The 5 Best Places for Horseback Riding in Dubai
Horseback riding is a huge part of Emirate culture. From the Dubai World Cup to the horse tours in the desert and at the beach, Dubai is no stranger to this activity.
Thankfully, many places in the city offer lessons on how to do it properly, and safely.
So we scoured the city to give you the best places for horseback riding in Dubai and included the factors we considered in choosing them.
Ultimately, we answered some FAQs about horseback riding in Dubai.
How much does horseback riding in Dubai cost?
The cost of horseback riding in Dubai depends on the number of lessons you are going to get. Most of the time, these places offer one-time lessons, and bundles that offer multiple sessions at a lesser price.
To give you a starting point, we’ve made a table of the rates of each of our entries on this list.
The Best Places for Horseback Riding in Dubai
Before we get right into our top picks for the best places for horseback riding in Dubai, here are the factors we considered for our entries on this list:
1. Emirates Equestrian Centre
| Criteria | Rating |
| Competency | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Classes | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Achievements | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
The sole approved equestrian center by the British Horse Society, Emirates Equestrian Centre upholds the highest standards husbandry and yard management.
Its trainers are all certified to teach aspiring riders to attain their BHS qualifications, beginning with the Progressive Riding Tests up to BHSAI — the first level of professional teaching qualifications.
On top of that, for those looking to be professional horseback riders that want to learn jumping, dressage, and eventing, its trainers can also accommodate that.
However, most of its trainers don’t really have hands-on experience, especially in the competitive scene. So while they do know the standards of how riders should move, these are all based on theory rather than experience.
Despite that, the facilities are of the highest quality. It has a cross-country course, an International sized show jumping arena, and 5 additional arenas solely for training.
Its range of classes also varies differently to accommodate riders of any level. We like that it also has horses that match the capability of the riders so that it’s safer and easier to handle.
However, for a center that is the only one approved by such an elite society, Emirates Equestrian Centre hasn’t really received any awards in any outstanding categories.
But despite that, just being the sole member of it really gives them an edge compared to the rest.
Pros
- The only equestrian center in UAE approved by the British Horse Society
- Excellent facilities with multiple arenas
- Has classes for riders of all levels
Cons
- Most of the trainers teach with theory rather than experience
- No outstanding awards
Customer Reviews
Professional and patient teachers
“Great atmosphere, I had worked with 3 teachers in particular (Fiona, Abdullah, and Bernado) all of which have been very professional and patient with me. In addition, the horses there are beautiful and well cared for.” – Sam Hashemiasl, Google Reviews
Best horse riding lesson for kids
“Pros: The best horse riding classes for Kids in the UAE. They have the most beautiful horses and highly skilled trainers.
Cons: it’s a little far away from downtown so you’ll have to spend 45-55min on the road to get there. BUT IT’S WORTH IT.” – Fouzan Parkar, Google Reviews
2. Al Jiyad Stables
| Criteria | Rating |
| Competency | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| Range of Classes | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Achievements | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
A family-owned stable, its members have accomplished outstanding achievements in horseback riding and now spends their time sharing this sport to everyone interested at Al Jiyad Stables.
We like that its trainers have actual firsthand experience with the competitive horseback riding scene.
And not just any firsthand experience, these trainers have actually competed and won awards for horseback riding.
The son was titled junior world endurance champion in 2009, and his daughter champion for bareback racing in 2005 and 2013.
On top of this, the family has countless awards in the endurance racing field. Needless to say, getting horseback riding lessons here will most likely be fruitful for aspirants.
However, we did notice that its equipment was worn out and outdated.
The saddles were made of low-quality plastic, which made the ride uncomfortable very quickly, and the reins were noticeably made of worn-out leather that hurt our hands when we would pull on them.
This is not what we expected for a well-known equestrian center, and we were disappointed that the equipment really got in the way of our overall experience.
Despite that, for those looking to learn how to ride horses and enjoy the desert vistas, Al Jiyad Stables horseback riding training is for riders of all levels.
Pros
- Family-owned stables
- Trainers are all professional horseback riders with medals under their belts
- Holds training for riders of all levels
Cons
- Outdated and worn out horse riding equipment
Customer Reviews
Effective teaching
“Amazing horse riding experience.
If you are a beginner, you can have an amazing learning course.
They have the best horses. Very well trained.
I’ve started my horse riding journey and now I can easily go to the canter after a month.
Very clean stables.
They treat the horses very well.” – Miad Hamidavi, Google Reviews
Amazing experience
“Amazing experience. Went there twice. Friendly and professional staff. Mr. Mohammad at the front desk and Mr. Faiyaz the trainer are really helpful and polite. The lady at the reception was very helpful too. She helped me choose the boots. Super nice staff. Really enjoyed the whole experience.” – Alina Shah, Google Reviews
3. Al Habtoor Riding School
| Criteria | Rating |
| Competency | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Classes | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Achievements | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Combining well-trained thoroughbreds and world-class facilities, Al Habtoor Riding School is supported by its team of fully qualified professional instructors to deliver excellent classes.
Its facilities are the shining beacon of this equestrian center. Its 54-hectare property includes 20 stables, 2 large flood-lit training arenas, plus a dedicated arena for the Riding School.
However, when it comes to its trainers, it faces the same problem that most face, and that’s not having firsthand experience of competitive horseback riding.
For those looking for a leisurely hobby to develop, this is fine, but we think that more than theories, being able to execute techniques at a high standard is important.
Despite that, the Al Habtoor Riding School offers solo and group classes for riders of all levels. On top of that, it also teaches polo, another sport involving horseback riding.
