A leisurely horseback ride through the Auvergne, at a walking pace, through woods and pastures
The sound of hooves on the trail, the scent of hay in the summer, the light filtering through the trees in the woods. A horseback ride in Auvergne often begins with these simple sensations, long before the technical aspects come into play. At Château d’Ygrande, it begins right on the estate itself, on forty hectares perched atop a hill.
The ride starts at the stables, right next to the house. First, you get to know your horse, then you set off at a walk. The grounds are large enough to vary the route from one ride to the next. The estate is crisscrossed by numerous riding trails : you ride along the pastures where the horses graze, through the woods, and out to the large pond. Panoramic views of the countryside accompany much of the ride, especially at the end of the day.
Horses play a crucial role in making the ride enjoyable. They are outdoor horses, calm and reliable, that spend most of their time in the pasture. Their temperament puts first-time riders or those who haven’t ridden in a long time at ease. You’ll quickly feel confident on their backs, leaving your mind free to enjoy the scenery.
- Wood Shaded paths, pleasant on sunny days.
- Pastures to let the estate's horses graze in the pasture.
- The Pond A peaceful destination in the heart of the park.
Each ride is planned with the team based on the rider’s experience, the day’s schedule, and current conditions. The rides are tailored to each person’s skill level, whether it’s a first-time experience with horses or a leisurely ride for an experienced rider.
The presentation of the Stables at Château d’Ygrande contains information about the facilities and the team. The estate is located in this northern part of theAuvergne made of meadows and woods, ideal for riding outdoors.
A horseback ride in this setting is far from just a passing activity. It’s a way to explore the estate at your own pace, at the horse’s pace, before returning to the tranquility of the house, where you arrive with your mind still wandering along the trails.
Christening, first steps, and swimming in the pond
Never ridden before ? That’s what a first-time riding experience is for. You’ll learn how to approach the horse, find your balance in the saddle, and then set off at a walk, accompanied by the staff. It’s often the first step toward a lifelong passion, or simply a wonderful memory of your stay. A first horseback ride in Auvergne can thus stem from a last-minute whim during a weekend at the château.
Next come the lessons, either one-on-one or in groups of up to six, so you can progress at your own pace. The stables welcome both beginners and experienced riders. This format allows you to make rapid progress, with personalized and supportive guidance. Horseback rides in Auvergne take on a whole new dimension : you gain confidence, dare to trot, and then discover new trails.
And in the summer, the ride can end with your feet in the water, the stables offer horseback swimming in the pond. Wading into the water with your horse is a sensation that’s hard to describe, a blend of cool refreshment and a deep connection with the animal. These swimming sessions must be booked in advance with the staff, who will choose the right time and select the appropriate horses. They remain one of the most unique experiences the estate has to offer.
For riders who want to take it a step further, the castle has created a equestrian vacation with two hours of horseback riding per day. The schedule includes some technical work in the arena, followed by rides in the park and the surrounding countryside.
The facilities at the the estate's equestrian center Rounding out the facilities are two micro-sand arenas, an indoor riding arena, and 26 stalls. Even when the weather isn’t suitable for trail riding, you can still ride indoors, then head back out onto the trails as soon as the nice weather returns.
At Château d’Ygrande, everyone finds their own pace. Beginners discover the sport, riders returning to the saddle rediscover their feel for the horse, and experienced riders take full advantage of the scenery. Everyone shares the same estate and, in the evening, the same table. Guests who don’t ride can enjoy the grounds, the gardens, or the pool during the season while waiting for the riders to return.
After the walk, head back home
Once the ride is over, we walk back to the castle from the stables. From the Pavilion, on the garden level, it’s just a few steps away. The “Classiques” face north toward the riding arenas where the horses train, a perfect way to extend the ride through the window.
The others Rooms and suites at the hotel open up to the south onto the park, the pond, and the wooded countryside. Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a small refrigerated area are standard throughout. For a family discovering horseback riding together, the Family Suite, with its separate children’s room, is just what they need. Young riders have their own little corner there. The house has only a few rooms, so peace and quiet return as soon as the horses are back in the pasture.
After a horseback ride in Auvergne, the hammam soothes your legs and the heated pool lets you enjoy the rest of the afternoon, from June through September. In the evening, guests share stories of their first horseback ride in the lounge, by the fire, as the air cools. At Château d’Ygrande, the horseback ride naturally transitions into a cozy evening at home, with music and no set schedule.
For dinner, the Château’s small dining table, reservations made the day before, serves no-frills, seasonal cuisine : soups from the vegetable garden, charcuterie from a local artisan, and regional cheeses. For more getaway ideas, visit the A weekend in Auvergne at the castle offers a program for couples, taking in abbeys and charming towns.
On another day, you can explore the estate on foot : flowers in the gardens, rows in the vegetable garden, trees in the orchard, and a chicken coop open to children. Everything is done without a car, in the tranquility of a large park. A simple horseback ride then becomes the central theme of the entire stay, from the introductory ride on the first day to swimming in the pond on the last.
When you wake up, the breakfast table is set with produce from nearby farms. A new hike, a walk in the woods, or a day by the pool in the summer ? The choice is yours, with no set schedule. To book your hike and your room at the same time, simply let us know your preferences when you make your request.