Country Riding Centre

The Country Riding Centre has been running since 2001 at the foothills of Silves, about 2 kilometres outside town on the road towards Messines. The yard keeps around 16 horses and ponies, from a Dartmoor pony up to a Friesian and a Dutch Warmblood, so riders of every size and level can be matched to a suitable mount. Facilities include 8 stables, two 20 by 40 metre dressage arenas, a jumping arena and a covered spectator terrace, and lessons are given by FEP-approved instructors. The centre has also been featured by the BBC. Hacks head out through the surrounding orange and lemon groves and hillside countryside. Published prices run from a 15-minute pony walk at EUR 20 (30 minutes at EUR 30), a 20-minute beginner lunge lesson at EUR 30 and a 30-minute private lesson at EUR 37.50, up to countryside hacks at EUR 50 for one hour, EUR 70 for an hour and a half, EUR 90 for two hours and EUR 110 for two and a half hours with a gallop. A half-day ride to a nearby lake, where horses and riders can swim together, is priced on request and includes a picnic. The centre also hosts birthday parties on Sundays and public holidays, and gift vouchers are available on request. Riding is booked directly with Martina by phone or email.