Business Details
Scenic Horse Rides & Professional Tuition in Bourton-on-the-Water
Established in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bourton Vale Equestrian has become a trusted name in equestrian tourism and education. Our team combines decades of equine experience with a passion for sharing the beauty of the Slaughter villages through guided rides. We pride ourselves on maintaining a family-friendly environment where riders of all ages and abilities can develop skills safely. Our horses' appearances in national media and corporate productions reflect their calm temperament and our commitment to professional standards. Through structured programmes like Saturday Club and Pony Days, we provide immersive learning experiences that extend beyond riding to include animal care and stable management.Every aspect of our operation prioritises safety, from rigorous equipment checks to comprehensive rider assessments. Our location along the A429 provides easy access to scenic river routes, making us a preferred choice for both casual riders and regular enthusiasts. The team's deep local knowledge ensures every ride showcases the Cotswolds' natural beauty while adhering to countryside codes. We maintain transparent operations through clear booking policies and regular communication with clients. Our dedication to continuous improvement is evident in our feedback-driven approach to service delivery.
Services
Scenic Horse Rides
Riding Lessons
Pony Days
Saturday Club
Horse Leasing
Highlights and features
- We offer professionally guided rides through Cotswolds' designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Our horses are experienced in media appearances and public engagements
- We provide structured riding programmes with safety-certified instructors
- We maintain strict rider assessment protocols to ensure appropriate group placements
- Our facilities include purpose-built arenas and direct access to scenic river routes
What people say
Professional friendly staff
Beautifully well-kept stables
Idyllic scenery
First-time rider confidence
Animal therapy benefits
Services
Scenic Horse Rides
Explore Cotswolds' picturesque villages on horseback with expert-guided tours. Our routes include river crossings and countryside trails suitable for all skill levels. Safety-focused approach matches riders to appropriate horses and paces.
Riding Lessons
Structured tuition for complete beginners to advanced riders. Saturday Club teaches riding, pony care, and stable management. Regular assessments ensure progressive skill development in arena and open terrain.
Pony Days
Full-day equestrian experiences for children aged 7+. Combines riding lessons, river hacks, and hands-on animal care. Designed as educational childcare during school holidays with safety-certified supervision.
Horse Leasing
Cost-effective horse access without ownership commitments. Includes full maintenance and insurance guidance. Ideal for regular riders seeking consistent equine partnerships with flexible scheduling options.
Media Appearances
Professional equine services for film and photography productions. Camera-trained horses featured in Countryfile, BBC Real Rescues, and international tourism campaigns. Experienced handling of commercial filming requirements.
People
Leanne Launchbury
Owner & Founder
Equestrian expert with decades of Cotswolds-based riding instruction experience. Developed the centre's safety protocols and educational programmes. Regularly featured in equine publications.
Justin Launchbury
Co-Owner & Founder
Manages operational logistics and horse training programmes. Specialises in rider-horse matching and trail route development. Key contact for media production collaborations.
Jake Launchbury
Senior Riding Instructor
Certified instructor focusing on children's programmes and beginner tuition. Oversees Saturday Club curriculum and Pony Day activities. Holds advanced equine safety qualifications.
Athena Hayward
Operations Director
Coordinates bookings, staff schedules, and facility maintenance. Ensures compliance with licensing requirements and safety standards. Manages client communications and feedback systems.
Questions
What riding experience is required for different routes?
River rides require no experience. 1-hour tours need basic trotting ability. Private options available for mixed-ability groups.
What safety equipment is provided?
Free helmets and boots available. Riders must wear full-length trousers. Hi-Vis jackets required for off-site rides.
Are there age restrictions?
Minimum age 7 years for all rides. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on shared rides.
What happens in bad weather?
Rides operate in most weather conditions. Alternative indoor activities available if river crossings unsafe.
Can I lease a horse?
Yes, weekly leasing packages include full maintenance. Requires rider assessment and personal insurance coverage.
Reviews (7)
Jess Oughton
Dec 31, 2021
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Fantastic yard! We thoroughly enjoyed our hack through the Slaughters. Thanks to Olivia. Cookie and Graffi were great to. We will definitely be back on our next holiday to the Cotswolds. This yard caters for all abilities and great communication throughout.
B. C.
Nov 08, 2021
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Did the Beginners horse riding and it was well worth it. Weather was good to us (not pouring!) The two guides who took us out to the village were fantastic and looked after us very well. A special thank you to Cookie and Roman :-). Would visit again for the intermediate riding.
Gary Culley
Aug 11, 2021
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Booked online for my daughter as she wanted to go horse riding very professional place and polite staff went on the river walk she loved every minute of the experience well recommend.
John Scarisbrick
Jun 28, 2021
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Fantastic place, I took my young daughter there just over a week ago whilst on holiday, she loved it! 1.5 hours of smiles! All the staff where friendly, cheerful and professional ensuring my daughter had a safe and enjoyable experience!
Alan Compton
Jun 09, 2021
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Nice, well-run riding school with good hacking routes for non-riders. We went for an assessment lesson and given horses that suited our level if experience. We are hoping to find a regular lesson slot.
Sue Jago
May 17, 2021
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My daughter and I went on a hack yesterday round upper and lower slaughter, beautiful villages and super countryside. We were escorted by Lauren and Edward, so thank you to them both for making it a great morning, plus we didn’t get wet, always a bonus. Xx
Mrs. H.
May 07, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
We had a fantastic time hacking! Such good value for money. The staff are great. Leanne got back to me quickly through enquiry to booking and was really helpful. We had a lovely instructor Olivia who was very professional, fun and patient. All gear was provided. Our horses were lovely! Can't recommend enough.
We had a fantastic time hacking! Such good value for money. The staff are great. Leanne got back to me quickly through enquiry to booking and was really helpful. We had a lovely instructor Olivia who was very professional, fun and patient. All gear was provided. Our horses were lovely! Can't recommend enough.
