Istanbul is a city of ferries, bazaars and traffic, so horse riding is rarely on a visitor’s list. It should be. At the northern edge of the city, where Sarıyer meets Belgrade Forest and the Black Sea, there are quiet dirt trails, a lake and a sandy beach. You can ride all three from one farm and still be back in the city for dinner.
This guide explains where horseback riding in Istanbul actually happens, how to choose a route, what the rides cost in 2026 and how to book without speaking Turkish.
Where to go horse riding in Istanbul
Most horse riding around Istanbul takes place in the north of the European side. That is where the city gives way to open space. Belgrade Forest (Belgrad Ormanı) covers a large area of protected woodland, and beyond it the land runs down to the Black Sea coast near Kilyos.
Kerem Bey Horse Farm sits right in this corner, in Uskumruköy, Sarıyer. The forest starts at the edge of the farm and the coast is close by. That means one stable can offer a forest trail, a lakeside route and a beach ride, all within the city limits.
Your first ride
If you have never been on a horse, do not worry. The beginner rides are made for exactly this, and every ride is guided. Before you set off, the guide shows you how to sit, how to hold the reins and how to steer. On the trail the guide stays close and sets a calm pace.
A few things make the first ride easier.
- Wear long, comfortable trousers and closed shoes with a flat sole.
- Start short. For a first ride, 30 to 45 minutes is plenty for most people.
- Do not walk behind a horse and avoid sudden movements or loud noise.
- Tell us your height, weight and riding experience when you book, so we can match you with a suitable horse.
If you have questions about age or anything else, ask us on WhatsApp before you come. For a fuller checklist, the British Horse Society’s advice on what to wear covers clothing and riding hats.
How long does it take to learn horse riding
It is one of the questions we hear most, and the short answer is that it depends on the person. Age, balance, how often you ride and whether you have spent time around horses before all make a difference.
As a rough guide, sitting comfortably, holding the reins, stopping, starting and steering usually come within the first few lessons. Most students have basic control by the end of a 10-lesson package. Riding out on trails on your own with confidence takes longer, and there is no need to rush it.
If you want regular horse riding lessons in Istanbul, the 10-lesson package is a good place to start. Once you have more experience, the 10-ride trail package takes you out to Belgrade Forest and the beach. Every lesson price is on our price list.
Choosing a route
Each route has its own character. Here is how they compare.
Forest ride
The forest ride in Belgrade Forest is the shortest and calmest option. You follow shaded dirt trails among the pines for 30 minutes. It is a good choice for a first ride and stays cool on hot summer days.
Lake ride
The lake ride takes 45 minutes, passes through the forest and comes out at the lakeshore, where you stop for photos.
Beach ride
The beach ride on the Black Sea is the picture most people have in mind. You ride through the forest and out onto the sand with the waves beside you. The beginner version takes 45-60 minutes.
Longer trail rides
Experienced riders can choose 90 to 120 minute trail rides, either deep into Belgrade Forest or out to the coast. These are proper outings at a freer pace, so tell us honestly how much you ride at home.
Prices for 2026
These are the prices in Turkish lira at Kerem Bey Horse Farm. The full list, including ATV tours, is on our prices page.
Beginner rides
| Ride | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Arena ride (a first meeting, great for kids) | 4 laps | 500 TL |
| Forest ride | 30 min | 1,500 TL |
| Lake ride | 45 min | 2,000 TL |
| Beach ride | 45-60 min | 3,500 TL |
Experienced riders
| Ride | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 30 min | 1,500 TL |
| Lake | 45 min | 2,000 TL |
| Belgrade Forest | 90-120 min | 4,000 TL |
| Beach | 90-120 min | 4,000 TL |
Prices are per person. If you are staying longer and want to learn properly, our one-to-one riding lessons start at 3,000 TL for a single lesson.
Getting to the farm
The farm is at Uskumruköy, Ayvacık Sk., 34450 Sarıyer. The easiest reference point is the Northern Marmara Motorway (Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu). From the Uskumruköy toll gates it is 5-10 minutes to the farm. If you are coming by taxi, show the driver the address above or send us a message and we will share the map pin.
Make a day of it
A ride takes an hour or two, so many guests stay on. The farm has its own restaurant with a Turkish village breakfast and grills, and you can eat with a view of the horses. If someone in your group would rather not ride, the ATV tours use the same forest and coast. Our ATV tour guide explains the options. For ideas beyond the farm, see our guide to Sarıyer’s forest and coast.
How to book
Booking is done on WhatsApp, and you can write in English. There are two ways.
- Fill in the booking form. It turns your choices into a ready WhatsApp message.
- Message us directly on WhatsApp at +90 546 414 00 89.
Include the route, the number of riders, the date and each rider’s experience. Weekends fill up first, especially the beach ride at sunset, so write a few days ahead if you can.