I’ll be across the pond on business in a few weeks and am looking into hacking out with a local stable. I would like to be able to WTC with a like-minded group and see some scenery framed by fuzzy ears! This stable has said I would fit in with one of their existing rides and offers hacking in Richmond Park. Has anyone ridden here? If I’m going to lug my helmet and boots around in my carry on I want to do my diligence that it’s worth it. 
Can’t vouch for Kingston.
Many years (near 20) ago DH & I rode in Hyde Park out of Kensington Stables.
Lovely horses - Tom had a huge 5yo WB, I got a fun-size pied cob - just us & 2 young guides.
They provided helmets & boots < pull-on paddocks.
Great way to see a lot of the very large park.
WTC on immaculately maintained sand trails.
Best of all, any walkers were knowledgeable/respectful enough to stay off them.
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Richmond Park offers better hacking than Hyde Park. It is surprisingly peaceful, with distant views of the city, and tracks and grass to ride on. There is also a large herd of deer which is nice to see: horses and deer are used to each other. Kingston RC is a highly professional yard with good staff and good horses. Travel-wise, short boots and perhaps half chaps would be fine and take up less space. A helmet would be available to hire.
Another place to ride is Wimbledon Common (which actually ajoins Richmond). Check out Wimbledon Village Stables, accessable via the Tube, for another London Riding Experience.
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Thanks Willesdon! They appeared to run a tight ship from what I could tell of their website and the brief email exchanges I’ve had with their staff.
I’ll be bringing my paddocks and half chaps (maybe wearing paddock boots to the conference… Chelsea boots are in style, right?) and don’t feel comfortable borrowing a helmet. I know they have them for loan at the stable but I’m a particular fit. Since I’m a devoted “carry on only” packer this could get to be an interesting game of Tetris. I was lucky enough to ride a little while studying abroad in Ireland and the main problem then was that my helmet smelled as a 4-year-old helmet does, and left the odor on all my clothes. I washed the liner in the sink in the Trinity dorms and hung the whole thing out the window to dry. Thankfully now companies make liners that one can remove to wash!
My 2 cents, buy a (new) schooling level helmet from a tack shop there or pack your own. I got lice from a livery yard helmet in Ireland years ago and it was TOTALLY not worth it. That is all.
Also make sure that you check with them about what they require for a helmet safety standard. I know that when I rode in the Cotswolds a couple of years ago, they required any helmet to be certified to the British standards and I almost was not able to use my One K. Of course, if you already wear a Charles Owen, you’re fine unless it’s a JR8.
I totally love the idea of buying a new schooling helmet while you’re over there. Meets the standard and no stink on the plane and no lice!
http://www.beta-uk.org/media/safety/…scipline18.pdf
SO JEALOUS! I love London (and Richmond is beautiful!). Have a wonderful time and please report back with pictures and stories!
I used to live in the next street 25 years ago. Richmond Park is lovely, have fun!
Awww! I got to ride out of there on my first visit to London as a kid. My mom has a few pics of us riding across the street. She ran ahead and stalked us to get set up for the shots! Lol
I have ridden with them several times and had a wonderful time for the most part my daughter and I. We had a lovely hack in the park however on our last visit that turned into a runaway for her. Fortunately she was a solid enough rider in her seat to sit it out, but it could have been a nightmare. She was on a lithe pony and I was on a draft cross that could not keep up! Our lessons in the yard were workmanlike and efficient. I will be back next month and looking to ride again!
I tried to ride while in London years ago, but after booking well in advance and sharing details about us, received surprising news on the day… My husband is 6’2" and a solid 230 lbs. Not fat, just a normal solid guy. They wouldn’t let him ride saying that he was too big for their horses (who looked like friendly and rugged draft crosses to me). Tall as I am, they were fine with me, just not “large” men. We left. Something to keep in mind if you’re bringing anyone with you.
Curiously, the folks in Iceland had no problem with him riding their little horses on a 4+ hour rough terrain / hills ride.
I second the personal helmet suggestion. My husband and I ride on vacations around the world and, after one bad experience early on where it took multiple showers to wash the smell out of our hair, try to bring our own gear. If I can’t bring my own helmet, I’ll wear shower caps + bandanas under the helmet. Helmets aren’t meant to be passed around by strangers.
