Horse riding

Where the beauty of the great outdoors meets the thrill of the saddle. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete beginner, Burnley offers a range of horse riding opportunities that cater to all ages and skill levels. From scenic countryside trails to riding schools, there’s no better way to experience the stunning landscapes of Burnley than on horseback.

Why Horse Riding in Burnley?

1. Explore Stunning Landscapes: Enjoy peaceful rides through serene woodlands, parks, rolling hills, and scenic bridleways.
2. Boost Physical Health: Horse riding is a great full-body workout! It improves balance, coordination, and core strength. Every ride challenges you to engage different muscles, making it a fun way to stay active and healthy.
3. Connect with Nature: There’s something truly special about exploring the outdoors on horseback. Feel the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the unique bond between rider and horse as you journey through Burnley’s natural beauty.
4. Mental Well-being and Relaxation: Riding isn’t just great for the body; it’s also fantastic for the mind. Spending time with horses has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote mindfulness. The rhythmic motion of riding can be calming, providing a sense of freedom and escape from daily pressures.
5. Learn New Skills and Build Confidence: Horse riding teaches patience, discipline, and responsibility. As you learn to handle, care for, and ride horses, you’ll build confidence and a deep sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s your first time riding or you’re refining your skills, there’s always something new to learn.
6. Family-Friendly Fun: Horse riding is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Many local riding schools offer lessons, pony treks, and group rides that are perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories.

Get Started Today!

Explore local riding schools, book a guided trek, or find the perfect trail that suits your level below. Check out the latest horse riding opportunities in Burnley. With many options, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

Burnley Bridleways Association

Background

The Burnley Bridleways Association (BBA) was founded in the 1970s by local riders frustrated by the loss of equestrian access due to incorrect recording of historic routes following the 1949 National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act.  The Act did anything but retain, promote or encourage access by horse, and riders are still only able to enjoy 22% of the public rights of way network nationally. Add to this, growing national urbanisation and changes in agriculture miles, historic routes continue to be lost to tarmac, development, lock and key.

Under the guidance and sheer determination of the late Lady Towneley, Mary-Jo Pinder and still battling, Christine Peat, Burnley has one of the best comprehensive and connected networks in Lancashire with notable achievements including :-

• The first concessionary route across Water Board land in 1974.
• The Blue Horseshoe Trail.
• The removal of permits to ride through Towneley Park.
• Equine inclusion on the greenways that run through the town, linking urban routes to the wider rural network.
• The Pennine Bridleway/Mary Towneley Loop. Burnley is the birthplace of the only fully inclusive non-motorised 250 mile National Trail – researched and pioneered by Lady Towneley.

BUT….. despite this, riders and cyclists still only have access to 13% of the Burnley network of around 400 miles of public routes. 

Current Day

Burnley Bridleways Association continues to campaign for greater access both in the borough and beyond.  Present campaigns include equitable access to canal towpaths and an expansion of access to and across local moorland.  They also report faults on the network and work with local government to ensure equestrian needs are included in government funded recreational initiatives.

Why this is important?

With over 2000 horses within the borough, equestrian ownership makes a significant contribution to the local economy to the tune of at least £8 million, and, with the majority of riders being women and girls, helps keep this often over looked demographic active and healthy.

The BBA holds regular meetings and will continue to campaign and support residents to access the wonderful #OutdoorTown on horse, cycle or foot.

For more information and to access Burnley’s bridleway network and the great South Pennines, visit their website.

The Air of Heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears – Kick on.