General Info

Horse Riding Holidays UK - Riding Lessons, Dressage Training, Polo, Golf and the Spa at a historic, luxury resort

The Gleneagles Equestrian School is the perfect place to spend time improving your equestrian skills, and enjoying yourself in world class, luxurious, surroundings. Gleneagles offers a wide range of special lessons for beginner and experienced riders, all of which can be customized especially for you and your group. A skilled coaching staff and well-schooled horses will help you realize your equestrian ambitions and to relax as you ride out in the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Gleneagles is a great choice for equestrians who would like to improve their riding skills through training and riding lessons at one of the finest equestrian schools in Europe and riders traveling with non-riding companions, as there is plenty to do for those who choose not to ride. The Gleneagles Hotel is steeped in tradition, having welcomed guests for over 80 years to retreat to the heart of Scotland. The resort is a Five Red Star golf resort set amid 850 acres of stunning scenery in Perthshire in central Scotland. Besides golf and equestrian sports, guests may also enjoy fishing, falconry, gundog school, mountain biking, the spa, tennis, off road driving and fine dining.

The equestrian centre is top notch. The equestrian facilities cover a 50-acre site and include two covered, heated arenas, a fenced, surfaced open exercise and practice arena, seating for 700 spectators, a lecture room with audio-visual equipment and two stable yards, and house 48 horses. Leading trainers like Markus Bauer, Andrew May, Cmndt John Ledingham, David Gatherer, and Thom Bell are a regulars at Gleneagles, providing special clinics and lessons in dressage, show jumping, cross country, carriage driving and polo.

Gleneagles is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World; one of the Great Golf Resorts of the World; and a founder member of Connoisseurs Scotland, the world class grouping of properties which provide an authentic flavor of Scotland to discerning travelers. There are several restaurants on the property. Foodies have many dining options, from grand to informal.

The hotel was designed in the style of a French chateau with luxurious, well-appointed interiors. When it first opened in 1924, Gleneagles was described as 'a Riviera in the Highlands' and 'the eighth wonder of the world'. This upscale resort is refreshingly relaxed, unstarchy and unstuffy. From your first wholehearted Scottish welcome you will be looked after warmly by the staff on your Gleneagles equestrian vacation.

Awards & Accolades
British Horse Society approved
Favorite Spa in UK- SpaFinder Readers' Choice Awards 2010
Best UK Incentive Hotel- Conference & Incentive Travel Magazine Hot List 2010
Favorite UK Hotel Spa 2010 & 2008 - Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards
Sustainable Business of the Year - Catering in Scotland Excellence Awards 2010
Best UK Hotel for Leisure Facilities (Gold List 2010 & 2009) - Condé Nast Traveller Magazine
Commitment to Excellence Award - Environment 2009 - Leading Hotels of the World

Packing

Packing Tips for Horse Riding Scotland

Gleneagles recommends

• Riding helmet (Body protectors and short boots are available to borrow).
• Warm waterproof clothing and several changes of clothes if you wish to ride outside (the center has two indoor schools so it is not necessary to do so in inclement weather).
• Jodhpurs are more comfortable than jeans for riding in English style saddles.
• Gloves may be necessary for jumping.
• Half chaps or gaiters are recommended if riding several hours a day. 

Please check out Equitreking Travel's packing list for general suggestions for what to pack for your equestrian vacation.

About the Horses

35 horses and ponies, from miniature Shetlands to 17.2 hands high Irish Sports Horse. Gleneagles horses are a mixture of breeds and types from Cobs to Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds.

The riding center takes pride in their well-schooled, responsive and experienced team of horses and ponies, and regard them as part of the Gleneagles family. The care they receive is second to none – from the quality of their feed and tack to their annual “holidays." The staff and trainers' are well aware of each individual horse and his own needs and desires. They have an enduring love for their horses and their happy relaxed attitudes reflect this.  

The Gleneagles equestrian team works to match equestrian travelers with a mount to suit their riding style and personality and goals.

