LEARN TO RIDE
autumn 2026 | £1237pp | wales
LEARN TO RIDE WILD IN WALES
‘A gentle introduction to horse riding holidays through beautiful Welsh landscapes, combining scenic trails, welcoming hospitality and the confidence of exploring on horseback’
Overview
Over three unforgettable days in the saddle, you’ll discover the joy of travelling on horseback through the beautiful Welsh countryside while building confidence and developing a deeper connection with your horse. Designed as an introduction to riding in the hills, this experience is perfect for those newer to horse riding holidays or anyone wanting to learn the skills needed to feel comfortable on the trail.
Each day combines practical learning with time spent exploring the landscape, as you learn the essentials of preparing your horse for the journey ahead, from catching and grooming to feeding, tacking up and understanding your horse’s needs. With guidance throughout, you’ll gradually become more confident in the saddle while riding along peaceful tracks, trails and bridleways through the countryside.
What you need to know
Horse riding in Wales, UK for beginners and novice riders
£1237pp
All meals, accommodation, luggage delivery and riding included.
9 - 11 September 2026
3 days & 2 nights
3-4 hours riding everyday
Riding through rivers, stony paths, open green hills and little bridleways
Single room inns & BnB accommodation
Friendly and experienced guides
OVERVIEW
Dates: 9 - 11 September 2026
Price: £1237pp
Location: Wales
Operator: Free Rein
Riding level: Beginner and Novice
Max group size: 8
Time in the saddle: 3-4 hours a day
Horses: Breeds native to the UK
Weight limit: 92kg
Currency: Pounds
Saddle type: English
Airport: Birmingham
Adventure level:
Need to know
Accommodation during the trip
All riding with a guide
Extensive instruction before riding
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
What’s included:
Flights into and out of Wales
Accommodation outside of the trip
Tips / gratuities.
Travel & medical insurance
Transfers before/after the ride
Drinks at bars
What’s excluded:
Food: Breakfast will be had at your inn / BNB everyday. Breakfast usually consists of an assortment of cereals, yogurts, fruit, fresh bread and some offer cooked breakfasts.
Lunch will packed lunches had along the way including things like sandwiches, wraps, fruit, snack bars.
Dinner will usually be in your hotel for the night or in local restaurants / inns. Most dinners will be hearty regional dishes with seasonal produce.
Dietary requirements can be accommodated.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is in charming, family run inns, B&Bs, hotels and country guest houses along the way. Rooms are single occupancy with a charge of £49 a night which is covered by Wild Mane.
Accommodation and food
The horses at Free Rein are the highlight of the holiday. They are all calm, fit and forward going, with a mix of cob and cob crosses.
They live out all year round, working for 7 months and then enjoying a 5 month break during the winter months.
All the tack is professionally and personally fitted for the horses at Freerein and all the horses are ridden in snaffle bits.
Find out more about how the horses are cared for here.
Horses
Riding hat, gloves and comfortable riding boots
Light and loose layers of clothing.
A light rain jacket
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sun cream
A water bottle
Bum bag
A charging adapter (for UK plugs)
A book for entertainment
Toiletries, towel, jodphurs etc
Camera gear
See our what to pack guide here for a full packing list.
What to pack:
Apply to join this ride:
Itinerary
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You’ll arrive at Freerein HQ for 9am where you’ll meet your guide and fellow riders. You’ll label your luggage for delivery to the inn / bnb before it’s time to begin. You’ll receive instruction on riding and how to care for your horse including catching, feeding, grooming and tacking up your horse.
It’s then time to head out into the hills en route to your B&B or inn for the evening.
After finishing your first ride, you’ll untack, feed, groom and turn out your horse before enjoying dinner with the group. -
After breakfast, you’ll prepare your horse for a day riding using all of the skills you learnt yesterday. You’ll always have help on hand if you need it.
It’s then time to head out for a full day in the saddle across the Welsh hills before returning to your inn / bnb for the evening.
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By this last day you’ll have had time to bond with your horse and the ride back to Freerein HQ should consolidate the experiences of the first 2 days.
You’ll enjoy your final ride on the Welsh Hills before returning to HQ for approx 4-5pm to say goodbye to your new friends (human and horsey).
