Days Out NI
Horse riding Derry/Londonderry

City of Derry Equestrian Centre

Riding lessons, trail rides and a working family farm in the Faughan Valley near Derry.

3 photos
Treks by bookingLessons & rides — pre-booked
Book aheadBeginners welcome
Derry/LondonderryHorse riding
Get directionsOfficial website
Per sessionPer session
Tots welcomeAges
Beginners OKWelcome
Treks & hacksOut on the trail
On siteParking

City of Derry Equestrian Centre — Riding lessons, trail rides and a working family farm in the Faughan Valley near Derry.

  • What you can do: Riding lessons, guided trail rides, Pony Club, farm experiences and equine-assisted wellbeing sessions.
  • For beginners: Complete beginners welcome, plus lessons and rides for improving and confident riders.
  • Ages: Children, adults and families; suitable for beginners of all ages.
  • Cost: Check current prices when you book.
  • Booking: Lessons and trail rides pre-booked through their online systems.
Plan your visit

Lessons, trail rides and Pony Club

You can start from scratch here with a riding lesson, then build up to guided trail rides out through the Faughan Valley countryside. Trail rides run for individuals and small groups capped at six riders, which keeps things relaxed and lets the guides give everyone attention. Keen young riders can join the Pony Club, an accredited centre covering dressage, show jumping and more, with ponies available to hire for those who don't have their own.

Beginners and families welcome Guided trail rides in small groups Working farm with sheep and pygmy goats Pony Club accredited centre Wellbeing sessions with horses Five miles from Derry
Good to know before you go:

The centre runs Pony Club sessions, farm experiences and equine-assisted wellbeing programmes through the year, alongside its regular lessons and trail rides. Check their booking pages for current dates.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 👖Long trousersLeggings or jodhpurs — anything that won’t rub against the saddle.
  • 👢Boots with a small heelSo your foot sits safely in the stirrup — no trainers or wellies with no heel.
  • 🧥A layer for the weatherYou’re outdoors and moving slowly — bring something warm and waterproof.
  • 📱Your bookingLessons and treks are matched to your level, so they need to know you’re coming.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Riding school and working farm
What you can do
Riding lessons, guided trail rides, Pony Club, farm experiences and equine-assisted wellbeing sessions
Experience needed
Complete beginners welcome, plus lessons and rides for improving and confident riders
Ages
Children, adults and families; suitable for beginners of all ages
Cost
Check current prices when you book
Booking
Lessons and trail rides pre-booked through their online systems
Facilities
Working farm with horses, sheep and pygmy goats; farmhouse accommodation
Parking
On-site parking
Address
30 Big Wood, Derry, BT47 3RP
Questions

Before you go

Can total beginners have a go?
Complete beginners welcome, plus lessons and rides for improving and confident riders
How young can children start?
Children, adults and families; suitable for beginners of all ages
How much does it cost?
Check current prices when you book
Do I need to book?
Lessons and trail rides pre-booked through their online systems
Getting there

City of Derry Equestrian Centre is at 30 Big Wood, Derry, BT47 3RP. On-site parking. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around Derry/LondonderrySee what else is close by More horse riding across NISchools, treks and pony days
The story

About the place

City of Derry Farm and Equestrian is a fourth-generation family farm set in the Faughan Valley outside Derry-Londonderry, in the foothills of the Sperrins. It runs across a large area of countryside where the family keeps horses alongside sheep and pygmy goats.

The centre has grown beyond a straightforward riding school into a mix of riding, farm and wellbeing experiences, and is an accredited Pony Club centre. That range is what makes it work as a family day out rather than a lessons-only yard.