Activities/Events

In addition to the Gleneagles Equestrian School, there are many on-site country pursuits and leisure activities. There are indoor and outdoor experiences for everyone, including:

• The world famous Shooting School
• The British School of Falconry
• The Gundog School – the first of its kind in the world
• Off-road 4x4 driving on two specially developed courses
• The Club, with two swimming pools, outdoor hot pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, cycle hire and walking/running tracks
• Three 18-hole championship golf courses, The PGA Centenary*, King’s and Queen’s, with clubhouse and golf shop. *Venue of the 2014 Ryder Cup
• Nine-hole, par 3 "Wee Course"
• The Golf Academy
• The Club: indoor pools; Jacuzzi; sauna; steam room; gym; snooker; table tennis; aerobics; mountain bikes
• Four all-weather tennis courts
• Fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout on the Gleneagles estate and nearby lochs
• Off-road driving, Junior off-road driving, Argo All-Terrain driving and Gundog School
• Croquet, putting, pétanque, pitch and putt, mountain biking and jogging routes

Located right in the heart of Scotland, Gleneagles is only an hour’s drive from both the historic capital of Edinburgh and the vibrant city of Glasgow. Chauffeur tours enable you to easily explore these cities or indeed the beautiful region of Perthshire with its stunning scenery, landmark castles and distilleries.

Please contact us to learn more.

Accommodations/Food

The Gleneagles Hotel offers some of the finest accommodations in Scotland. With 232 luxury guest bedrooms, including 26 exclusive suites, you will find everything required for a relaxing stay. Each Estate, Sovereign and Classic room is decorated stylishly, with sensual fabrics and spacious bathrooms.

Food
Gleneagles has an international reputation for excellent cuisine and fine dining. Each of the four main restaurants has its own style, but the hallmark of all is the use of the finest fresh produce available locally in Perthshire and Scotland, as well as from specialist suppliers around the world. It is recommended that you book all dining and leisure activities prior to arrival, in order to avoid disappointment.

• Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles – The only 2-Michelin star restaurant in Scotland, serving Scottish cuisine with a French twist in opulent surroundings.
• The Strathearn Restaurant – Fine dining in great style, classic menus using the freshest Scottish ingredients.
• Deseo – Contemporary restaurant with a Mediterranean influence.
• The Dormy Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar - Traditional food expertly prepared using seasonal Scottish ingredients.
• The Bar – Serving morning coffee, light lunches, traditional afternoon tea and drinks.
• Room Service – Offers the finest food in the comfort of your own room, available 24 hours.
• The Tryst – Split level cafe/bar at the heart of Glenmor, Gleneagles seasonal ownership village
 

The Ideal Traveler

Equestrians who'd like to improve their riding skills at first class equestrian facilities in beautiful Scotland. If you've always wanted to learn to ride, riding lessons are available, including for children. Riders traveling with non-riding companions who want a vacation to suit their entire family or group will find lots to do at Gleneagles.

Coaches are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and riders will be matched with the well-schooled and responsive horses. Riders may be seeking to challenge themselves over jumps, in dressage or on the cross country course and take a well-deserved vacation in the five star luxury of the world famous Gleneagles Hotel. 

Dressage, Show Jumping & General Riding 6 days

Gleneagles has a variety of schoolmaster horses that are established in dressage movements such as shoulder-in, travers, renvers and pirouettes. Whether you are having your first jumping lesson or want to improve your competition skills, there are horses and coaches to take you from your first cross pole to 1.20M fences.

6 days/ 5 nights/ 3 days of riding

Oct 2011 and April 2012
$1,725 USD* (1115 GBP) Double Occupancy

$2,787 USD* (1802 GBP) Single Occupancy

Nov 2011 –March 31, 2012
$1,524 USD* (985 GBP) Double Occupancy

$2,385 USD* (1542 GBP) Single Occupancy

May 1, 2012 to Sept 30, 2012
$1,966 USD* (1271 GBP) Double Occupancy

$3,270 USD* (2114 GBP) Single Occupancy

* Prices are subject to changes based on currency conversions. This package includes group lessons, which are only available to those travelling within a group. SIngle travelers may substitute for another type of lesson.