However, despite its amazing world-class facilities and amenities, and inclusive horseback riding lessons, Al Habtoor Riding School is without recognition from famous equestrian societies.
And while it does have numerous sponsors that give the center its prestige, we think that it’s disappointing that it has not managed to acquire any outstanding awards.
All in all, while Al Habtoor Riding School still lacks the recognition and experience that makes it an outstanding center, it’s undeniable that its facilities and inclusivity are top-notch.
Pros
- World-class facilities and equipment
- Riding school open for riders of all levels
Cons
- Trainers lack firsthand experience
- No awards
Customer Reviews
It’s my go-to chill experience
“Been to this place a few times to watch polo. It’s something to consider doing every Friday especially when the cooler months come up. A safe, clean and unique place to picnic on, and they don’t charge you to use their picnic space unless you want to park your car right behind the tents they have put up. All in all a chill experience.. will visit again soon!” – Atalique Cohen, Google Reviews
A brilliant experience!
“I went there last Friday and attended their Riding School Open Day. I must say, the Riding School staff, the reception, and the whole team executed the event very well! A lot of people attended and some people came a little earlier than 5 pm but they did start right on time (as what they promoted). All the activities were FREE! Which was really amazing. It’s not every time that you get to experience a lot of those equestrian activities without any fees. I read on their page that they still have ongoing Summer Promotions until the 30th, so make sure to check that out. Overall, my whole family and I had a really great time and I hope they do this again soon! All the best! xx” – Ricah Franz, Google Reviews
4. Desert Palm Equestrian Center
| Criteria | Rating |
| Competency | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Classes | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Achievements | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
Boasting one of the best collections of horses in Dubai, Desert Palm Equestrian Center’s riding lesson is inclusive for riders of all levels because of its 11 ponies and 18 mature and well-trained horses.
It has a team of 6 fully qualified trainers, each with their own respective BHS AI, which is the equivalent of Child Protection and First Aid in the workplace.
We also love that each trainer is qualified and accredited by the Government of Dubai Ambulance Service as first-aiders, ensuring that the safety of the riders is always at the focal point.
However, we are missing the accreditations that indicate they have received special horseback training, which puts them at a disadvantage.
The standouts of the facilities are definitely the 6 arenas with their own jumps, poles, and blocks for teaching, 6 barns that hold 91 horses, and numerous show jumping arenas for practice.
It cannot be denied that this center is packed to the brim with great facilities and complete horse riding equipment, which we are so grateful for.
And because of that, the Desert Palm Equestrian Center can afford to cater to multiple classes for riders of all levels without a problem.
We love that no matter what, its size and completion always mean that there is always a spot for new horseback riders.
However, despite all these, the Desert Palm Equestrian Center hasn’t accomplished that much with what it has.
We think that this is due to the fact that it focuses more on being an equestrian resort rather than an actual horseback riding school.
Pros
- Has a team of fully qualified trainers with safety training
- Great numerous facilities and equipment
- Ha classes for riders of all levels
Cons
- Trainers don’t have special equestrian training and experience
- No awards
5. Al Dhabi Horses And Camel Rentals
| Criteria | Rating |
| Competency | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Range of Classes | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Achievements | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Situated at the border of the city of Dubai and its desert, Al Dhabi Horses and Camel Rentals is the perfect starting point for a great horseback riding experience.
The Al Dhabi family has been owning desert livestock and horses for multiple generations now and is known for providing animals for many events and films.
Its trainers are taught by international female instructors and beginners’ lessons involve a lot of work on stabilizing the rider’s balance, developing confidence, and introducing the essential skills of horsemanship.
We love the value it has for the fundamentals. On top of that, its training program has been developed throughout the years, ensuring that every lesson is fruitful and brings out desired results.
However, the facilities are nothing that special. It does have most of the basics, such as training arenas and a few schooling horses and ponies, but these are really not considered state-of-the-art.
Despite that, it is able to accommodate both adults and children at different levels of horseback riding because of its highly experienced trainers.
And when it comes to its achievements, its presence as animal tamers in the city of Dubai speaks volumes to the work it does for riders and for the animals.
While it’s definitely not an outstanding award given by a prestigious organization, the sheer longevity of its business is undeniable.
Pros
- Instructors have received international training
- Has classes for riders of all levels
- Has been in the business for multiple generations now
Cons
- Nothing special with its facilities
- No awards
Customer Reviews
Very pleased!
“We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here. One could even get an exclusive experience as it was not crowded. Our son who is 2.5 years old totally enjoyed his first-ever horse riding. He rode on a pony. The staff here are careful about safety aspects as well, making sure helmets & other fittings on the horse are safe & good. For a 15 mins ride around the stable, they charge 30 Aed which we felt was reasonable. If we want to take riding lessons, they will provide that also. They have a few other indoor sports activities like table tennis, and billiards. A big majlis area. A clean washroom. Overall, it was a great place to experience horse riding. Even adults can go for the same price. If you’re ever planning to go, do take some apples, carrots & such fruits or vegetables for the horses. It’s not mandatory that you take them but it would be just nice to give something for these horses if you can.” – Elakkiya T, Google Reviews
Always an amazing experience with them
“We have already gone twice to the desert and to the beach horse riding. Both times it was an amazing experience with an amazing guide rider with us.
We had a great time. Horses are amazing and also for a different level of experience.
Everything was on time, they helped us with photos and videos.
Zawar is an amazing rider and guide” – Igor Kon, Google Reviews
FAQs about Horseback Riding in Dubai
We hope this helped you in finding the right place for horseback riding in Dubai. Also, if you’re looking for other outdoor activity guides, check out these articles: