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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Germany

Like the UK and Ireland, Germany is one of the top European countries for horse riding as a sport. Münsterland in north west Germany is the country’s ‘horse capital’. Horse stables are everywhere and the region is famous for producing international dressage stars, top level three day eventers and show jumpers, such as Hans Gunter Winkler. Warendorf particularly is the best place to go. See the Horse Summer Festival or the North Rhine West Westphalian State stud farm. The city is also home to the German Equestrian Association and Olympic committee for Equitation. Or visit Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands at the end of June for the World Equestrian Festival, famous for show jumping.

One of the best places to go for a German horse riding vacation is along the beautiful Rhine Valley. There are many horse farms in this area offering rides through the picturesque river valley, past pretty villages and historic castles. Maybe stay at a horse ranch in the mountains near Contwig and have riding lessons and horse treks into the countryside. Or travel further south to the amazing Black Forest and have a holiday based at a county hotel with its own equestrian centre. Learn to ride in one of the two indoor schools or if you are an experienced rider enjoy show jumping or try the cross country course. Combine tuition with relaxing hacks out on reliable and responsive horses. There are also ponies available for children. Did you know the Black Forest has its own horse breed? It is a medium sized strong built horse, normally dark chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.

Visit the stunning Bavarian mountains for an adventurous horse riding expedition across high meadows, past forests and lakes with wonderful views, or have an equestrian vacation based at a international eventer’s horse farm and hotel, combining professional flatwork and jumping tuition with endless forest horse riding trails. Other horse riding holidays are available at equestrian centres near Hamburg, between Cologne and Frankfurt and many other parts of Germany.

With so many possible holidays available it is easy to find something for everyone. All riding abilities and ages are catered for and you can choose to spend just a few days or have a week long holiday. You can even visit the capital Berlin for a city break and combine this with a day or two riding in the countryside. Grunewald forest and the Lüneburger Heide, just outside Berlin have the longest bridle path in the country. There are a number of riding schools in Berlin which offer day rides for visitors.