Includes:
Three 45-minute group lessons  (Group lessons are only available to those travelling within a group. SIngle travelers may substitute for another type of lesson.)
One 45-minute private lesson
One 60-minute trail ride
One 90-minute trail ride.
Accommodations in Classic Room for five nights based on double occupancy

For Kids

0-5 years Free of charge when sharing adults’ room.
 6-14 years $78 USD (£50) per child per night when sharing adults’ room on a bed & breakfast basis. 
An additional bed for a child may only be put into a limited number of Sovereign or Estate bedrooms (please ask us about this at the time of booking). There is a maximum of two children sharing adults’ room.

The Gleneagles Equestrian School is the perfect place to spend time improving your equestrian skills and having fun. The School offers a wide range of clinics and lessons for beginners and more experienced riders. We're happy to create a custom itinerary to suit you and your family or group's needs, so please contact us.

Sample Day by Day 6 days/ 5 nights/ 3 riding days
Day 1

Arrive to Scotland and travel to Gleneagles. Get settled and explore this five star resort.

Equestrian facilities cover a 50 acre site and include two covered, heated arenas, a fenced, surfaced open exercise and practice arena, seating for 700 spectators, a lecture room with audio-visual equipment and two stable yards, housing 48 horses. Leading trainers like Markus Bauer, Andrew May, Cmndt John Ledingham, David Gatherer, and Thom Bell are a regulars at Gleneagles, providing special clinics and lessons in dressage, show jumping, cross country, carriage driving and polo

Day 2
Morning: 45 minute shared lesson in dressage, show jumping or learning to ride
Afternoon: 60 minute trail ride.

Day 3
Morning: 45 minute shared lesson in dressage, show jumping or learning to ride
Afternoon: 45 min private lesson

Day 4
Morning: 45 minute shared lesson in dressage, show jumping or learning to ride
Afternoon: 90 minute trail ride

Day 5
Free time. We can schedule additional lessons or trail rides should you wish, or perhaps time at the spa.

Day 6
Depart or extend your stay in Scotland. Equitrekking Travel's Preferred Provider of Travel Services, is a full service travel agent, who can arrange additional days in Edinburgh and beyond and make sure you get the best price and itinerary to fit your trip goals. Please contact us. 

* The above is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and subject to change based on availability, the weather and the trip guide's discretion.

Instructors at Gleneagles
Erik MacKechnie Training Coach BHSI (1998)
World Class Development Coach, Paralympics representative for Scotland and RDA Dressage representative. Erik has competed to Advanced level dressage and has a wide circle of clients all over Scotland. Erik is responsible for the on going development of the other coaches.

Rowan Tweddle Senior Coach BHSI (ISM) B.Sc. (Hons) Equine Science
Rowan gained her degree in 1998, her BHSII in 2003 and her ISM last year. She will be taking her E&T in 2010. She is the point of contact for clients wishing to train for BHS exams and runs various courses throughout the year at all levels.

Carol Stanley Senior Coach BHSII (2006)
Carol is also a SVQ level 3 assessor and level 2 external verifyer. Carol is responsible for much of the internal training of the grooms and has a devoted client base. She will be sitting her Teaching part of the E&T in 2010. Carol also organises the BHS exams held at Gleneagles.

Lorna Hastings Coach BHSII (Int. Equitation) (2004)
Lorna will be completing her full BHSII in 2010 having already gained the riding and teaching elements. Lorna also assists the Events Manager in the running of various shows and demos taking place at the Equestrian Centre. Lorna is bringing on her young warmblood who is currently jumping 1.15m at home.  

Cross Country 6 days

Once you are jumping show jumps competently you may want to experience the thrill of riding cross country – speed, power and fixed fences! Gleneagles has over 60 cross country fences ranging from 20cm high to over 1m and a variety of horses to introduce you to this discipline, or improve your skills

6 days/ 5 nights/ 3 days of riding

Oct 2011 and April 2012
$1,746 USD* (1129 GBP) Double Occupancy
$2,810 USD* (1817 GBP) Single Occupancy

Nov 2011 - March 31, 2012
$1,547 USD* (1000 GBP) Double Occupancy
$2,408 USD* (1557 GBP) Single Occupancy

May 1, 2012 - Sept 30, 2012
$1,988 USD* (1285 GBP) Double Occupancy
$3,291 USD* (2128 GBP) Single Occupancy

* Prices are subject to changes based on currency conversions.

