City of Derry Farm & Equestrian Centre — Saddle up on a 4th-generation family farm in the Faughan Valley.
What you’ll see: Horses and ponies, sheep and pygmy goats on a working family farm.
Cost: Paid, by booking — varies by activity (group lessons, trail rides, Farm to Saddle, Pony Club). Check current prices when you book.
Best for: Farm to Saddle is ages 9+; younger children and beginners catered for through group lessons and Pony Club.
Food: Light refreshments included on experience days — tea, coffee, juice and local baked goods.
Opening: Open by booking through the year (experience days advertised through to December). Book ahead — sessions are not walk-in.
Dogs: This is a working livestock farm — assume no dogs and check before you go.
Plan your visit
Real horses, real farm, real hands-on
Children don't just watch — they groom, help saddle up and then ride out with a guide. The Farm to Saddle session (ages 9+, around 1.5 hours, up to six people) blends that riding with a farm and nature walk led by the farmer. You'll meet the horses and ponies, plus sheep and pygmy goats, and during lambing there's a chance to see animal care up close. Riding hats are supplied and two experienced guides are with the group the whole time. Beginners and younger riders can start through group lessons and the Pony Club instead.
Pony Club AccreditedHorses & poniesSheep & pygmy goatsSmall groups (up to 6)Guided ridesRefreshments included
Good to know before you go:
Riding here runs by booking rather than fixed opening hours, so contact the yard to arrange lessons, hacks or a pony experience. It’s a working livestock farm, so sturdy footwear helps and pet dogs usually aren’t welcome — assistance dogs excepted. Prices change through the year, so check when you book.
Before you set off
What to bring
👖Long trousersFar comfier in the saddle than shorts.
👟Closed-toe boots or trainersHats and safety gear are provided; sensible footwear you bring.
📅A bookingLessons, hacks and pony experiences run by appointment, so book your slot.
📷A cameraA first go in the saddle is a proud little moment.
Good to know
Everything before you go
Cost
Paid, by booking — varies by activity (group lessons, trail rides, Farm to Saddle, Pony Club). Check current prices when you book.
Opening / season
Open by booking through the year (experience days advertised through to December). Book ahead — sessions are not walk-in.
Best for ages
Farm to Saddle is ages 9+; younger children and beginners catered for through group lessons and Pony Club.
What you'll see
Horses and ponies, sheep and pygmy goats on a working family farm.
Food
Light refreshments included on experience days — tea, coffee, juice and local baked goods.
Toilets
Check before you go.
Parking
Ample on-site parking, including for coaches.
Dogs
This is a working livestock farm — assume no dogs and check before you go.
Accessibility
Riding and farm activities are outdoors on a working farm — contact the centre about your needs before booking.
How long to allow
Around 1.5 hours for the Farm to Saddle experience; lessons are shorter.
Paid, by booking — varies by activity (group lessons, trail rides, Farm to Saddle, Pony Club). Check current prices when you book.
What ages is it good for?
Farm to Saddle is ages 9+; younger children and beginners catered for through group lessons and Pony Club.
When is it open?
Open by booking through the year (experience days advertised through to December). Book ahead — sessions are not walk-in.
Can we bring the dog?
This is a working livestock farm — assume no dogs and check before you go.
Is there anywhere to eat?
Light refreshments included on experience days — tea, coffee, juice and local baked goods.
Getting there
City of Derry Farm & Equestrian Centre is at 30 Bigwood Road, Ardmore, Derry / Londonderry, BT47 3RP. Ample on-site parking, including for coaches. Tap below for directions.
City of Derry Farm & Equestrian is a fourth-generation working family farm in the Faughan Valley, around five miles from Derry, spread over roughly 90 hectares of countryside. It is run by farmer Pauline and her family, combining a traditional sheep and livestock farm with a riding school.
The centre is a Pony Club Accredited Centre, teaching children and adults from beginner through to more advanced levels alongside trail rides, farm experiences and equine-assisted wellbeing. The aim is to connect families with horses, animals and rural life in a supportive, small-group setting.