Horse Riding in Lanarkshire

Lanarkshire is perhaps best known in equestrian terms as being the home of the Clydesdale horse, Hamilton Racecourse, and of Andrew Hamilton, the famous show jumper. It also offers surprisingly good off-road horse riding readily accessible from most of Central Scotland.

A Fun Family Day Out at Hamilton Park Racecourse, Lanarkshire

Hamilton Park Racecourse, South Lanarkshire stages 17 race meetings each year during April to September. Voted best racecourse in Scotland by The Times, this horse riding racecourse is situated in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire just of the M74 and M8.

Once inside Hamilton Racecourse, it is a different world, with parklands, beautiful manicured lawns and exciting horse racing. There is plenty of entertainment for children such as bouncing castles and face painting ensuring a fun equestrian themed family day out. Children are always welcome and under 16s are admitted free.

Horse Riding Routes and Equestrian Centres in Lanarkshire

Should you want to go horse racing or trekking, or riding yourself, Lanarkshire has much to offer. The horse riding routes in Lanarkshire offer a range of opportunities to enjoy the countryside on horseback, from an hour’s hack to half or full-day picnic horse rides. Many of the horse riding routes are suitable for year round use. Most offer scope for some fast work if you so choose, and for less experiences horse riders, provide an opportunity to build your confidence before heading off on longer or more challenging equestrian routes.

As well as exploring the South Lanarkshire horse riding opportunities with the Falls of Clyde Route, or enjoying the Carnwath countryside at the BHS Horses Welcome approved Weston Farm, visitors can enjoy scenic North Lanarkshire in the 200 acres of rolling countryside at Tannoch Stables, Cumbernauld.
 

Point-to-point Horse Racing in Lanarkshire

Horse racing remains one of the great social occasions of the year but expensive hats and members enclosures can leave many people feeling left out. However, one farmer in the Clyde valley is keeping alive an altogether more friendly and charming form of this sport of kings.

For eight years now farmer Willie Young has been turning one of his large fields in a bend in the river Clyde into a point-to-point horseracing course. It has all the trappings of any other day at the races but as Willie Young points out it is much cheaper and the whole family is welcome. Of course horse riding gambling takes place with 20 to 30 bookmakers coming along but it is more about picnics out of the back of the car and having fun than being seen in the correct outfit.

For your next family day out, get into the saddle and explore the horse riding routes of Lanarkshire.