Includes:
Three 90-minute cross country lessons
One private 45-minute show jumping lesson
One 60-minute Trail Ride
Five Nights in Classic Room

For Kids
0-5 years Free of charge when sharing adults’ room.
6-14 years $78 USD (£50) per child per night when sharing adults’ room on a bed & breakfast basis.
An additional bed for a child may only be put into a limited number of Sovereign or Estate bedrooms (please ask us about this at the time of booking). There is a maximum of two children sharing adults’ room.

The Gleneagles Equestrian School is the perfect place to spend time improving your equestrian skills and having fun. The School offers a wide range of clinics and lessons for beginners and more experienced riders. We're happy to create a custom itinerary to suit you and your family or group's needs, so please contact us.

Sample Itinerary 6 days/ 5 nights/ 3 days of riding

Day 1
Arrive to Scotland and travel to Gleneagles. Get settled and explore this five star resort.

Equestrian facilities cover a 50 acre site and include two covered, heated arenas, a fenced, surfaced open exercise and practice arena, seating for 700 spectators, a lecture room with audio-visual equipment and two stable yards, housing 48 horses. Leading trainers like Markus Bauer, Andrew May, Cmndt John Ledingham, David Gatherer, and Thom Bell are a regulars at Gleneagles, providing special clinics and lessons in dressage, show jumping, cross country, carriage driving and polo

Day 2
Morning: 45 minute private show jumping lesson.
Afternoon: 90 minute cross country lesson.

Day 3
Morning: 45 minute trail ride
Afternoon: 90 minute cross country lesson.

Day 4
Morning: 90 minute cross country lesson.
Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the estate

Day 5
Free time. We can schedule additional lessons or trail rides should you wish, or perhaps time at the spa.

Day 6
Depart or extend your stay in Scotland. Equitrekking Travel's Preferred Provider of Travel Services, is a full service travel agent, who can arrange additional days in Edinburgh and beyond and make sure you get the best price and itinerary to fit your trip goals. Contact Equitrekking Travel.

* The above is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and subject to change based on availability, the weather and the trip guide's discretion.

Instructors at Gleneagles
Erik MacKechnie Training Coach BHSI (1998)
World Class Development Coach, Paralympics representative for Scotland and RDA Dressage representative. Erik has competed to Advanced level dressage and has a wide circle of clients all over Scotland. Erik is responsible for the on going development of the other coaches.

Rowan Tweddle Senior Coach BHSI (ISM) B.Sc. (Hons) Equine Science
Rowan gained her degree in 1998, her BHSII in 2003 and her ISM last year. She will be taking her E&T in 2010. She is the point of contact for clients wishing to train for BHS exams and runs various courses throughout the year at all levels.

Carol Stanley Senior Coach BHSII (2006)
Carol is also a SVQ level 3 assessor and level 2 external verifyer. Carol is responsible for much of the internal training of the grooms and has a devoted client base. She will be sitting her Teaching part of the E&T in 2010. Carol also organises the BHS exams held at Gleneagles.

Lorna Hastings Coach BHSII (Int. Equitation) (2004)
Lorna will be completing her full BHSII in 2010 having already gained the riding and teaching elements. Lorna also assists the Events Manager in the running of various shows and demos taking place at the Equestrian Centre. Lorna is bringing on her young warmblood who is currently jumping 1.15m at home.  

Custom Packages for Families, Groups or Beginning Riders

The Gleneagles Equestrian School is the perfect place to spend time improving your equestrian skills, and having fun. Gleneagles offers a wide range of lessons for beginners, kids, more experienced riders and groups, which can be customized to fit your needs. Please contact us for more information and to more fully customize your experience.

Lead Rein Lessons:
Children between the ages of 3 and 7 years are offered a special treat – a lesson on one of Gleneagles adorable Shetlands or small ponies. The most popular members of the equestrian team, 6 special little ponies, Oscar, Arthur, Bubbles, Sugar, Armando and Spice are guaranteed to delight even the most nervous child and provide a wonderful introduction to the art of horse riding. Duration 30 minutes. Private lesson.

