Horse riding, as well as being tremendous fun, has a growing list of proven physical and mental benefits, which have seen it used as therapy all around the world. Whether you’re thinking of planning a fun family day out experiencing something new and exciting, looking for a place for your kids to receive equestrian training, or you are an enthusiast who is looking for a place to go horseback riding, you won’t be disappointed with the increasingly wide range of options in Beijing for riders at all ages and levels, many of them with qualified and bilingual instructors.
Beijing Equuleus International Riding Club 天星调良国际马术俱乐部
Established in 1999, Equuleus remains the only horse-riding club in mainland China approved by the British Horse Society (BHS). The club is home to both indoor and outdoor arenas, and provides training lessons catering for all levels which are based on BHS training system. The club also is one of the equestrian organizations qualified to give Junior and regular Progressive riding tests, awarding official certificates.
Tue-Sun 8am-6pm. No. 91 Shunbai Lu, Sunhe Township, Chaoyang District. 孙河镇顺白路91号 (135 2233 9691, equuleus@equriding.com)
Demeanor Equestrian 风度马会
Demeanor Equestrian has three branch clubs around Beijing, each equipped with outdoor arenas for riding and training. The club tailors individual and group training courses specifically according to requirement and levels, adhering to an international standard. The club also provides a horse healthcare service.
Tue-Sun 8am-8pm. Xinbao Village, Sunhe Township, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区孙河辛堡村. (5701 8256; 137 1865 1737)
Guofa Equestrian Club 国发马术俱乐部
Guofa Equestrian Club is home to one indoor arena and two outdoor training arenas, housing over 50 Warmbloods including Belgium Warmblood, Royal Dutch Warmblood, and Selle Francais, over 30 Thoroughbreds, and over ten half-breeds. The club provides one-to-one courses and courses especially for kids ages 4 and above.
Tue-Sun 8am-6pm. No. 31 Houqiaoduan, Shuntong Lu, Liqiao Township, Shunyi District. 顺义区李桥镇顺通路后桥段31号. (185 1083 7175)
Oriental Equestrian Club 东方马汇马术俱乐部
Oriental Equestrian Club was founded in 2007 and is a member of the Fédération Française d’Equitation (French Equestrian Association). The club works in close cooperation with the association and uses the full set of French equestrian systems (GALOP) and aims to provide professional, systematic equestrian teaching. The club’s French head coach has over 40 years of experience in equestrian teaching. Lessons cost between RMB 170-650 each.
Daily 7am-6pm. Zhenxiwang Lu, Gaoliying, Xiwanglu Village, Shunyi District. 顺义区高丽营 镇西王路村西500米 东方马汇马术俱乐部. (6945 7995, 139 0107 7897)
Photos: courtesy of Anastasia Levina, 风度马会，Oriental Equestrian Club, geques.com.cn
