Harelaw Equestrian Centre, Longniddry

I ride every week at Harelaw all year round, you can always get to the beach no matter what the weather. We have only had one or two weekends in the last few years in extreme snow when we could not get there and that was because we could not get our cars out the snow at home to drive down! I have ridden most horses here, and regularly ride the forward going ones and they are all well cared for, and given to match your riding experience. The beach ride is fast, thats what they state and you would and should not be doing it if you are not comfortable at a gallop. If you have not ridden before you will get checked out at a canter in the field and carry on to the beach if you are capable. The rides in the estate are good as well and you can do a walk, trot and canter. The horses all do the common rides and therefore they are fit and enjoy being out, however they dont get worked to death in the school like at some yards, they are happy horses. The staff are all great and this is the best place to ride if you want to have a great experience riding and good fun chatting to the regulars and Brenda and her team. Also if you want to try a common ride, you can hire a good horse that will take you round safely from Harelaw.

i have been riding there since i was 7 and have not hadthe best confidence to begin with but every time i rode i got more and more confident. Ok yeah the horses can get a bit lively sometimes and know where things happen but that can only be expected there are living things. I disagree with people saying 'it's terrible because the horses are too green' but that's only because sometimes they are not ridden enough and they are maybe too ploddy because that is their nature. Harelaw is great because it has horses that are a bit wild and also slower ones too so the riders can have a challenge if they want or a slower one to build confidence. i do strongly recommend you make them sure of your abilities and don't get stuck on a slow horse when in fact you are more expierienced than that. This sometimes happens as people don't want to admit they can't do something or are not as good as they actually are. Harelaw caters for all abilities and eeryone is really friendly and helpful. So please go to Harelaw because i have came soooo far in riding becasue of everyone at that yard and so you should go too.

Was out on a hack today with my friend at Harelaw . We had a great time. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Our horses were really nice to ride. . One of the best hacks wev'e had in a long time. Looking forward to going back soon.

My wife and I recently moved to East Lothian and being keen riders tried out the hour hack round the Gosford Estate offered by Harelaw Equestrian Centre. On a lovely, crisp day, we enjoyed an extremely pleasant hour (plus) in beautiful surroundings and were much impressed by the healthy horses and helpful staff who created a very memorable experience (Especially the deer). We feel very lucky to have a riding stables so close to home and will certainly will be back for more.

I first rode at Harelaw Stables 2 years ago and have been a loyal customer ever since. This is a family business run by people with a passion for horses shown by the love and care endowed on their animals. I have ridden many of the resident horses and never once been disappointed. The rides through the Gosford Estate are beautiful and for experienced riders the beach gallops are exhilirating and not to be missed. Having worked in a variety of stables myself I can safely assure anyone who rides at Harelaw they will find well schooled, fit, happy and healthy horses and ponies. The staff are very welcoming and accommodating, taking safety seriously and can provide a horse suitable for all levels of rider and their friendly manner only contributes to the enjoyment of your ride. Highly recommended.

I am a regular rider at Harelaw & love it!! I have been to several stables, some are too stuffy & others are a lot less professional - this one is pitched in the middle. The staff are friendly & accommodating, always booking me in when I want to ride & the horses are fab....you can't beat galloping along the beach!!

I went there with a friend of mine a few years ago, both of us had been riding since the age of twelve. We had booked in for a beach ride but due to the fact it was raining were confined to the Gosford Estate. The staff were angry with us for making them go out in the rain and treated us dreadfully. The horses we were on were slow and clearly meant for novice riders and tired quickly. I would never go back.

I have 20 years riding experience and decided to try Harelaw for a beach ride with a friend who had been there a few times. Firstly, they asked my experience but never actually asked me to show them my capabilities - surely a riding centre should check the riders ability before going out on a beach ride? My horse was tacked up when i got there, girth already tight and stirrups down - not the nicest for the horse while waiting to go out. Once on not one helper asked if i was ok, stirrups the right length etc, luckily i know what im doing and fixed that myself - what would a beginner of done?! We set off through the countryside - walk and trot to start, which was fine to warm up - canter through the field then another trot through the woods. By this point my horse was shattered, not even at the beach so either she was over worked or just unfit and shouldnt be on a beach ride. There was quite a long bit of road to walk on and a very busy road to cross over the beach, horse in front spooked a few times and the rider had no idea how to get it under control. We got to the beach and BOOM manic horses who just took off with no ask from their rider. There was 6 of us on the ride, each horse was so excited, bucking and rearing to flat out gallup - whatever happened to trot, canter first? there was 3 bursts and even though i know what im doing, the horses had all the control. One even rolled her rider off her back in the sea and lay down. Not well schooled at all. The fact there were people near us on the beach too was so dangerous. The leader not once asked if anyone was ok, all she said was "hold on" - that is not a way to ride, control your horse! Needless to say i wont go back - there are numerous better, cleaner yards with well looked after horses and great staff. The fields the horses at Harelaw are kept in are worn, no grass at all or water logged. My heartbreaks for them - DO NOT RIDE HERE!!

I agree with the review below, absolutely shocked at the other reviews. I went there and was astonished at the unwelcoming attitude of the helpers and the condition of the horse I was riding. My horse had already been out and was extremely sweaty, but had not been brushed off or even groomed at all that day. The other horses were similarly dirty and the fields were just mud. Despite the cold they weren't wearing rugs, and their stables were filthy! I have to say the horse I rode was lovely, but very green, as were the others which made some riders nervous. As soon as we hit the beach all control was lost, which was fun for most, however not for the rider that fell off! it seems a shame that the beach couldn't be enjoyed, as the horses are programmed to immediately gallop there and back. I was simply told to 'hold on'. I see why some might consider this fun, but having been to many stables the facilities and the condition of the horses made Harelaw one of the worst I have been to. I don't know who has been writing the reviews, but it was not a happy experience and I will not be going back.

I haven't been for a while but when I did go I was appalled at the condition of the horses and ponies, the field that they are in and the unwelcoming staff/helpers. I vowed never to go back.