Side-Turkey.

If you have ever wanted to sit in the saddle but worried you are "not a horse person," the countryside around Side is one of the gentlest places to start. Tucked on a peninsula just southwest of Manavgat, with the Western Taurus foothills rising inland, the area is laced with pine forest, quiet farm tracks and open countryside near the Manavgat river. Horse riding here is built around calm, well-trained horses and a guide who leads the group, so first-timers and families are genuinely welcome. This guide walks you through what a beginner ride is really like, how to prepare, and how to book it the right way.

What a beginner-friendly ride looks like

You don't need any experience. A typical outing starts with a short briefing: how to hold the reins, how to ask the horse to walk and stop, and how to sit comfortably. The horses used for these rides are chosen for their calm temperament, and a guide stays with the group throughout, leading the way along forest and countryside trails. Most of the riding is done at a relaxed walking pace, which is exactly what makes it approachable for nervous beginners and curious kids alike.

The scenery you'll pass

Routes wind through shady pine forest, along countryside lanes and toward the Taurus foothills, sometimes within reach of the Manavgat river. It is unhurried, photogenic riding rather than a sport workout, the kind of slow travel that lets you actually notice birdsong, resin-scented air and the changing light through the trees.

How to prepare and what to wear

Comfort and safety come first. Helmets are worn for the ride and are provided. Dress in long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel if you have them, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for before and after, and tie back long hair. Listen to your guide's briefing, keep a relaxed posture, and don't be shy about saying it's your first time, the team expects beginners. Minimum age and weight limits apply and vary, so always have these confirmed at booking, especially when riding with children.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A shorter activity, around one to two hours of riding plus hotel transfer, confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Guided ride, trained horse, helmet, and a short instruction/briefing; other inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Personal extras, tips and anything not listed; confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes, suitable for first-timers and often families; minimum age and weight limits apply and vary, confirmed at booking.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn are most comfortable; summer rides are usually scheduled for cooler parts of the day, confirmed at booking.
• Difficulty: Easy and beginner-friendly; mostly at walking pace with a guide leading.

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Side
• Antalya tours & excursions
• Alanya day trips
• Kemer activities
• Belek excursions
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any horse riding experience?

No. These rides are designed for complete beginners. You get a short briefing before setting off and a guide leads the whole way, mostly at a calm walking pace.

Is it safe for first-timers?

Yes. The horses are chosen for their gentle temperament, helmets are provided and worn, and a guide stays with the group throughout the ride.

Can children join?

Often yes, as these tours are popular with families, but minimum age and weight limits apply and vary. Please have the limits confirmed at booking before you travel.

What should I wear?

Long trousers, closed shoes (ideally with a small heel), plus sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Tie back long hair and avoid loose, flappy clothing.

Where does the ride take place?

In the countryside and pine forest around Side and Manavgat, toward the Taurus foothills and sometimes near the Manavgat river. The exact route is set by your guide.

How long does it last?

It is a shorter activity, around one to two hours of riding plus your hotel transfer. The precise timing is confirmed at booking.

Is hotel pick-up included?

Yes, pick-up is offered from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts. Your exact pick-up time is confirmed at booking.

Why book directly with you?

Booking direct with the Murat Atalay team removes agency and OTA commission, and you get our best-price guarantee, plus a local team you can reach by WhatsApp or email for any questions.

Ready to ride? Book directly with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. As a direct local operator we cut out agency and OTA commission and back it with our best-price guarantee, so you get a friendly, well-run horse riding experience in Side without the middleman.