Do I need riding experience?

No. We cater for complete beginners through to experienced riders.
Our instructors carefully match each rider to a suitable horse and route.

Related FAQs

Cantref Riding Centre is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, near Brecon in Mid Wales. We offer mountain riding with panoramic countryside views directly from our centre. We are the only licenced centre to ride of the main peaks of the Brecon Beacons!

At Cantref Riding Centre, we offer a range of horse riding experiences suitable for different ages and abilities:

20-minute introductory pony rides (ages 4+) - Ideal for young children and first-time riders.
1-hour Red Kite rides (ages 6+) - Perfect for families and groups wanting a scenic mountain ride. Any ability welcome
Half-day and Full-day mountain treks (ages 11+) - Suitable for adventurous beginners and experienced riders looking to explore deeper into the Brecon Beacons.
Bespoke horse riding holidays / breaks (ages 14+) - Designed for teens and adults who want a fully immersive riding break with accommodation.
Own a Pony Day (ages 6+) 0 A hands-on, full-day experience for pony-mad children.
Duke of Edinburgh expeditions on horseback - Suitable for DofE participants completing their Bronze, Silver or Gold awards.

All riders are matched carefully to a suitable horse, and our experienced instructors ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for every ability level.

Yes. Our rides are suitable for beginner riders. Our team provides a full safety briefing before every ride.

Yes. The weight limit for our rides is 15 stone (95kg). This ensures the comfort and welfare of our horses.

We offer a range of different length rides to suit everyone!

20 minute rides
Own a pony Day- full day for pony mad children!
1 hour ride
Half-day ride (approx. 3 hours)
Full-day mountain rides
Bespoke riding breaks - tailored to what you want

We recommend:

Long trousers
Closed-toe shoes ideally boots with a small heel
Weather-appropriate clothing
Waterproofs if rain is forecast

We provide riding hats.

Riding continues in most weather conditions, as long as it is safe to do so. The Brecon Beacons National Park is known for changeable weather, so we recommend dressing appropriately for the conditions.

Before every ride, our team carries out a full assessment of the weather and ground conditions. If conditions are deemed unsafe for the welfare of our horses or the safety of riders, the ride may need to be rearranged in cases of severe or adverse weather.

Your safety and the wellbeing of our horses is always our top priority.

Yes. Cantref is the only licenced riding centre to trek to the main peaks of the Brecon Beacons, offering a truly unique mountain riding experience.

Yes. Cantref is one of the pioneers of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions on horseback, with over 20 years of experience delivering mounted expeditions.

For more information about availability, requirements and how to book, please email us at info@cantref.com and our team will be happy to help.

Own a Pony Day is a magical, hands-on experience designed for pony-mad children who want to learn what it’s really like to care for their own horse.

During the day, children will:

Meet and be paired with their own pony
Learn how to groom properly and understand daily pony care
Be introduced to tack and how to prepare their pony for riding
Take part in a supervised riding session
Play fun pony games to build confidence and skills
Learn about stable management and basic horsemanship
Receive a certificate to remember their day
Lunch included & access to the soft play at lunch time!

Our experienced instructors guide children every step of the way in a safe, supportive environment, helping them build confidence, responsibility and a real connection with their pony. The most magical day for pony mad children!

Our riding breaks are fully bespoke and tailored to suit you.

Each break typically includes guided mountain riding in the Brecon Beacons National Park, along with accommodation at Cantref Adventure Farm. However, the exact structure of your stay including length of stay, amount of riding, accommodation type and number of riders - is designed around your preferences and ability level. Our accommodation comes with private wood fired hot tubs!

We’ll work with you to create a riding experience that suits your group, whether you’re beginners looking for a relaxed scenic trek or experienced riders wanting longer mountain days.

If you're looking for a horse riding holiday in the UK or Wales, Cantref Riding Centre offers bespoke riding breaks in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Our riding holidays combine guided mountain trekking with comfortable on-site accommodation with private hot tubs, allowing you to experience some of the most scenic riding terrain in Wales. Whether you're a confident beginner or an experienced rider, we tailor each break to suit your ability and preferences.

Guests can enjoy immersive riding days exploring the Brecon Beacons, followed by relaxing evenings in self-catering cottages or glamping pods - with private wood-fired hot tubs under the Dark Sky Reserve.

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