Where can you ride your horse? Just about anywhere is the answer to that and even the streets of the city do not preclude horses. Its an odd fact that whilst it may raise some eyebrows, a rider could go for a trot horse riding in London city centre if the thought came to mind. But most prefer the country side and the rural lanes. However riders have to be careful in the small lanes and byways as the inconsiderate motorist draws no distinction between another driver, a bicycle and a horse. They are simply inconsiderate regardless. So if there is a choice it is best to try to get onto bridleways and pathways in the country areas.

The only horse riding in London will most likely be the big police horses or the beautifully turned out guards horses at Buckingham place. This is one of the world great ceremonial events which is performed by the Queens Household regiments. That is made up of five foot regiments of The Grenadier Guards, The Coldstream Guards The Scots Guards, The Irish Guards and The Welsh Guards. The pomp and colour is recorded by national and international tourists, with the ceremonial horse at the heart of it all. The more rural parts of the country offer the best places to go horse riding and there are places in Wales, Scotland and Ireland where riding holidays can be enjoyed.

As a London work colleague, the horse is commonly enrolled by London police forces. In particular it is a great crowd control asset, which will keep a gathering in check with ease. These horses are big, and they know it. Trained to be unruffled in the most serious of disturbances the combination of a law enforcement officer and a big horse is awesome. How many disorderly people would even consider taking on a horse that stands some 6 or 7 foot off the ground and weighs in at a huge number of kilos. Only the stupid would seem to cover that. A horse running at speed is fairly well unstoppable, and this is where the opposite kind of animal comes in.

Not just in London

Riding in the Welsh forests or in the Scottish Highlands is a holiday to remember, and the facilities will include the accommodation and the rental of horse and equipment. The view atop a horse is great and the pace leisurely. As a relaxing trip away, the riding holiday must rate as one of the best there is. Another place to ride is on the beach, and there is something magical and attractive about seeing a rider speeding along the golden sands. It’s the stuff of the advertising world, and inevitably features a stunning female rider, who may or may not have sat on such an animal previously. What the matter, the ad men love it, and it offers a symbolic image of romance, achievement and glamour.

The Sport of Kings

Outside of London and across the UK, horse racing is a multi million pound industry which is still known as The Sport of Kings. Races are occurring all over the country every weekday and weekend from Ayr to Plymouth, which is great for the locals who might just have a day off and go to the races. These are the small events where the lesser known riders and riders participate, but the really big events attract thousands every day of the meeting.

Cheltenham is one such event, and The Cheltenham Gold Cup one of the most prestigious races in the racing calendar. The roar from the huge crowd as a horse and jockey battle up the long final straight at Cheltenham is one of the greatest sporting sounds around. For the family owner perhaps the idea is to simply go out horse riding in London parks or one of the many green spaces on the outskirts. Whichever it is, the horse will remain closely associated to the human world for ever.