from Cornwall in the south to Northumberland in the north.
Mention English equestrian counties and some horse owners will visualise the flash of a red hunt coat with the sound of the horn
Others will instantly think of the great equestrian events like Burghley horse trials, the Horse of the Year Show and the excellent county shows we attend and enjoy so much every year.
But, England and the English have such a love of our equine friends, that there are far more equestrian events and facilities dotted around our shires than just the large, well known and well publicised shows. It’s finding the one’s near to you that’s the problem.
Use the English Equestrian Counties page for a quick review of Equestrian Counties in England and to find equestrian facilities and services, equestrian centres and riding holidays in that county.
Horse Riding in English Equestrian Counties …

Offering green pleasant countryside, rich in wildlife, with gentle rolling chalk hills, open commons, ancient woodlands and peaceful canals. Access to the countryside is excellent for walkers and horse riders …

The Royal County of Berkshire was awarded the royal prefix for Windsor Castle and Royal Ascot Racecourse. An beautiful English equestrian county and one of the oldest and most historic …

Buckinghamshire is home to the green and rolling Chiltern Hills. There are miles of tranquil country rides with gentle canal side trails, beautifully maintained country parks and a multitude of pubs …

Cambridgeshire contains most of the region known as Silicon Fen. The county town is Cambridge and Cambridgeshire is home to Newmarket, known to horse owners and horse racing fans the world over. …

In a survey by Horse and Hound (May 2003), Cheshire was ranked 11th “horsiest” County in England, it has the greatest number of equine vets and the 7th highest number of farriers. There are over 30,000 horses in Cheshire …

Cleveland is a small county in the North East of England, dominated by the River Tees and the North Sea. It was once part of the North Riding of Yorkshire until that was divided up in 1974 …

Think of Cornwall and immediately there springs to mind a vision of Atlantic rollers tumbling over jagged rocks to lash against towering cliffs. This is Cornwalls northern coast, a breathtaking place to ride …

Situated in the North-East of England, boardering Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Northumberland. Reputed to be one of Englands most attractive equestrian counties, County Durham has much to offer the horse rider …

It’s most outstanding attraction is the positively breathtaking Lake District and Horse riding is a great way to combine sightseeing with some adventure, having fun pony trekking outdoors while taking in the beauty of the Lake District …

The Peak District was Englands first National Park, it spans over 500 square miles and is a stunning area of natural beauty. The rich and varied landscape has a wealth of wildlife and horse riding in Derbyshire is a wonderful experience …

Devon is the third largest County in England and borders the popular Counties of Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. Devon boasts some of Englands finest landscape including Dartmoor and the famous dartmoor ponies …

From Dorchester to Sherborne to Bridport, riders have an excellent choice of riding centres and stables. Bridleways abound, follow the coastline or move deep inland where tracts of open land are ideal for heart racing gallops …

Being a Coastal County Essex has much to offer, such as the seaside Town of Southend-on-Sea, which boasts the longest pier in the UK. Essex is also home to some of the best equestrian centres in the East of England …

Gloucestershire has over 400 miles of bridleways, RUPPs and byways. In the Forest of Dean, Forest Enterprise allow horse-riding on most hard stoned tracks. This is the English Equestrian County …

The beautiful and varied Hampshire countryside has a lot to offer the horse rider. There are country parks with riding trails & local bridleways. From the South Downs to the Forest of Bere, Hampshire is perfect for horse riders …

250 miles of Herefordshire Rights of Way are bridleways, which can be used for riding. The Three Rivers Ride is a wonderful horse riding route which goes into Wales crossing the River Usk and ends at The Brecon Beacons National Park …

Not only popular with tourists but catering well for horse riders. Hertfordshire Polo Club is based in Letty Green and various council licensed riding stables and livery yards offer lessons, trail riding and hacking …

Kent has a network of bridleways from Shorne Woods in the west of the county to St. Margaret’s overlooking the English Channel. Bring your horse to Kent and experience the freedom of the ancient droveways and the Downs …

The county is the ideal destination for horse lovers, with 240 miles of bridleways to enjoy and explore. Take the reins and discover Lancashires majestic moorland, hidden reservoirs and sweeping valleys …

The County of Leicestershire is situated in the heart of England. Experience the stunning scenery of the Welland valley, the rugged crags and wooded gorges of Charnwood Forest and the beautiful open uplands of High Leicestershire …

From Burghley house to the Lincolnshire Showground and individual equestrian centres; form Sheepgate and Arena UK to Market Rasen racecourse and the annual Lincolnshire show, lincoln riders love their horses …

Hack out across the best riding in the south of England with more than 3,000 acres of countryside on your doorstep. Ride the trails of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park and you won’t believe you are so close to the capital …

Norfolk is heaven for horses. Trot along bridleways, through forests and heathland. Take in unspoilt countryside or experience huge expansive beaches on the Norfolk coast and enjoy a gallop along deserted sand …

Located in central England Northamptonshire is a county covering an area of over 900 square miles. The county town of Northampton is eight hundred years old …

The least populated of the English counties with miles of unspoilt open countryside. Ride for an afternoon or holiday for a week, Northumberland is one of the best counties for horse riding centres and stables …

With over 500 miles of rights of way, Nottinghamshire is for horse riders. With off-road networks and waterside trails Nottinghamshire has great areas for horse riding. Try Clumber Park or Sherwood Pines for excellent horse riding routes …

In South-East England lies the county of Oxfordshire, one of the most scenic of all English equestrian counties and known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. Oxfordshire bridleways provide a wonderful retreat from the bustling towns …

Horse riding is exhilarating and Rutland is the perfect place to ride in the most picturesque of surroundings. There are bridleways which wind their way through the county and provide the setting for horses and their riders …

Shropshire is blessed with over 600 miles of byways and bridleways. In the south there are the horse friendly peaks of the Shropshire Hills an area of outstanding natural beauty. In the north …

Somerset provides idyllic horse riding country. With miles of unspoilt countryside, and plentiful bridleways and if you have always wanted to learn to ride, there are plenty of horse riding holidays for beginners …

In the Northern parts of central England lies the county of Staffordshire and horse riding in Staffordshire offers everything the horse owner could wish for …

Suffolk riding is simply the most fantastic experience, with it’s tranquil countryside and miles of unspoilt coastline, it is the place to be at one with your horse. Suffolk offers quiet country lanes and a mass of public bridleways … More on Riding in Suffolk

Surrey has superb riding countryside around Chessington with hacks to nearby Claygate Common, Arbrook and Oxshot Heath. The North Downs and Epsom Downs provide terrific venues for 3 Day Trail Rides …

Ashdown Forest provides horse riders with countless bridleways, making trekking a new experience every time. Horse riding on the Sussex South Downs and plenty of delightful lanes for a peaceful trot or jog …

Warwickshire, in the heart of England, one of the most visited counties in the country. You can ride at some of Warwickshire’s Country Parks and permits can be easily obtained for riding at Kingsbury Water Park and at Kenilworth …

Known as "The gateway to the West Country", Wiltshire is a beautiful county and the perfect destination for a relaxing riding holiday at any time of the year. Ride the White Horse Trail and see the eight white horses carved into the hillsides …

Worcestershire includes the three Rivers Ride, a new addition to the National Bridleroute Network, developed by the British Horse Society. It runs from Tidbatch in Worcestershire and the Sabrina Way …

There really is no better place to have a canter than Yorkshire, be it alongside the Heritage Coastline, through one of the three National Parks or along the bridle paths and routes setup especially for horse riders …