Horseback ride (1 hour)

Discover Latvia’s countryside on horseback with this gentle, one-hour trail ride at Dabas Zirgi. Designed to be accessible for all ages and experience levels, this private activity offers a relaxed introduction to riding nestled among Latvia’s lush woodlands. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking for a peaceful escape from city life, this experience promises calming scenery and friendly guides.

We particularly appreciate how this tour prioritizes safety with helmets and vests for children, and how it offers a tailored, private setting—making it feel like a personal adventure. However, if you’re seeking a more adrenaline-fueled ride or longer time in the saddle, this might not be the right fit. This tour is ideal for families, beginners, or anyone wanting to enjoy a serene horseback outing close to Riga.

Key Points

• Ideal for all ages: Suitable for children and inexperienced riders looking to learn.
• Private experience: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.
• Beautiful woodland setting: Surrounded by Latvian greenery, perfect for nature lovers.
• Safety-focused: Helmets provided, with vests for children, making it family-friendly.
• Relaxed pace: The ride is at a walk, emphasizing comfort and animal welfare.
• Great value: At approximately $42 per person, the experience offers a peaceful, scenic ride for a modest price.

An Introduction to the Experience

Travelers seeking a tranquil way to explore Latvia’s natural beauty will find this horseback ride at Dabas Zirgi a charming choice. Located just a 20-minute drive from Riga, this activity transports you into Latvia’s scenic woodlands, away from the city’s hustle. The focus is on a calm, safe environment where both children and adults can enjoy their time with horses.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its personalized, private setting. With a maximum of four participants, you won’t be part of a crowded group. Instead, you’ll get undivided attention from knowledgeable guides who are eager to share their love for horses and nature. The ride itself is gentle, at a walk, which makes it accessible even for complete beginners.

While it’s not a high-adrenaline adventure, this tour delivers authentic connection with nature and animals, perfect for those looking for a peaceful break or a family-friendly activity. One reviewer praised the “wonderful” experience, noting that the trail through Latvian countryside was a highlight of their trip.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Meeting and Introduction

Your adventure begins at the Zirgu un cilvku labsajtas centrs “DABAS ZIRGI”—a tranquil horseback riding center surrounded by Latvian forests. You’ll be greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable instructor, who will provide safety instructions and demonstrate how to handle the horses. Helmets are supplied, and vests are available for small children, underscoring the focus on safety.

The Trail Ride

Once equipped, you’ll mount one of the calm, well-trained horses and set out on a relaxing trail through Latvia’s lush woodlands. The path is chosen to ensure a gentle, walk-only pace, making it suitable for complete novices. The scenery is a key part of the experience: towering pine trees, the soothing sounds of nature, and perhaps some wildlife sightings.

Learning and Interaction

As the guide leads the way, you have plenty of opportunity to ask questions about horse care, riding techniques, or Latvian countryside. This interaction makes the tour more than just a ride—it’s a chance to connect with the animals and learn about their environment.

Ending the Ride

The experience concludes back at the starting point, leaving you refreshed and with a new appreciation for Latvia’s natural landscapes. The entire activity lasts around one hour, making it a flexible option that fits well into a day of sightseeing or outdoor adventures.

The Value of This Horseback Ride

For the price of around $42 per person, this experience offers a surprisingly good value considering its private setting, scenic location, and inclusive safety gear. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, authentic outdoor activity that’s more about enjoying nature than about strenuous riding.

Compared to other outdoor options, this tour is particularly appealing because of its personalized approach. Only your group participates, meaning you can engage more comfortably with the instructor and horses. With a maximum of four participants, it also ensures a less intimidating environment for beginners.

Reviewers highlight the quality of the guides and the beautiful route. One remarked that “the wall was through beautiful Latvian countryside and was a great experience,” capturing how the scenery is a major draw. The friendly staff go out of their way to make newcomers feel at ease, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

Details That Matter

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

This activity is designed to accommodate all ages, with helmets and vests provided. The small group size ensures that children feel safe and attended to. It’s not recommended for those with severe allergies to dust, pollen, or animal hair, but otherwise most travelers can participate comfortably.

Location and Ease of Access

Located in the woods south of Riga, the ride is a short drive from the city — about 20 minutes — making it a convenient escape into nature. The center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering flexibility when planning your day.

Booking and Cancellation

Most travelers book their ride roughly 40 days in advance, which suggests good availability. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, giving peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This horseback ride is perfect for families with young children, beginners, or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic outdoor activity close to Riga. It’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to horses in a safe environment, especially with the vests and helmets supplied. It’s also suitable for couples or solo travelers seeking a calming nature experience.

If your idea of a great day involves scenery, animals, and gentle exercise, then this ride ticks all those boxes. However, if you’re craving a longer, more adventurous ride or a more rustic farm experience, you might find this too tame.

The Sum Up

This one-hour horseback ride at Dabas Zirgi offers an authentic, peaceful way to enjoy Latvia’s natural beauty. Its focus on safety, personalized attention, and scenic woodland trail makes it a standout choice for families, beginners, or those simply looking for a gentle outdoor activity close to Riga.

The experience’s value is clear: a private, scenic ride for around $42, with friendly guides and all safety gear included. The views of Latvia’s lush forests and the chance to learn about horses in a tranquil setting provide a memorable, authentic outing.

While it’s not suitable for thrill-seekers or those with significant allergies, anyone seeking a calming nature escape will find this horseback ride a delightful addition to their Latvia itinerary.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for children, with vests available for small kids and helmets provided. The calm horses and gentle pace make it family-friendly.

How long does the ride last?
The ride itself lasts approximately one hour, making it easy to fit into your day.

Do I need riding experience to join?
No, this experience is designed for beginners and those wanting a relaxed trail ride, with safety instructions provided.

Where does the activity take place?
It starts at the Zirgu un cilvku labsajtas centrs “DABAS ZIRGI” in Latvia, just 20 minutes from Riga.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor walking; helmets and vests are supplied, so no special riding gear is needed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, since it’s an outdoor activity, poor weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This horseback riding experience blends scenic Latvian nature with a friendly, safe environment, perfect for a gentle outdoor adventure. Whether you’re traveling with family or seeking a peaceful escape, it offers a genuine taste of Latvia’s countryside.