Apply to join this ride:
why riders love this ride
The chance to discover Welsh history and heritage as you ride.
Well mannered horses with lovely temperaments.
Professional instruction to allow you to ride confidently with the right habits
The chance to explore a part of Wales you might never have been to, especially if you live outside the UK.
this ride is right for you if:
You’re a beginner or novice rider ✔
You like learning about the culture and history of countries you visit ✔
You don’t mind what weather you ride in (summer doesn’t guarantee you good weather in the UK) ✔
You like staying in funky and charming inns, hotels and BnBs ✔
About wales
Wales is a country with a strong sense of place, shaped by beautiful coastlines, rolling countryside, and mountainous landscapes such as Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Brecon Beacons. Its history is deeply woven into its towns, castles, and industrial heritage, reflecting centuries of change while maintaining a clear national identity.
Central to that identity is the Welsh language, one of the oldest living languages in Europe, which remains a daily means of communication for many people and is actively supported through education, media, and public life. Bilingual road signs, schools, and cultural events highlight its continued importance.
Alongside this linguistic heritage, Wales is known for its music, poetry, rugby (God forbid our national team at the moment) and strong community traditions, all of which contribute to a culture that values both its past and its evolving place in the modern world.
Weather: what to expect
Wales has a temperate maritime climate meaning it is generally mild but changeable throughout the year. Summers are usually cool to warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 76°F), while winters are mild, with daytime temperatures typically between 3°C and 8°C (37°F to 46°F). Rain can occur at any time so layering and waterproof clothing are recommended due to the frequent variability in weather.
frequently asked questions
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Can I join as a beginner
Yes! This ride is designed for beginner and novice riders. You receive instruction before riding and during the holiday that allows you to learn as you ride and experience what riding holidays have to offer.
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when is the best time to go?
The best time to go on a riding holiday in Wales is in the summer. This is when the weather will be warmest and it’s least likely to rain (althought you may still get some).
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How quick will we go?
It very much depends on the group and the existing level and confidence of those riding. You’ll be taught how to walk and trot and if appropriate and deemed safe by the instructors, there may be opportunity for a canter.
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what kind of terrain will we cover?
There will be a mix of terrain including ancient bridleways, country tracks, farmland and hills.
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What should I pack?
Like most riding holidays, the best things to pack are layers. It’s a good idea to check the weather closer to the time and if it’s looking hot and sunny, you’ll want tshirts and linen shirts. If it’s cloudy and cool, some long sleeve shirts and fleeces are best. It’s also a great idea to bring some waterproofs, despite what the weather forecast says.
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what airport should i fly into?
If you’re outside the UK and need to fly into Wales, the best airport is either Cardiff or Bristol in England. This will depend on whether flights from your country can land in Cardiff. You’ll then need to take a train up to the start point which we can help you organise.
your guides
The team at Freerein will be your guides during your trip. They’ve been running riding trips in Wales for over 30 years and started with a passion for sharing the beautiful Welsh countryside. They’ve created unique trail riding holidays, both guided and unguided, that work to share Welsh history and culture.
Their team includes guides who know the trails like the back of their hands and staff working behind the scenes to keep the horses happy and operations running. They work in tandem to focus on providing welcoming and personalised experiences with well cared for horses and thoughtfully designed routes.
The horses at Freerein are at the most important team members and are a lovely group of cob and cob crosses. They’re all fit, friendly and forward going, making the perfect partners for this 6 day journey.
Outside of the trips, they live in spacious fields together with plenty of natural shelters and enjoy a 5 month break during the winter season.
How to book
Choose your ride
Submit the application form under ‘request to book’
Wait for us to confirm space with the operator (we aim to get back to you within 24hrs)
Pay your deposit (30%)
Full balance is due 65 days before departure
cancellation policy
Cancellation terms vary by operator and are specific to this ride.
Deposit is non refundable
If you cancel between 56 - 42 days before departure, you’ll receive a 50% refund
If you cancel between 41 - 28 days before departure, you’ll receive a 30% refund
If cancelled less than 28 days before departure, no refund will be provided
why wild mane?
Curated, unforgettable & welfare focused riding holidays
Personal advice and human support from booking to your return home
Clear and transparent booking process with no hidden fees
We work directly with established operators, many who are family run