The best equestrian clubs for your riding weekend
Horse riding and horse racing is something of a favorite activity the world over - some call it the “sport of Kings”. This prestigious title doesn’t come as a shock seeing as how horse racing events and equestrian championships have been taking place, well, since the beginning of time and they’ve been crowd pleasers to say the least, bringing in the more refined and elegant set of players and onlookers. But a love for horses is almost always coupled with that sense of adventure and unbridled sportsmanship and passion for thoroughbreds. And we definitely saw that at the recent Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 2022 held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. Horse racing clubs in particular, are everywhere. You’ve probably heard some of the popular names - Royal Ascot, Hong Kong Jockey, Churchill Downs. Each club has an assortment of activities and competitions it offers its exclusive members including trail riding, showjumping, horse shows, races and workshops & training. It doesn’t hurt that these by-entry-only clubs provide other means of entertainment and relaxation like their in-house chef’s plate fine dining restaurants, gentleman’s lounges and reading rooms, lavish spa services and more premium facilities for the equine lover. But how do you choose the best? We’re looking for clubs that actually deliver what they promise. Not just a vacant lot that comes alive during an international event. You’ll love these clubs we’ve featured in the WKNDTRP travel app after thorough inspection and talking to the right people.
We’re bringing you a list of equestrian resorts, riding clubs and riding experiences that each provide something unique to the rider - whether that’s star-class horse care, the best selection of thoroughbreds, ranges & trails, competition opportunities, luxury accomodation & facilities, great food and excellent service.
Unlike some of the older clubs in New York, Manhattan Riding isn’t simply an old money stronghold that hires out a couple of professional players at a time. This club is definitely a a classic spot for connecting equestrians to unique and upscale riding experiences and social events. Booking a ride is good in the sense that safety and riding is vetted by their team of pros, not to mention the exciting variety of options they offer - from pleasure jaunts to hunts on historic plantations, to polo, trails and private lessons. It’s a great social club too. Super stylish and a good mix of crowd from mid to the younger cosmopolitan set. Ps. thanks for this tip, Dale Johnson (@sfexceptionalism). A polo player like yourself would know the inside stories on where best to play.
Punta Cana is a popular beach destination and while the sunbathing and surfing might do you good in the summertime, you might be surprised to know that horseback riding on the beach is an activity growing in popularity. It’s a surreal experience on horseback in the backdrop of the Dominican Republic. But Hotel Eden Roc takes it a step further. They’ve got a state of the art equestrian centre sitting right outside a majestic equestrian park. Inside their stunning stables there’s a private space for Paso Fino tournaments, showjumping, polo playing and more. They’ve also got a selection of equestrian tours and horseback excursions on the white sandy beaches of Punta Cana all inclusive of professional guides taking you through the Uvero Alto Beach.
Who isn’t a fan of the Royal Ascot? This distinguished horse racing event is attended by the most important names in the world. It’s easily one of the biggest horse riding club to ever exist going as far back as 1711 when Queen Anne founded it. Since then it is still the most prestigious and reputable clubs seeing 26 highly anticipated races each year. Members of this fine club gain obvious privileges aside from access to the races, top table racehorses and the like. The facilities are out of this world - lavish clubrooms welcome you to relax, lounge about and read in the company of likeminded guests. Rhubarb on Raceways is the fine dining club experience to tuck into a decadent selection of wines, and exquisite food when riding, betting, conversing and watching the ascot action works up an appetite in you.
Bit of a recent one. Emirates Equestrian Center was founded in 1983. This list has focused less on horse riding but more on the overall equestrian resort experience. So hold on. Let’s talk Dubai’s riding scene. It’s spectacular. The facilities at the Emirates center have long since been touted as one of the best in the world - their offered disciplines are extensive and include dressage and showjumping of course but it’s their riding academy that really stands out in terms of depth and quality as they prep riders with the highest level of professionalism for competition season running from October to April. What more can we expect from a club that’s been approved by the British Horse Society Centre - that’s really something. We’re impressed. Close to this excellent club is the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa where riders can relax and be pampered in luxury after a long day of training.
Horseback-riding is a time-honored pastime and a most loved activity of the rich and famous. For those of us who love horses, we should consider making a weekend trip out of a horse riding excursion or maybe even choosing a horse companion for life from a favorite stable or riding club. There are many great clubs out there, these are just our recommendations. Check out the WKNDTRP app for more incredible weekend activities. You deserve the best.