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Horse riding and hacks around Vichy

Published 4 March 2021

To go riding during a stay in Vichy, there is no need to go far: several riding centres are in Le Vernet, a few minutes from the town centre, and welcome children and adults alike. And if you would rather watch horses than ride them, the Vichy-Bellerive racecourse holds races from May to September.

The riding centres of Le Vernet

The commune of Le Vernet, on the heights south-east of Vichy, is home to several centres.

• Les Écuries de Verduizant, about 4 km from Vichy: lessons for all levels, courses, treks and leisure riding, with an indoor school and outdoor arenas. Children are welcome from the age of 3. The centre is open all year round. Information and bookings on the Écuries de Verduizant website.
• The Centre équestre et poney club de la Forge, also in Le Vernet, well known to local families for introductory pony rides.

For a hack, call a few days ahead: outdoor rides depend on the weather, the riders' level and the lesson schedule. Be honest about your real experience so that you are given a suitable horse.

Tips if you have never ridden

• Wear long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel; a riding hat is usually lent.
• For a child, a supervised pony session in an arena is a better first experience than a hack outdoors.
• During school holidays, courses fill up quickly: book before you arrive.

Riding country

Around Vichy, riders can choose between two kinds of scenery:

• The hillsides and the Montagne bourbonnaise to the east, with wooded tracks and views over the plain.
• The banks of the Allier, flatter and suitable for beginners.

For experienced riders, the centres sometimes organise half-day or full-day treks. Ask them directly for the season's programme.

The Vichy-Bellerive racecourse

Just across the Allier, the Vichy-Bellerive racecourse hosts trotting, flat and jump races from early May to late September, with several dozen race meetings during the season. It is an easy outing even for those who know nothing about racing:

• free entry for under-18s, modest adult admission;
• guided tours and themed evenings in summer;
• food outlets, and picnics possible beside the track.

The 2027 calendar has not yet been published: it will be available on the Vichy racecourse website. The racecourse also overlooks the banks of the Lac d'Allier, which you can discover in our article on the Lac d'Allier.

Combining with other activities

A morning on horseback leaves the afternoon free for other sports: see our article on the Sporting. For families, our article Vichy with the family gathers more ideas.

Staying nearby

Le Vernet and Bellerive are a few minutes from our apartments in Vichy, bookable from one night, with cleaning and linen included. The large houses are well suited to families or groups of riding friends.