Cyprus is blessed with a beautiful rural countryside which makes it an ideal location for equestrian activities. With options to suit all ages and abilities horse riding is a great option for a day out with for all the family and what better way to see the picturesque views than on horseback.
By Rachel Chrysostom and Athena Karamitsou
NICOSIA
The Cyprus Equestrian Federation promotes and develops all riding-related activities in Cyprus and participation in international events. It is good option to call to get advice on getting started and for locating horse riding centres in your area. 1 Deligiorgi Street, Nicosia 22 872172
Lapatsa Riding School is the biggest riding establishment in Cyprus with a large outdoor arena and an indoor arena, horse walker, lunging pen and race track. It has a number of school horses, livery horses as well as race horses in training.
Riding lessons are offered for all ages and levels – from complete beginners to experienced riders.
Extra Tip: The riding school also hosts competitions – both dressage and show-jumping – on behalf of Cyprus Equestrian Federation so inquire if you’re interested to attend.
Opening times: for lessons every day except Monday. On Sundays pony rides are offered from 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Admission: Lessons are €27.00 for a group lesson or €35.00 for a private lesson. Pony rides are €10.00
The school is located just outside Tseri (Kato Deftera). Tel: 22455194
LARNACA
Drapia Farm is located in Kalavasos between Limassol and Larnaca in a beautiful orange valley surrounded by gentle hills. The farm was established 18 years ago by Marisa Potamitis who is Swiss and together with her husband and three children live next door to the horses. The various riding programs are made up of trails of two hours, daily trails with traditional picnic and/or individual riding lessons for beginners and advanced riders and livery, trekking, English and western riding and sand ménage. There are also ponies and offer children pony rides around the farm area. Body protectors and helmets for all riders are provided.
Extra Tip: Look out for the friendly dogs and pot bellied pigs around the farm.
Opening times: Call ahead to confirm with owners.
Admission: Pony rides are €15 per child, ½ hour lesson is 25 euros
Exit 15 on the Lemesos-Lefkosia highway at Kalavasos village, 99 437188
Dhekelia Saddle Club, located between Larnaca and Ayia Napa, is open to both novice and experienced riders. The club has a 30 jump cross-country course, Dressage and a Jumping Arena. The Club has its own very well stocked Tack Shop and a Happy Be Lucky Bar. Casual Riders are most welcome but you must book in advance to be sure of horse availability. Membership costs 90 euros a month and includes two lessons per week, theory, hack or a ride out.
Dekhelia Garrison, 24 744293, 99 131917
FAMAGUSTA
The Moonshine Ranch & Riding Club is situated on the outskirts of Protaras in the idyllic surroundings of Cape Greco with fields in all directions, and boasts some of the best views on the island with the Mediterranean sea to the east and the mountains of Famagusta to the north. If you want to get the kids into horses and riding then this is ideal. Ride through sprawling acres of untouched terrain with an experienced instructor. The ranch caters for experienced and non-experienced riders so taking the children is not a problem. The ranch also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a wide selection of Greek and Cypriot cuisine
Extra Tip: Look out for the carriage emblazoned with a Fleur de Lys which was the original carriage used in the film Sense and Sensibility.
Opening hours: Opens early morning until late.
Admission: 1 hour lesson - €40 or ½ hour lesson - €20.
99 605042
The Riding for the Disabled Association in Episkopi is a non profit, voluntary organisation offering weekly horse riding sessions to disabled children and adults. They meet every Thursday morning during the school year at the Episkopi Saddle Club in Happy Valley. For more information on helping with the rides or fund raising, you call Sheila Wiles on 25 873822.
LIMASSOL
Santa Marina Retreat offers horse riding for all ages and levels including children. Guests have the opportunity to ride through traditional Cypriot villages, mountainous areas and through unspoilt countryside with qualified escorts on the 'Kentavros Ride - the minimum age for this is eight years. For younger children over five years there is the Pegasus Ride which gives them the unique chance of having a go at horse riding on one of the quiet well-behaved horses. The child is escorted at all times and parental guidance is required. Pegasus Rides can be booked for 5, 10 or 15 minute durations. There is also a petting zoo and if you take a walk down the Lake Manghaleni you can feed the koi carp.
Extra Tip: From Monday 6th July to the 31st a Summer Fun with Horses program is available for children aged 7-12.
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday 9:00am – 7:00pm.
Admission: Adults - €3 children up to 16 years – Free. Pre-booking horse riding packages is recommended.
The retreat is found just 4km after Parekklisia village, 99 545454
Curium Equestrian Centre close to Curium beach caters for all ages and abilities and offers horse riding on the beach, lessons and show jumping. Half hour lessons are 25 euros and one hour lesson is 45 euros, but there is also a monthly fee of 10 euros for 8 lessons. 99 564232, 25 934859.