A horseback ride in Auvergne, starting from the castle stables
There’s a ride through the park. There’s also the ride that takes you beyond the estate’s boundaries. The Château d’Ygrande Stables offers short trail rides through the Bourbonnais countryside. It’s an intimate horseback ride in Auvergne, each one ending with a return to the château.
This is not a multi-day trail ride. These outings are organized with the team based on the riders’ experience, the itinerary for the stay, and the conditions at the time. We set out from the stables, which are adjacent to the main house, leave the grounds via its paths, and then head out into the surrounding countryside. The 40-hectare park already has numerous riding trails; the rides simply extend these trails into the surrounding wooded countryside. The stables cater to both beginners and experienced riders.
The quality of a trail ride depends on the choice of horses. Here, the horses are raised and spend most of their time outdoors, in the estate’s pastures. Calm, reliable, and well-balanced, they take to the outdoors with ease, where a nervous horse would ruin the outing.
- The departure The Stables, just a few steps from the castle's guest rooms.
- The field The estate's paths, then the Bourbonnais countryside.
- The format Short hikes, tailored to each person's skill level.
We set out with no more than six riders, so the team can adjust the pace and route to suit the group. Beforehand, each rider’s age, weight, and skill level are taken into account to ensure everyone is assigned a horse that’s right for them. That way, everything is ready even before we arrive at the estate.
For a complete overview, see the presentation of the Stables and their activities. The castle is located north of theAuvergne, where there is no shortage of forests and small country roads.
A horseback ride designed this way is ideal for riders who want to get out of the riding arena without embarking on an expedition. It fits right into a vacation, between a training session and an afternoon by the pool. Riders traveling as a couple or with their family can thus enjoy an outing together, each on a horse chosen specifically for them.
The Bourbonnais countryside at the pace of a horse
The Bourbonnais It’s best explored on horseback, whether at a walk or a trot. From the hilltop of the Château d’Ygrande, the panoramic view already gives a sense of the landscape’s scale : meadows, woods, hedgerows, and vast horizons that change with the seasons. On horseback, you traverse this scenery rather than simply gaze at it. The horse’s slow pace gives you time to take in the hedgerows, pastures, and farms, something no road can truly offer.
What skill level is required for a trail ride ? It all depends on the outing. The itinerary is planned with the team, who know their horses and the trails in the area. Beginners can enjoy introductory rides and leisurely walks at a walking pace on the estate. Beyond the park, outings are tailored to each rider’s skill level and comfort, on a horse-by-horse basis. A horseback ride in Auvergne is thus planned without rushing, starting with a session to get to know your horse.
For anyone who wants to improve their skills while hiking, the Equestrian getaway at the castle combines both. Two hours of riding per day include technical work in the arena or riding ring, as well as relaxing rides around the estate and in the countryside.
Each season adds its own charm to a horseback ride. Spring brings the meadows to life with fresh greenery, summer invites you to set out early in the morning before the heat sets in, and fall dresses the wooded countryside in warm hues. On sunny days, a stop at the estate’s pond can even turn into a swim on horseback, which can be arranged with the staff.
Upon their return, the horses go back to their pastures and the riders head home, where they’ll find a hammam, lounges, and, in the warmer months, a heated pool. Horseback riding in Auvergne thrives on this contrast : a day in the great outdoors, followed by a peaceful evening in a charming country estate.
Every rider receives the same attention in a relaxed atmosphere where the horse comes before the stopwatch. People don’t come to the Château d’Ygrande to rack up kilometers, but to experience the countryside in a different way, at horse height.
The major routes of the Allier, then the return to the castle
For long-distance riders, the department has much more to offer. In its section Exploring the Allier on horseback, the tourist office describes an extensive network of marked trails, multi-day routes, and accommodations designed for independent riders. Many lodgings in the area can also accommodate horseback travelers. About thirty kilometers from the castle, the Tronçais Forest, with its flat terrain and wide trails, is suitable for all types of riding.
Those traveling with their own horse will find the Château d’Ygrande a suitable stopover. Their horses are welcomed at the stables, either in stalls or out to pasture. While the rider relaxes at the château, the horse can rest and recuperate in the spacious pastures. For long-distance horseback treks, this stopover offers a chance to take a break for a day or two before continuing on.
Want to ride again ? The micro-sand riding arenas and indoor riding arena are still available. You can also book a few lessons with the resort’s instructors. The page for the castle riding center describes the reception area and facilities in detail.
For sleeping arrangements, the single-story pavilion connects directly to the stables. The others Rooms and suites at the estate overlook the park, the pond, or the trails. Each one features air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a small refrigerator, a welcome treat after a day in the saddle.
After a horseback ride in Auvergne, there’s nothing like the hammam to soothe your muscles, or the heated pool when the weather permits. In the evening, a simple dinner ordered the night before saves you from having to hit the road again. The menu is intentionally modest : soups or gazpacho made with garden-fresh ingredients depending on the season, artisanal charcuterie, and local cheeses, served in the lounge or outdoors. The next morning’s breakfast, featuring products from neighboring farms, gets you ready for the next leg of your journey.
A large parking lot is available for cars, vans, and trucks, ensuring a stress-free arrival with your horse and equipment. This makes the castle a true base for trail riding, whether you’re staying one night or several. For stays of two or more consecutive nights, the “Stay One More Night” offer reduces the price per night.