Side Horseback Adventure: Beach & Forest Ride with Family-Friendly Ponies

Side Horseback Adventure: Beach & Forest Ride with Family-Friendly Ponies

Side is famous for its golden beaches, ancient ruins and all-inclusive resorts – but if you’re looking for an experience that feels genuinely different, saddle up. The Side: Horse Riding with Pony Option tour adds something you won’t get from a sunlounger or a museum ticket: the rhythm of a horse under you, the scent of pine in the air, and the sound of waves just beyond the trees.

This is not a high-adrenaline, expert-only riding trip. It’s a relaxed, nature-focused adventure designed for beginners, families, and anyone curious to see a quieter, greener side of Side – with pony options that make even the youngest travelers feel included.

Why Go Horse Riding in Side?

Side’s coastline is lined with resorts, but just a short drive inland the scenery changes completely: pine forests, citrus groves and open fields roll towards the Taurus Mountains. Exploring this landscape on horseback connects you to it in a way a bus or car never can. You move slowly, you notice the breeze, and you hear the crunch of hooves instead of engines.

On the Side: Horse Riding with Pony Option experience, you ride at an easy pace through forest trails and sandy paths that eventually bring you close to the beach. It’s a gentle adventure that balances a sense of freedom with the security of professional guides and well-trained animals.

A Relaxed Route: From Pine Forest to Beachside Scenery

The tour usually begins at a local ranch on the outskirts of Side, where the air is fresher and the atmosphere instantly calmer than in town. After a short briefing, your guide will match you with a horse based on your height, weight and experience. Total beginners are welcome – the horses are used to carrying new riders and the route is deliberately chosen for its easy terrain.

As you set off, you’ll ride along soft forest tracks shaded by pines and eucalyptus. This part of the ride is ideal for getting comfortable in the saddle. The guides keep the group walking in a line, giving clear instructions and checking that everyone is relaxed. More confident riders may be allowed to try a short trot in designated sections, but the overall focus is calm, scenic riding rather than speed.

Further along, the landscape opens up and you’ll start to feel the salty breeze from the sea. Depending on the season and conditions, you may ride along tracks near the beach, with views of the Mediterranean and Side’s coastline in the distance. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a very different perspective on a destination most people only see from a sunbed.

Family-Friendly Ponies: Making Kids Part of the Adventure

What truly sets this tour apart for families is the pony option. Younger children who might find a full-sized horse intimidating can ride a smaller, gentler pony, often led on a rope by a guide or parent. This transforms the outing from “adults on horses while kids watch” into a shared family experience.

While details can vary by day and season, you can generally expect:

• Child-friendly ponies used to beginners and noise
• Helmets provided for both adults and children
• Shorter riding segments and rest stops that keep kids engaged
• Guides who help children mount, dismount and steer in a simple, confidence-building way

For many kids, this becomes the standout memory of their Side holiday – something they proudly talk about long after the beach days blur together.

What to Expect on the Day

Most visitors start their day with a pickup from their hotel in the Side area, arranged through the tour. A short drive takes you to the ranch, away from traffic and crowds. You’ll typically spend a few hours total on the excursion, including safety briefing, riding time and breaks.

Here’s the usual flow:

1. Arrival & Safety Talk – Guides explain basic riding techniques: how to hold the reins, how to sit, and how to ask your horse to stop or go. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before; they keep it simple and will walk beside nervous riders at first.

2. Matching Riders & Horses – You and your children are paired with suitable horses or ponies. If anyone feels uncomfortable, you can ask to switch; the goal is for everyone to feel safe and at ease.

3. Forest & Beach-Side Ride – The main part of the tour follows a pre-checked route that’s safe and scenic. The group stays together, with guides at the front and back. There are usually stops for photos and to give both horses and riders a breather.

4. Return to Ranch – Back at the ranch, you can say goodbye to your horse or pony, take a few last pictures, maybe wash your hands and grab a drink before heading back to your hotel.

Practical Tips for a Comfortable Ride

To make the most of your Side horseback adventure, a little preparation helps:

Dress for Riding
Wear long, lightweight trousers or leggings to prevent chafing, and closed-toe shoes with a flat sole (trainers are fine). Avoid sandals and flip-flops – they’re not safe in stirrups.

Sun & Heat Protection
Side can be very hot, especially in summer. Apply sunscreen in advance, bring sunglasses with a strap if possible, and consider a light, breathable long-sleeve top. Many rides are scheduled in the cooler morning or late-afternoon hours, but the sun can still be strong.

Bring the Essentials
Pack a small bottle of water, especially for kids, and maybe a light snack for after the ride. Most ranches will store small bags while you are on the horse, but confirm on the spot. Keep your phone or camera in a secure pocket or small crossbody bag – you don’t want it bouncing out on the trail.

Be Honest About Your Experience
Tell the guides if you’re nervous or if this is your first time on a horse. They’re there to help and can assign you one of the calmest horses, walk beside you for the first part of the ride, and give extra guidance.

Adding Horse Riding to Your Side Itinerary

Side is packed with things to do, from ancient ruins to beach days and boat trips. A horseback ride offers a refreshing contrast to the busier, more crowded experiences and fits easily into even a short stay, because it usually takes only part of a day.

If you’re building a wider itinerary around Side, you can browse other experiences in and around the town through the Side tours category, then slot your horse riding adventure into a free morning or afternoon. It’s particularly nice on a day when you want to escape the midday beach crowds and give your eyes a break from screens and hotel pools.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a peaceful shared activity, a solo traveler craving nature, or a family wanting something your kids will talk about for months, the Side: Horse Riding with Pony Option wraps all of that into one gentle, memorable ride – from forest shade to the whisper of the Mediterranean.