If leaving the busy city is your dream for a day, with more traditional outdoor activities, then look no further than taking a trip out to Belgrade Forest. It is 30 minute ride from the centre of Istanbul and home to, not only beautiful green forestry, but entertainment centres such as Horse Riding.
Set within the protected area of the forest, with beautiful backdrop scenery as you emerge through the trees, this is a heartwarming, gentle alernative to city sightseeing. You do not need any previous experience, just a willingness to embrace the hour and enjoy the horse and human interaction, in this astoundingly beautiful area.
The Belgrade Forest is an area often used by the Sultans as a hunting and training area and it is not hard to imagine a Sultan trotting beside you on horseback as you trek along the paths between the trees.
In 2024, price of Istanbul Horseback Riding is 80 € per person.
Your tour commences when you arrive at the stables in Belgrade Forest. You will be greeted by friendly and professional staff, who will introduce you to your horse, and give you the safety information which will enable you to have the utmost confidence and happiness in your tour.
You will be handed your own personal safety equipment (this will be mandatory for your ride) and after a short sample ride in the paddock area, you will be ready to ride in convoy through the forest pathway and with the beautiful coastline as background scenery.
You and your horse will travel the forest pathways and through the river, where your trusted steeds may cool their heels, then along glorious mountain pathways in the sunshine.
Your ride should last around 60 minutes and you will return to the stables, feeling at one with nature.
Cost of Istanbul Horseback Riding is 80 € per person in 2024.
They go out several times throughout the day, with a ride duration of around 1 hour. The journey from the centre of Istanbul takes around 30 minutes and you should consider your arrival time once you have purchased your ticket, making sure you that you do arrive on time for your outing.
The tour will also go out seven days a week, weather and numbers permitting.
Most definitely, younger children may ride with a parent or relative, if they are too small to ride alone. Discretion is always advisable but most children over the age of 10 are able to ride their own horse.
With professional instructors riding convoy with you, in the unlikely event you should have any problems, the rear or lead instructor will be with you in the blink of an eye.
Though not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility disabilities this can be a fun day out for the family to enjoy together.
Your horse for the tour, insurance and safety equipment, together with professional instructor throughout.
You should budget for any personal expenditure you may wish to make. Food and drinks. Photographs or DVD. Please note you are expected to make your own way from the city to Belgrad Forest and the stables.
Since safety helmet will be provided, it is recommended that you bring your sunglasses and sun cream. Do wear your swimsuit under loose appropriate clothing, along with footwear that will not fall off your feet during your ride. Dont forget a towel should you decide to get wet!
Don’t wear your best clothes for this event, but do wear longer shorts or even trousers to protect chafing of the thigh.
By all means bring your camera, but don’t forget to leave it in a waterproof container when not in use.
Bring some money with you for those personal extras, like drinks or any professional photographs or DVDs that may be made throughout the day by a professional cameraman.