Rothiemurchus by Horseback

This trek is taken at a gentle pace, it is a walking only trek, over the heather moor with stunning views of the Cairngorms. Instruction will be given for undulating ground. This experience lasts for 1 hour with the opportunity to take photos en route – this is a great way to discover Rothiemurchus.  To participate in this ride you must be a competent rider at walk and must be able to control your own horse over undulating terrain and a road crossing.  This ride is not suitable for beginners.

We offer different rides to suit all levels of ability. Please read the individual terms and conditions and note the level of experience required – this is an important requirement to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible and that our riders are safe at all times. If a rider is deemed not experienced enough they will not be allowed to continue with that ride. Max weight 16 stone (100 kg). If you supply inaccurate information, you may not be allowed to participate and no refund is available.

Required documents for Health and Safety are included in the booking process and must be completed before arrival.

Gift Vouchers for this activity are available here

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
Protective headgear provided.

PARTICIPANTS TO TAKE
Wear suitable outdoor clothing & sturdy shoes with a small heel.

EXPERIENCE
Must have ridden before, with the ability to steer and control the pony yourself as road crossings involved. Minimum Age 12

Required documents attached to your booking confirmation are required to be completed by all participants prior to arrival. You will not be able to participate if these are not completed as they are part of our Health and Safety procedure.

WEIGHT & DISCLAIMER
16 stone (100 kg). If you supply inaccurate information, you may not be allowed to participate and no refund is available. A disclaimer must be signed by participants before the session – Under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign the disclaimer, and can then be left with the instructor.

MEETING POINT
The Stables. Please park at either the Triangle or Woodland car parks and walk to the stables.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please arrive at the stables 20-25 minutes prior to the session.

CANCELLATION POLICY
If you need to change your booking or to cancel, we do require 24 hours notice in order for you to receive a full refund.

DURATION

Approx. 1 hour. You must arrive 20-25 mins before session to get safety gear fitted and meet your pony!

PRICE

£47 per person (minimum age 12 years under 16’s must be signed in by an adult).

DATES

Open from February to November. Full programme from Easter – October 31st. Closed on Tuesdays expect during School Holidays.

INSTRUCTORS

Jennifer Macdonald - Trek Leader
Jen has been involved with the ponies on the estate for 10 years now and officially
bought the yard in April 2025. She has worked with horses for over 20 years from
trekking centres, competition yards, looking after private livery yards and is heavily
involved in the RDA. She holds qualifications from the BHS and TRSS.

Megan Vis - Trek Leader
Megan has worked with the ponies on the estate for 5 years now, starting as a volunteer and eventually becoming a full time team member. She has great knowledge of the ponies and the estate and is always happy to share this with the clients. She holds the Ride Lead qualification with the Trekking and Riding Society of Scotland and the Stage 1 Care qualifications with the BHS.

Melissa Paterson - Trek Leader
Melissa has a fantastic knowledge and care for all horses. She has ridden most of her life and has her own Clydesdales and Shire horses. She has settled in great at the yard and finding a new love for our beautiful Highland Ponies. She has successfully completed her TRSS Ride Lead Qualification.

Sarah Wilson - Trek Leader
Sarah again has been involved with the ponies on the estate for a number of years. In the past she has been a keen polo player and freelance worker with horses all around the area. She holds qualifications with the BHS.

Georgia Adams - Groom and Trek Assistant
Georgia has a fantastic background with Highland Ponies, working on local estates with them as deer ponies. She successfully competes her own Highlands and shows fantastic attention to detail. We are excited to have her join our team this year.

Volunteers and Yard Helpers
We are beyond lucky to have a fantastic group of volunteers at the Yard who not only love to spend time with our ponies but to also help out with customers where needed. They have a fantastic range of qualifications including BHS stages.

We aim to use pedigree Highland ponies due to their hardy and strong nature as well as their kind temperament. We also have a Shetland/Exmoor cross pony and a Dartmoor pony to allow us to take smaller riders. We are a very friendly team, both human and equine, and have rides going out all year round (weather dependent) tailored by ability.

CREDIBILITY

We are a TRSS approved centre and most of our riding is varied, off road heathland or Caledonian pine woodland terrain.