Istanbul surprises you in ways you don’t expect. One moment you’re stuck in Taksim traffic, and the next you’re cantering through a pine forest on the outskirts of the city, the sound of hooves on dirt replacing the honk of minibuses. Horse riding near Istanbul is more accessible than most visitors realise, and whether you’re a beginner who has never sat in a saddle or an experienced rider looking for a weekend escape, you’ll find something here.
I made this discovery on a drizzly Saturday when a friend dragged me to a stable in Beykoz. Four hours later, I’d ridden through a forest, had a barbecue by a river, and completely forgotten I was technically still inside Istanbul’s municipal boundaries.
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Kemer Country Club: Luxury Riding in Belgrade Forest
If you want riding combined with comfort, Kemer Country Club (KCC) in Kemerburgaz is the benchmark. Set on the edge of Belgrade Forest — Istanbul’s enormous green lung north of the city — it offers:
– Indoor and outdoor riding arenas
– Dressage and jumping lessons
– A Pony Club for children
– Trail rides into the Belgrade Forest
– Hotel accommodation, spa, and golf
KCC is affiliated with both the Turkish Equestrian Federation and the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). Riding packages of eight 30-minute lessons are available for groups and individuals. This is a good choice if you want professional instruction in an international standard facility.
Getting There: Kemerburgaz is about 30–35 km north of central Istanbul. Best reached by taxi or private car — budget around 400–600 TL ($9–14) each way from Taksim. No convenient public transport directly to the stable.
Prices: Trail rides and lessons vary; contact KCC directly for current 2026 pricing. Expect around 800–1,500 TL ($18–34) per person for a guided trail ride.
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Alkuzu Riding School: Kemerburgaz’s Hidden Gem
Alkuzu Riding School in Kemerburgaz is a serious equestrian school open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). Open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends. No membership required — you can book individual lessons by appointment.
Disciplines include jumping, dressage, vaulting (Alkuzu is the only place in Turkey offering formal vaulting instruction), and pony riding for younger visitors. There’s also a cafeteria for riders and their guests. Many expats ride here — you’ll hear English, French, and a mix of European languages around the stables.
Getting There: About 5 minutes from Göktürk, 20 minutes from Levent-Etiler. Best by taxi or car.
💡 Pro Tip: Book at least a few days in advance — the school gets busy on weekends. Call ahead or check their social media for appointments.
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Nur Horse Club: Forest Safaris in Beykoz
For something more adventurous than a lesson, Nur Horse Club on the Asian side in Beykoz (Paşamandıra Caddesi 49, Beykoz) offers private equestrian classes and forest safari tours using Arabian horses. This is a great option if you want to ride through the wooded hills of the Beykoz district, with river views and a barbecue lunch option thrown in.
The club attracts visitors looking for a more rugged, nature-immersed experience. Reviews praise the professional trainers and the beautiful forest surroundings. Barbecue facilities and camping options are also available, making it easy to turn this into a full-day outing.
Getting There: On the Asian side of Istanbul in Beykoz. Take a taxi from Üsküdar (about 30–40 minutes, 300–450 TL / $7–10) or arrange transport through the stable.
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Polonezköy Nature Park: Poland in Istanbul’s Backyard
Polonezköy (also known as Adampol) is one of Istanbul’s most charming surprises — a 7,423-acre woodland park founded in 1842 by Polish immigrants, complete with Central European-style wooden houses, restaurants, and lodges. The forests here are excellent for horse riding, and several farms and riding spots operate in and around the village.
Polonezköy Country Club and Yeji Dohada are two of the main riding venues. Pony rides for children are also available, making this a great family day out. The park also offers hiking, cycling, and camping.
Getting There: Polonezköy is about 25 km northeast of Istanbul, accessible by bus from Beykoz or by taxi. The drive takes around 40 minutes from Üsküdar.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal — the forest is green and temperatures are pleasant for riding. Summer can get hot by midday.
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Gümüşdere Beach Rides: Horses on the Sand
For something totally different, several tour operators offer horse riding on Gümüşdere Beach in Sarıyer on the European side of Istanbul. Riding along a Black Sea beach with the waves to your left and pine trees to your right is a genuinely memorable experience.
Tours of about 1–1.5 hours are available. Just Istanbul Tours (justistanbultours.com) lists beach riding options at around 50 GBP per adult (approximately 2,960 TL / $67). This works out to more expensive than inland forest rides, but the setting is unique.
💡 Pro Tip: Beach rides are especially beautiful at sunset. Book in advance during summer months — these tours fill up quickly on weekends.
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Day Trip Riding from Istanbul: Çakırbey Horse Farm
Çakırbey (Çakırbey at Çiftliği) is a horse farm in the Beykoz area that offers equestrian training, group safari tours through the Beykoz forests, and even camping packages. Their forest excursion trails are scenic and suitable for mixed experience levels.
They also offer a unique option to combine a horse riding safari with an overnight camping stay — perfect for a weekend escape from the city. Contact them through their social media channels to arrange a group safari.
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What to Wear and Bring
– Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel are essential. No sandals.
– Clothing: Long trousers — jeans are fine. Avoid shorts.
– Helmet: Most stables provide helmets, but bring your own if you have one.
– Water: Especially for summer rides. Most stables have water, but always carry your own.
– Sunscreen: You’re outside for extended periods, often in direct sun.
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What to Avoid
– Booking through random street touts: Always contact stables directly or use established tour operators.
– Riding without a helmet: Any reputable stable will provide one — insist on wearing it.
– Overstating your experience level: Tell the instructor honestly how much riding you’ve done. Beginners placed on energetic horses is a recipe for trouble.
– Weekend rides without advance booking: The better stables fill up fast on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Getting There: General Tips
Most riding venues near Istanbul are not well-served by public transport. The most practical options are:
– Taxi or rideshare (BiTaksi/Uber): Budget 300–600 TL ($7–14) from central Istanbul depending on location.
– Private car: Ideal if you’re in a group — split the cost.
– Guided day tours: Several Istanbul tour operators bundle horse riding with transport and lunch.
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Conclusion
Horse riding around Istanbul is one of those unexpected pleasures that makes you see the city in a completely new way. The forests of Beykoz, the fields around Kemerburgaz, and the Black Sea beaches of Sarıyer are all within an hour of the city centre. Have you tried horse riding in Istanbul? Tell us about your favourite spot in the comments below.
[Image alt text: Horse riders in Belgrade Forest near Istanbul on a sunny morning trail ride]
Prices last updated: March 2026. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 45 TL.
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Article 3 | Title: Camping Near Istanbul: Best Sites, Gear Tips, and Weekend Escapes | Category: outdoors
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Useful links: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality · Go Türkiye Istanbul
