With school holidays fast approaching I thought I would look into an activity that is fun for the whole family. So I have checked out three options for horse riding close to Sydney over the past couple of weeks: Malabar Riding School, Glenworth Valley Hording and Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre.
Malabar and Centennial Parklands both offer horse riding close to Sydney CBD and are well equipped to cater for adults and children as young as three years. Malabar includes helmet hire in the $65 fee for a one hour trail ride which will take you along the scenic east coast of Sydney and provide a stunning backdrop for a family day out. Centennial Parklands has five different riding schools in the one complex so you will be sure to find a ride and budget that suits you. The pace is somewhat slow at both locations but is a great activity to ease school holiday boredom.
Glenworth Valley is located about an hour and a half from the Sydney CBD and provides a different experience altogether. There are still pony rides for toddlers, although it is the adults and older children who will really enjoy the horse riding here. $75 will get you a two hour ride but helmet hire is an essential extra at $5 per helmet. The trail rides are through vast bushland and provide a unique experience for city-dwellers. The riding is at a faster pace at Glenworth Valley and for those who ride regularly there is an option for independent ‘free-riding’. Watch the weather carefully though as payment is required in advance with a 48 hour cancellation policy.