Hello all,
My family is heading to Europe next week for a vacation to Paris. I was hoping to ride when over there, either take a lesson or find somewhere that does trail rides through the country, but for more advanced riders. A friend of mine is coming with, competent rider, evented through Prelim.
Problem is I don’t speak or read a lick of French and all the web sites I can find seem to be geared toward touristy riding, or children’s programs. Anyone know of a place to go?
Horse riding in France is really well organised and generally of high standard in horse care and riding skill. The whole country is sub-divided into regions that promote horse sport of all kinds under the umbrella of the French Equestrian Federation.
What you are probably looking for is referred to as a ‘randonee’, as in a guided trail ride (for an hour or so up to several days). Be aware, European riders generally move on a bit faster than the average American appears to do. I have shared rides with American ladies who were seriously worried by a ‘normal’ canter.
Paris has riding clubs and stables in the parks around the edge of the city. This is one list http://paris.angloinfo.com/af/315/paris-and-ile-de-france-equestrian-horses-and-riding.html which might be a starting point. Also ask the people at the hotel/accommodation where you are staying or pick through the internet with words such as ‘randonee en l’ Isle de France’ and then translate the page. English is the common language of Europe and even he French speak more of it than they used to!
Getting further out of Paris is no problem because the trains and buses work really well.
Personally, I have had great success just by finding random stables on the internet.
Currently living and riding in France and I have to say the internet is your best bet here. Paris is in the Ile de France region so you’ll have more luck searching under Ile de France as there aren’t a lot (or any) of stables in the city itself.
Other key words: centre equestre (equestrian center), randonnee, haras, balade a cheval.
I also found these: http://www.balade-cheval-chantilly.com/
You could also look into booking through a tourist agency, there are a ton: http://www.rideinfrance.com/
I wouldn’t count on having a lesson or riding out alone - think a nice country hack would fit this situation best. And I have to say I’ve been a bit disappointed with the level of training over here, but never with the quality of a nice hack! I agree, they do love to galop fast but that should be no problem for you.
Usually if you see ‘club du poney’ it is a center for children (there are probably 10 for every other riding situation). Centre equestre or haras would be more your alley.
PM me if you need translation help or have more questions, it took me two years to figure out this stuff so I’m more than happy to share the knowledge 
Also if you’re looking for something horsey to do a few hours out of Paris:
It’s the National School of Equitation (Cadre Noir) in Saumur. You have to be a pro and go through a lot of paper work to get a ride but they do accept visitors to see the facilities and watch a few performances.
Also if you Google “sellerie Paris” you will find a list of some very nice tack stores in Paris for a little retail therapy
Also if you’re looking for something horsey to do a few hours out of Paris:
It’s the National School of Equitation (Cadre Noir) in Saumur. You have to be a pro and go through a lot of paper work to get a ride but they do accept visitors to see the facilities and watch a few performances.
Also if you Google “sellerie Paris” you will find a list of some very nice tack stores in Paris for a little retail therapy
[QUOTE=Willesdon;8100600]
Horse riding in France is really well organised and generally of high standard in horse care and riding skill. The whole country is sub-divided into regions that promote horse sport of all kinds under the umbrella of the French Equestrian Federation.
What you are probably looking for is referred to as a ‘randonee’, as in a guided trail ride (for an hour or so up to several days). Be aware, European riders generally move on a bit faster than the average American appears to do. I have shared rides with American ladies who were seriously worried by a ‘normal’ canter.[/QUOTE]
This brings back great memories. I went on a “randonee” near the beach in Brittany, and cantered for the first time since I had taken lessons in college , 5 years before.
I suppose they had asked about my experience level, and I remember the horse was pretty fiesty.
The ride in France reignited my passion for riding. I got back to the states, signed up for lessons, and have been riding consistently since.
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