Forest Park Riding School
ProHighlights
- One-hour guided trail rides around the property and into the neighbouring Stromlo Forest, at a walk and trot for beginners and experienced riders.
- Group rides for work conference groups, school groups and friends, shaped around the group's needs with extra time for mounting or a short demonstration.
- Helmets and riding boots are lent to every rider, and a ten-minute safety and skills briefing opens each ride.
About Forest Park Riding School
Forest Park Riding School is a family-run equestrian centre on Cotter Road at Stromlo, a short way past the Mount Stromlo Observatory. Grant and Heather Hughes have run it for more than thirty-five years, and it is accredited with Australian Horse Riding Centres. The school keeps around thirty horses for lessons and rides. The main group outing is a guided trail ride of about an hour, looping around the property or heading into the neighbouring Stromlo Forest. Rides stay mostly at a walk and trot, so beginners can join experienced riders in the same group. Along the way riders take in the surrounding mountains and often see kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and native birds. Each ride begins with a ten-minute briefing on safety and basic riding, and the hour includes getting on and off. Groups are welcome, from friends riding together to school groups and work conference parties. The team will shape a ride around a group, allowing extra time for mounting, a demonstration or some basic theory, and early notice helps for a larger booking. Weekend trail rides run several times a day, with weekday rides offered in school holidays and other times on request. Bookings of three or more riders need a deposit, helmets and boots are lent free, and there is no indoor area set aside for cake or food.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
Setting
Ages
Pricing
Pony rides for children aged two to seven start at $35. A deposit is needed for bookings of three or more riders.
Food
Beverages
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How much does a trail ride at Forest Park Riding School cost?
A one-hour weekend trail ride is $75 a rider, rising to $80 on public holidays. When weekday rides are available, groups of four or more pay $80 each, with higher rates for one to three riders.
Can Forest Park Riding School take a large group?
Yes. The school takes group bookings, including school groups and work conference groups, and will adjust the ride for the group, for example with more time for mounting or a demonstration. Early notice is recommended for big groups.
Is there an age or weight limit for trail rides?
The trail ride page asks that children be at least eight for safety, while younger children can book shorter pony rides instead. The weight limit on the school horses is 100kg for every rider.
What should riders wear and bring?
Long, comfortable pants such as leggings, socks, a sleeved shirt and sunscreen are suggested, plus warm layers in the cooler months. Bring a filled water bottle, as the tap water on site is not recommended for drinking. Approved helmets and boots are lent free.
Can a group bring food or cake for a celebration?
The school has no indoor space available for sharing cake or other food, so plan any celebration meal elsewhere. Vending machines with drinks and snacks and a coffee machine are available in the office and viewing areas.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
B O’Con
6 months ago
This is a fantastic riding school. Lovely staff. Well run. So many horses to suit all abilities and they are clearly very well cared for. My girls love their lessons. Highly recommend
Andrew Weishan
a year ago
I’ve only visited once so far, but I’m already very impressed. The service was excellent, and the staff were absolutely lovely. My 15-year-old son, who isn’t a very experienced rider, had a wonderful time on the trail ri…
M Lewis
4 years ago
Great riding school with great horses. They look after their horses very well. Emily is a first class instructor, and there are many other, very good instructors to suit the different skill levels of riding. Other riders…
Kanako Okiron
4 years ago
Came and watched my beautiful cousin with her riding camp. Was greeted by a slightly lukewarm reception (aka no acknowledgement of my presence at all by the staff or fellow riders). I can’t for the life of me ride a hors…
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