With the Uffington White Horse nearby and sculptures like the Plough Horse Sculpture on Gablecross roundabout, it’s clear that Swindon has a strong connection with horses. However, if you’ve ever wondered how to enjoy activities like horse riding and racing, here are some ideas you might like to try.
Movies and Online Activities
Perhaps the easiest way to enter the equine world these days is by streaming movies and TV shows. Dream Horse and Heartland are among the currently popular options that involve horses and riding, while The Last Cowboy is a four-season documentary that shows the highly competitive world of horse reining This list by Horse & Hound of the best horse-themed movies includes classics like Black Beauty and International Velvet.
You might also decide to stream live horse races from around the planet, like the Kentucky Derby and the Dubai World Cup. Looking for horse-themed games in a Slingo casino is another option. Slingo is a cross between bingo and slots, with various themes used on the different titles. Slingo Racing and Slingo Constitution Hill are based on horse racing, with bonus features like races bringing the theme to life. Fishing, Vikings and Christmas are among the other themes used.
A Visit to One of the Nearby Racecourses
With no racecourse in Swindon, you’ll need to make a short trip to watch some races live. The good news is that you don’t need to travel far to find some of the country’s most famous and historic venues. Cheltenham Racecourse is a little over 30 miles away and the Cheltenham Festival is one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar.
Newbury Racecourse is even closer to Swindon, at less than 30 miles distance. One of the advantages of this venue is that it hosts racing throughout the year, with 29 race days each year, including a mixture of flat and jumps horse racing. May sees the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes held, which is one of the UK’s top races. If you like the idea of visiting Ascot for the stylish Royal Ascot event, it’s just over 50 miles from Swindon.
Learn to Ride a Horse
There are several places in and around Swindon where you can take horse riding lessons, including Rein and Shine in Braydon and Ladysmith Equestrian in Chiseldon. In some cases, you can choose between getting your own horse cared for there, or else requesting one of their horses for your lessons.
Charlbury Farm Stables in Hinton Parva is another option located on the outskirts of Swindon. Private and group lessons are offered, while their site says that they sometimes have part-loan ponies available. The Visit Wiltshire website lists some interesting horse-based activities that can be carried out in the region, including pretty bridleway routes and the chance to hire a horse while staying at the Lucknam Park Hotel.
All of these different ways of getting close to horses can be enjoyed without straying too far. Maybe you’ll decide to give one of them a try next time it takes your fancy.
