If you’re wondering where to go besides picnics and the beach in Ukraine’s blissful weather this summer, here is an idea off the beaten path: go horseback riding.
There are several affordable horseback riding clubs in Kyiv, although most are tough to find and others are outside of the city.
For Hr 150-200 an hour, you can be taught to sit properly astride on a horse, will learn to give basic instructions to the beast, and have a slow ride away from the urban craze.
Nabeg horse walking
Located just north of Kyiv in a pine forest, horse club Nabeg is a great location for a nature getaway. Although it might seem tricky to find the place, you can make it easier by booking in advance and receiving detailed instructions on how to get there from any spot in Kyiv. Conveniently, you can get there by public transport.
Specialized equestrian gear is not at all necessary to enjoy a ride. Comfortable clothes and a pair of good shoes are essential, though.
If you are a beginner, you will need some practice before you attempt anything ambitious with your horse, such as trotting – and especially – galloping. The club offers rides all-year round, and you better believe that riding in the snow can be a lot of fun.
The club has several ponies in the stable, making it a good place for family outings.
www.loshadi.kiev.ua
Vyshgorodska Str. 85A
+330-44-360-3838, +380-97-682-2415, +380-67-769-3641
Hr 200 per hour of horse-riding (with or without instructor’s escort)
Scythian equestrian theater
The horse club Scythian, which is hidden in the depth of Kyiv’s Hydropark, operates all year round. Despite the fact that in the summer the park is full of people jogging, cycling and what not, it is still possible to have some quiet time riding a horse in the depth of the island.
An hourly fee there is Hr 150, and an additional Hr 50 can be optionally charged if you do not feel confident about riding a horse on your own and want to ride side by side with an instructor. Make sure to book your ride in advance.
www.skif-art.kiev.ua
Hydropark on the Dnipro River, metro station Hydropark
+380-67-950-1372, +380-63 6452118, +380-67-437-8784, +380-63-298-9360
Hr 150 per hour (optional Hr 50 if you want to be escorted by an instructor)
Argamak stable
Another horse riding club that is easy to get to in the city is Argamak, which located on Trukhaniv Island and is walking distance from Podil.
Unlike with most other places, at Argamak, if you are a beginner, be prepared to take a few riding lessons before you are allowed to go on trail rides by yourself. An hour-long lesson there costs Hr 200, or you can pay Hr 800 a month for eight lessons. Book you lesson in advance and enjoy the ride.
www.turzona.com.ua/firms/horse-club-argamak.html
Trukhaniv Island, metro station Poshtova Ploshcha
+380-44-428-8638
Hr 200 per hour
Kyiv Post staff writer Yuriy Onyshkiv can be reached at [email protected]