Beginner Lessons:
Never been near a horse? Why not learn to ride on vacation at one of Europe's top equestrian centers amid the luxury of Gleneagles! Gleneagles has caring instruction from highly qualified coaches and well mannered horses and ponies to help you learn. Whether you are 8 or 58 years old, trainers will provide you with important foundation skills to allow you to enjoy horseback riding. Duration 45 mins.  Private, Shared or Group lesson.

Horse riding is a continual learning curve that never ends – many of equestrian world class show jumpers are well into their 50s. Gleneagles will provide you with relevant coaching every step of the way, and when you have learned the basic skills.

Dressage Lessons:
The art of classical dressage is a training system and philosophy that has entranced its practitioners since the time of the ancient Greeks. At Gleneagles there are a variety of schoolmaster horses that are established in dressage movements such as shoulder-in, travers, renvers and pirouettes – wonderful for you to experience when your riding has reached a suitable level.
Duration 45 minutes. Private, shared or group lesson.

Show Jumping Lessons:
Learning to jump is an exciting experience! Whether you are having your first jumping lesson or want to improve your competition skills, Gleneagles has the horses and coaches to take you from your first cross pole to 1.20m fences. Duration 45 mins, private, shared or group.

Cross Country Lessons:
Once you are jumping show jumps competently you may want to experience the thrill of riding cross country – speed, power and fixed fences! We have over 60 cross country fences ranging from 20cm high to over 1m and a variety of horses to introduce you to this discipline, or improve your skills. Duration 90 minutes. Private, Shared or Group. For experienced riders only.

Trail Rides:
At Gleneagles, the surrounding heather clad mountains form a perfect backdrop for a relaxing ride in the beautiful Perthshire countryside. After a 15 minute assessment to match you with your perfect mount, set off with your friendly guide in small groups on either an hour long trail ride around the estate, or venture further afield (and a little faster) on a ninety minute trail ride. These trail rides are for experienced riders only, who are accustomed to riding English style of riding. Duration 60 or 90 minutes. For competent riders only.

Own a Pony Experience:
Ever wanted to have your own pony – to groom him, ride him and look after him? For groups of 4 (minimum) aged 6 upwards you can spend 2 hours learning to do all this under experienced supervision and make a new lifelong friend! Duration 2 hours. 

Please contact us to customize your Gleneagles equestrian vacation.

Related Travel Articles

Scotland Equestrian Clinics at Gleneagles

Yogi Breisner clinic at The Gleneagles Equestrian School Thursday February 24, 2011 Gleneagles is delighted to welcome Yogi Breisner to the Equestrian School on Thursday, February 24th. Yogi will teach a fantastic clinic, working with riders from the beginning to advanced level. The clinic will involve four sessions throughout the day,… Read more »

Traveler Reviews

At Gleneagles, in the Strathearn dining room and the attached multi-windowed conservatory, the trays of smoked salmon, scones, porridge, sausage (two kinds), bacon (two kinds), pancakes, omelets, breads, cold cereals and fruit go on and on. It is very luxurious to know that you are going to sit down and eat whatever you want and then go gallop it off. Or maybe it was the spa: on the first day, since my riding lessons were in the afternoon, I spent the morning swimming in the indoor pool and then reading in the hot tub, which was outside and from which a plume of steam rose into the almost frosty air.

There are seventeen school horses and nineteen ponies, and the program is large enough and well financed enough to be all things to all people. The weekend I was there, the equestrian center was putting on a hunter trial on the cross-country course, but it was also running pony parties for groups of excited little girls celebrating birthdays. 

-- Author Jane Smiley in Town & Country Magazine

Reading List

Fodor's Exploring Scotland by Gilbert Summers 
With its many photographs, great introductory chapters and practical travel information, this compact guide for visitors is an excellent overview of Scotland and its highlights. Most of the book is devoted to a region-by-region description of attractions, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, the highlands and islands with excellent local maps. 

Scotland, A Concise History by Fitzroy MacLean and Magnus Linklater
This classic, illustrated study brings Scottish history up to the present through its romantic figures and bloody battles. With 250 well-chosen and integrated illustrations, it's an excellent visual survey. Revised with an additional chapter by Magnus Linklater. 

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at Amazon.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.   



Equitrekking DVD's featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, available in the Shop section of Equitrekking.com 

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

    

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.