There's nothing like exploring the great outdoors on horseback, with Gloucestershire offering a huge plethora of outstanding trails to enjoy on a sunny day.
SoGlos hops into the saddle to round up nine of the best stables in the county offering stunning hacking routes and experiences — from wild woodlands to remarkable river rides.
Severnwye Equestrian in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean maybe one of the best places in the UK for hacking, with glorious trails surrounded by endless woodland and miles of nature to explore.
Severnwye Equestrian offers pony trekking in various options, whether you're looking for a short and sweet hour-long solo hack with an instructor or a stunning four-hour epic with friends that includes a chance to stop for a picnic and meet the host of other animals that call the farm in Alvington, home.
Barton End Stables in Stroud
A friendly riding centre found in the peaceful and picturesque Cotswold countryside, hacks at Barton End Stables showcase unspoilt scenery in all its glory.
Get tacked up and head out on to one of the trails in a variety of terrains, such as open fields, trickling streams, thick woodlands, bridle paths and off-road tracks — with hacks designed to mark special occasions, including sunrise viewings and Easter egg hunts!
Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre in Bourton-on-the-Water
Also enjoying the Cotswolds landscape, Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre offers scenic rides with the addition of trotting around the villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter.
Catering for both complete beginners and advanced equestrians, Bourton Vale's river hacks are not to be missed — both horses and riders will love taking a dip in the River Windrush on a warm day.
Cotswold Trail Riding in Brookthorpe
Based at Ongers Farm on the edge of Brookthorpe Village in Stroud, a hack at Cotswold Trail Riding is suited to all abilities and available seven days a week.
The centre's pub rides are a big hit with stag and hen dos, offering tours of the open countryside alongside an experienced guide, before stopping at a traditional local pub for a tipple.
Greenhill Equitation in Cirencester
Housed within the gorgeous Cirencester Park, Greenhill Equitation has expansive off-road trails that intermediate riders can take advantage of with an adrenaline-rushing gallop.
Always accompanied by qualified staff, hacks are available all year-round and can be enjoyed within a mixed group or privately.
Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre in Dursley
Find Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre just outside of Dursley for a quiet afternoon hack along bridle paths and country lanes.
Tumpy also offers instructional hacks that allow those who are a little less confident to work on their skills on a one-to-one basis with an instructor — promising a more relaxed hack with friends once completed.
Cotswolds Riding at Jill Carenza Equestrian in Stanton
A few miles from the picturesque village of Broadway, Cotswolds Riding at Jill Carenza Equestrian has been offering riding tuition since 1975.
Also offering bed and breakfast services at the 17th-century Cotswold stone house on-site, there's more than 50 well-schooled horses to choose from — so you can guarantee a well-suited adventure in the saddle.
Tewkesbury Riding School in Tewkesbury
There's both half-hour and one-hour hacking on offer at Tewkesbury Riding School in Twyning, as well as pony days held every Thursday of the school holidays for young riders to gain confidence and help out in the stables.
With miles of on- and off-road opportunity, Tewkesbury as a town offers hackers plenty of room to roam — with both gorgeous views of expansive countryside scenery and historic buildings to take in while trekking.
Mayhill Farm in Longhope
Though many inclusions in this list provide stunning hacking sights, ultimate Insta-worthy views await at Mayhill Farm in Longhope.
Positioned on the edge of the National Trust grounds of May Hill and near the Forest of Dean, setting off from the farm will lead to epic adventures with breath-taking backdrops, with a range of trip lengths available to choose from.
