Horse riding for kids is one of the things families in Istanbul ask about most. Parents usually want to know two things, will my child be scared and where should we start. At Kerem Bey Horse Farm the first rule of working with children is not to rush. Below we describe the path from a child’s first meeting with a horse to private lessons.
The first meeting, an arena ride
Up close, a horse is a huge animal for a child. That is why the first minutes matter. As a first step we recommend the arena ride with an instructor.
The arena is a flat, fenced area. The child sits on the horse while the instructor leads it by the halter. It lasts 4 laps and costs 500 TL. It is short on purpose, so the child can get off before getting bored or tired.
We choose a suitable horse for your child together with the instructor.
This first ride is also a good chance to see how the child reacts to the horse. Some children start laughing on the second lap, others need a little more time. Both are normal. What matters is that the child leaves that day with a good memory.
How a private lesson works
For a child who is relaxed in the arena, the next step is a riding lesson. Lessons are one to one and take place in the arena, so the instructor’s full attention is on one child.
The first lessons usually focus on balancing on the horse, sitting correctly and holding the reins. As the child progresses, they start to steer, stop and walk the horse on. Every child moves at a different speed. The instructor sets the pace of the lesson to suit the child.
A lesson lasts 30-40 minutes. That is a reasonable length for a young child to stay focused.
Riding can also grow into a sport later on. The competition disciplines and official calendar in Türkiye are on the website of the Turkish Equestrian Federation (the site is in Turkish).
The first lesson step by step
A child’s first lesson usually follows a similar order. First they meet the instructor and talk about how they are feeling that day. Then they approach the horse and see it up close.
The child gets on the horse with the instructor’s help. Once they are settled, the horse starts walking slowly around the arena. Meanwhile the instructor explains how to sit, where to keep the hands and where to look.
As the lesson goes on, the child is asked to do small things, such as gently pulling the rein or trying to stop the horse. At the end of the lesson the instructor stops the horse with the child and helps them down. Parents can watch from the edge of the arena, and seeing you there often gives the child confidence.
Packs and prices
For families who want to try one lesson and see how it goes, there is a single lesson option. For those planning to come regularly, the packs are better value.
| Option | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Arena ride | 4 laps | 500 TL |
| Single lesson | 30-40 min | 3,000 TL |
| 10 lesson pack | 10 lessons | 23,000 TL |
| 10 trail ride pack | 10 x 120 min | 36,000 TL |
With the 10 lesson pack the price per lesson drops to 2,300 TL. Packs are valid for 3 months, which is an easy schedule for a child who comes once a week. The trail pack is for riders who have gained experience and are ready to go beyond the arena. You can see all prices on our prices page.
Preparing as a parent
A few small preparations before the first lesson make things easier.
For clothing, comfortable long trousers, closed shoes and a top that suits the weather are enough. Avoid skirts or very loose clothes. Heeled shoes or slippery soles do not sit well in the stirrup.
We recommend wearing a helmet when riding. You can ask on WhatsApp when you book whether the farm has a helmet in the right size for your child. For more detail on clothing, see our guide on what to wear horse riding.
It is also a good idea to bring water and a small snack. Children are usually hungry after a lesson. Arriving a few minutes early helps too, as the child gets used to the place and starts the lesson calmer after watching the horses from a distance.
Helping your child love horses
Riding is one part of it. Getting to know the horse is the other. Seeing the horse up close before or after the lesson, hearing it and touching it as far as the instructor allows all build a child’s confidence.
It is important not to push. Some children only want to watch on the first day, and that is a start too. Reading a book about horses at home or talking about the day after the lesson keeps the curiosity alive.
A calm parent also makes a big difference. Children pick up on their mother’s or father’s worry straight away. We have collected the changes families most often notice in their children in our article on the benefits of horse riding.
What age to start
There is no single answer that fits everyone. Rather than naming a fixed age limit, we look at the child’s height and whether they can say how they feel. It is much easier to work with a child who can tell you they are scared, tired or want to get off.
The best thing is to tell us your child’s age when you book, and whether they have had any experience with animals before. We will decide on the start together.
After lessons, rides and birthdays
For children who feel confident in the arena, the next excitement is usually a ride in the open air. All horse rides at the farm are guided. The lake ride takes 45 minutes and is a lovely option for the whole family. You can find the other options on our horse riding tours in Sarıyer page. Our guide to horse riding in Istanbul explains the differences between the routes and the prices on one page.
If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday with the horses, have a look at our birthday parties at the horse farm page. Quotes are prepared on WhatsApp. Breakfast at the farm restaurant after a lesson or a ride rounds off the day.
Booking
Kerem Bey Horse Farm is in Uskumruköy, on Ayvacık Sokak, at the edge of Belgrade Forest (Belgrad Ormanı). Bookings are made on WhatsApp or through the form on the site, phone +90 546 414 00 89. On the booking page you can send a message with your child’s age and the start you have in mind.