Horse Riding in Pembrokeshire, Wales

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Horse riding in Pembrokeshire, Wales

Horse riding in Pembrokeshire, Wales is an incredibly popular sport. I know this to be true because the Bed & Breakfast owner where my husband and I stayed, arranged for our trail ride the day we arrived in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Technically speaking, Marros Riding Centre is just outside of Pembrokeshire. The family owned riding center is located in Carmarthenshire, mid-Wales.

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Marros Farm in mid-Wales owns over 140 acres and has access to miles of bridleways. Photo © Nancy D. Brown

They have owned the riding center since 2002. I should point out that in the United Kingdom, proper grammar refers to riding centres, while the United States spells it differently. I will be using the term riding center for this article.

The Smith family has steadily watched their equestrian center grow from 15 horses to over 50 horses. Accordingly, they have purchased more land in the surrounding area and now own 140 acres, including ancient woodlands and pasture land.

The Pembrokeshire area in Wales has over 116 miles of public bridleways. I loved that our horseback ride took us from stables to countryside in a matter of minutes without having to worry about riding near cars and traffic distractions.

Rides range from one hour treks through ancient woodlands to several hours in Ragwen Point offering views of South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay. Beach rides are available for experienced equestrians.

 

becki smith marros riding centre, woodland trek on horseback carmarthenshire wales
Becki Smith leads riders on a Woodland trek near Pembrokeshire. Photo © Nancy D. Brown

Riding in Welsh woodlands

Rides are designed for beginners to advanced equestrians. We only had time for a one hour trail ride, so we opted for the ride in the ancient woodlands with Becki Smith. I was riding Apache, a 15 hand Gypsy Vanner, also known as a Gypsy Cob. He was a sweetheart of a horse, with the famous feathered hair around the hooves.

My husband rode Danny. At 16 hands high, Danny was a gentle giant. The Shire Cob cross was ideally suited for the novice equestrian, and a perfect gentleman out on the trail.

If I were to return to Marros Riding Center, I’d sign up for the 2.5 hour beach ride.  I had the opportunity to go horseback riding in County Sligo, Ireland on the beach and it was exhilarating. There’s nothing like riding on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, but I imagine Pendine Sands in Wales is just as magnificent. I was very impressed with the raw beauty of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and look forward to introducing others to this magical coast side in Wales.

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Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown riding Apache, a Gypsy Vanner horse.

Need to know:

Marros Riding Center is accredited by British Horse Society. In addition to horse and pony treks, the center offers riding lessons and Pony Club activities. On the day we arrived, Pony Club members were helping to stomp down newly recycled carpet fiber for the indoor riding arena. Additionally, the riding center has an outdoor arena.

Pony Club is alive and well in Wales and is very popular with the young girls.

Riding helmets and riding boots are available free of charge to equestrians.

Horseback rides are priced by one hour trek, two hour trek and beach rides. You must be an experienced equestrian and confident at the canter for beach rides.

horse head standing in forest, gypsy cob mane with black ears, horse riding in carmarthenshire wales
Apache looks for wildlife as we ride by trickling streams and stop to smell the wild garlic. Photo © Nancy D. Brown

Insider Tips:

Own-a-pony day is an ideal introduction to horses. I wish I’d had a program like this when I was a young, horse-crazy girl. It’s a chance for children to groom, tack and ride a pony in a safe and friendly environment.

For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and Marros Riding Center on Instagram.

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The wind blown look is fashionable on this spring day in Wales. Photo © Nancy D. Brown

If You Go:

Marros Riding Center 01994 453777 email info@marros.farm.co.uk

Marros, Pendine, Carmarthenshire, SA33 4PH

Horseback Riding in Pembrokeshire, Wales review and all photography, except top photo, by equestrian travel expert Nancy D. Brown. No compensation was received in return for this review.