James Herriot experience featuring tours of some of the famous filming spots, plus more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boltby-trekking-amp-trail-riding-thirsk"><a href="https://www.boltbytrekking.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boltby Trekking &amp; Trail Riding</a>, Thirsk</h2>



<p>Love a good and proper trail? In the sweet little village of Boltby, this working farm is primed for exploring the North York Moors National Park, with oodles of bridleways, hills and moorland right there on the doorstep. With experiences suitable for children aged five years old and above, treat the little ones to mini rides for half an hour of pure pony fun, or book a two-hour trek to get out there and really make the most of it. For your own horsey fun, whether you’re a novice or basically a wrangler, you can choose to go in a group or enjoy a private ride (we won’t tell, promise!). During the summer, pub rides and picnic rides elevate the fun-factor. Ponies and a prosecco? Yes please.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acre-amp-shelter-north-yorkshire-moors"><a href="https://www.acreandshelter.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acre &amp; Shelter</a>, North Yorkshire Moors</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1425" height="992" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/BE726E6D-B0C5-4CED-9383-B3B58D1E9F4F.jpg" alt="Horse riding Acre &amp; Shelter, North Yorkshire Moors" class="wp-image-7587" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/BE726E6D-B0C5-4CED-9383-B3B58D1E9F4F.jpg 1425w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/BE726E6D-B0C5-4CED-9383-B3B58D1E9F4F-300x209.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/BE726E6D-B0C5-4CED-9383-B3B58D1E9F4F-1024x713.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/BE726E6D-B0C5-4CED-9383-B3B58D1E9F4F-768x535.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1425px) 100vw, 1425px" /></figure>



<p>If pony glamping in summer is more your bag, trot along to these stables on the Dawnay Estate. In prime horse riding country – you might spot horses outside the local pub – Acre &amp; Shelter is absolute gold if you have your own hay-munching heartthrob and want to make a bit of a holiday out of it (riders need to bring their own steeds). Around the area there are forests, fields, beaches and bridleways galore, while back at base the vibe is boho cottage living, with boutique accommodation including the Tack Room and glamorous yurts with horse grazing outside. The idea of waking up to the sound of your horse munching on its brekkie is the stuff of cowgirl dreams. A smorgasbord of activities organised by incredibly warm owner Kate keeps everyone happy: think Corona ponies, guided riding tours, children’s afternoon teas, foraging and cocktail classes. In summer, retreats will offer horseback yoga and sound healing sessions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bilsdale-riding-centre-helmsley"><a href="https://bilsdaleridingcentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bilsdale Riding Centre</a>, Helmsley&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Beside the rushing River Rye, Bilsdale Riding Centre (Shaken Bridge Farm) has the story to match the setting. Many of the 20 horses are actually descendents of the mother mare Mary, essentially the matriarch (light applause please), who would give birth to a foal every year back in the original farm’s heyday. In 1975 the family who owned it realised they needed to put the horses to work, hence the riding centre was born. If trotting along forest paths and cantering through fields gets you giddy, this is where you need to head. If you can tear yourself away from the views, other activities to get your equine juices flowing include gentle one-hour walks for beginners, bespoke two-hour romps for most abilities, and full-day experiences for confident riders. You can pack the young ones off for ‘day in the life of a pony owner’ sessions, or for a longer break they also offer three or six-night residentials over the summer hols. Walk don’t run, ladies!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woldgate-trekking-centre-bridlington"><a href="https://woldgatetrekking.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woldgate Trekking Centre</a>, Bridlington&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1351" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/640975029_1596419132360008_2589765770849640238_n.jpg" alt="Woldgate Trekking Centre, Bridlington horse riding" class="wp-image-7585" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/640975029_1596419132360008_2589765770849640238_n.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/640975029_1596419132360008_2589765770849640238_n-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/640975029_1596419132360008_2589765770849640238_n-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/03/640975029_1596419132360008_2589765770849640238_n-768x961.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>In the heart of Hockney countryside – the famous artist was quite rightly inspired by the gorgeous scenery here – Woldgate Trekking Centre is a fully family-run affair, with three generations actively involved in the daily goings-on. Surrounding the site, which is situated on a Roman road near Bridlington, there’s so much to explore. Boynton Hall is a mere whip’s-toss away, as is The Carnaby Temple, an imposing octagonal tower built around 1770. There’s a busyness to boot on site – the staff, which includes 15-year-old Harley whose mother and grandmother rule the roost, are uber-friendly and professional, overseeing hands of all ages mucking out the yards and grooming the horses. Children are superbly catered for, whether beginners or advanced, though if you fancy spending the day on horseback sans kids we won’t judge.</p>



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