Riding along a beach is the picture most people have in mind. A horse walking slowly over the sand, waves on one side, forest on the other. In Istanbul, all you need to do is head north to the Black Sea coast.
Kerem Bey Horse Farm is in Uskumruköy, Sarıyer, between Belgrade Forest and the Black Sea beach. The beach ride starts at the farm, crosses the forest and then comes down to the sand.
How the beach ride works
When you arrive, you first meet your horse. The guide gives you a helmet and equipment and explains how to sit in the saddle and hold the reins before you set off.
Then you follow a forest trail towards the coast. This part is a good warm-up to get used to the horse’s rhythm. When the trees open and the sea appears, the main part begins. A walk along the water’s edge, a photo stop and the ride back to the farm.
The beginner beach ride takes 45-60 minutes at a calm pace throughout. If you are an experienced rider, the 90-120 minute version covers a wider trail. Details of both are on the beach ride page.
If you have never ridden
The beach ride is fine for a first ride. The guide is always beside you and the horses are calm and experienced. If you are very nervous or just want a short try, you can start with the 30 minute forest ride and do the beach next time.
We answered the most common first-ride questions in our guide for first-time riders.
Best time and season
Sunset is the favourite time for the beach ride. The light softens, the beach goes quiet and photos look far better. These slots fill quickly at weekends, so message us a few days ahead.
Early morning is the coolest time in summer. The beach is empty and the day has not heated up yet.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. The summer crowds are gone and it is neither hot nor cold.
Winter wind and ground conditions can affect the ride. If needed, it is moved to another day for safety.
What to wear and bring
- Comfortable, stretchy long trousers. Shorts and skirts are not suitable.
- Flat, closed shoes or boots. No flip-flops or sandals.
- It can be windy on the beach, so bring a light jacket.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses in summer.
- Keep your phone in a secure pocket or on a neck strap.
For a fuller list, see what to wear horse riding.
A few photo tips
The beach is the best route for photos. At sunset, having the sun behind you gives silhouettes, having it to the side gives warm portraits. While you are on the horse, it is safest to let the guide or a friend take the photos. More in our horse farm photoshoot guide.
After the ride
The beach ride is usually the main event of the day, but it is easy to stay longer. The farm’s restaurant serves a Turkish village breakfast and grills. If someone in your group does not want to ride, they can reach the same beach on an ATV tour.
Booking
Fill in the booking form on the site or message +90 546 414 00 89 on WhatsApp in English. Tell us the date, number of riders, whether you have ridden before and whether you would like a sunset ride. The farm is open every day from 09:00 to 19:00, except Thursdays.