Horseback Riding – Along Stunning Beaches and Special Trails

July 2, 2020March 23, 2021 lindabertelsen

Unchanged since antiquity horseback riding is today, just like then expressing the fine and intimate relationship between man and horse. This relationship has a history as old as humankind itself – and horseback riding is an adventurous sport expressing respect for the natural environment.

Horseback Riding on Beaches

Greek Mythology about Horseback Riding

What does “Alogo” (horse) mean?

Horseback Riding in Modern Times

Horseback Riding in Greece Today

Riding Clubs in Mainland Greece

Riding Clubs in Crete

Riding Clubs in the Ionian Islands

Riding Clubs in the Aegean Islands

Riding Clubs in the Saronic Islands

Still today, horseback riding in Greece is a unique experience. In the Greek mainland as well as the Greek islands there are horse riding centers scattered across the countryside offering horse riding tours and riding courses.

Horseback riding on beaches

Horseback riding at the sandy beach of Karteros - 6km east of Heraklion

The most amazing experience when horse riding in Greece are the sunset riding tours by the beach or maybe on the hills, where you can relax in your saddle enjoying the sun as it dips into the sea.

Greek mythology about horseback riding

In Greek mythology this relationship between man and horse has a divine dimension; Mount Pelion was the home of the mythical creatures Centaurs, half-men, and half-horses. Here, ancient Greek heroes like Theseus, Achilles and Jason came to master the arts taught by the Centaurs.

What does alogo (horse) mean?

In Greek, the name for horse is alogo meaning without logic or reason, no speech, from military terminology, as opposed to the human part of the army, men, who had logo meaning logic or reason, ie had speech.

Horseback riding in modern times

In modern time the equestrian sports began in Greece just before the start of World War II. This was the initiative of some high-ranked officers in the Greek army and amateur horseback riders who founded the Hellenic Equestrian Club on an estate in Holargos, Attica. After WWII the club moved to new premises in Paradissos, suburb of Amarousion (north of Athens). Many Athenians with prerequisites for horseback riding started using the club and soon it became the first center in Greece for the development of competitive riding. Ever since, the equestrian sports have been developing in Greece and is one of the sports on a rise. New clubs are opening each year being especially popular among young riders.

Horseback riding in Greece today

Today over 50 equestrian clubs and riding schools are operating in Greece and new members are enrolling and new riders take part on the competitive circuit. Today the sport has around 2,450 riders and 1,000 horses. These centers situated throughout Greece take on teaching you the basic secrets of riding while obtaining the necessary safety for the riders. With qualified personnel and trained horses, you will be able to ride horseback along natural pathways and beautiful mountain routes.