Horseback riding on the beach of Terschelling

Come to Puur Terschelling for a beautiful outdoor ride. High up on the warm back of a Friesian or Shire horse, you will feel complete freedom—especially by the sea, with the fresh wind and the sound of the waves. A beach ride is a dream for many riders, and we love making dreams come true! Our rides (lasting two hours) take you across the beach and through the island’s natural landscape. It’s more than just a ride; we create a true Puur experience. First, you’ll have a look around the yard. After the ride, you can unsaddle your horse yourself. We offer a personal ending with a warm or cold drink.

A ride on Terschelling is unforgettable. Both beginners and experienced riders are welcome for this Puur experience.

Choose your riding route

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Level

Puur Beginners (geen/weinig ervaring)

Walk and trot: for those with the least experience

Age:	8 years to 65 years
Height:	Minimum 1.30 metres
Experience:	Riders with no or little experience
Route:	Dunes, cranberry fields, forest and beach

Outdoor ride:	2 hours
Times:	Day, evening and full moon tours
Horses:	calmer and more reliable horses

We walk and trot at the level of the least experienced rider in the group.
Ideal for complete beginners, riders with little experience of trail rides, or those who haven't ridden for a long time.
Perfect for partners, friends or family members where not everyone can ride, but who still want to enjoy a trail ride together.

Puur Beginners+

Little experience: walk and trot

Age:	8 years to 65 years
Height:	Minimum 1.30 metres
Experience:	Beginner rider who has done an outdoor ride (walk and trot)
Route:	Dunes, cranberry fields, forest and beach

Outdoor ride:	3 hours
Times:	Day trips
Horses:	Calmer and more reliable horses

Walking and trotting, with a bit more trotting than the two-hour outdoor ride (no galloping).
Very suitable for riders who haven't ridden for a long time and want to restart gently.
Ideal for beginner riders who can trot well, but do have some experience with outdoor rides.
During this outdoor ride you'll ride through, amongst other places, the unique nature reserve de Boschplaat.

Beginners+

Puur Gervorderd

Experience with walk, trot and canter

Age:	10 years to 65 years
Height:	Minimum 1.30 metres
Experience:	Minimum 3 years of weekly lessons mastery of all gaits walk, trot and canter extensive experience with outdoor rides
Route:	Dunes, cranberry fields, forest and beach

Outdoor ride:	2 hours during the day
Outdoor ride:	3 hours + de Boschplaat
Outdoor ride:	4 hours + Drenkelingenhuisje
Outdoor ride:	5 hours + Drenkelingenhuisje and Amelandergat
Horses:	Reliable horses

You have good physical fitness.
You can control a horse well in all gaits.
You sit securely in the saddle. You ride a varied outdoor ride, specially designed for advanced riders.
Riding takes place in walk, trot and canter (no racing gallop). Pace changes are clearly indicated.

Puur Gevorderd+

Extensive experience with walk, trot and canter

Age:	12 years to 65 years
Height:	Minimum 1.30 metres
Experience:	minimum 5 years of weekly lessons, mastery of all gaits walk, trot and canter extensive experience with outdoor rides and bareback riding
Route:	Dunes, cranberry fields, forest, beach and North Sea

Outdoor ride:	2 hours swimming with horses
Outdoor ride:	2 hours bareback
Times:	Morning, afternoon and evening, depending on the tide
Horses:	Reliable horses that can swim well

You still ride regularly, at least once a week.
You are physically fit and have good stamina.
You have lots of experience with longer outdoor rides.
You can ride different horses well.
You master all gaits and sit securely without a saddle on the horse.
Riding is done at walk, trot and canter (no racing gallop).

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Puur level classification here:

Puur levels

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at Puur Terschelling?

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Beginners Horse Riding

Advanced Horse Riding

Private Horse Riding

Full moon horse riding

Evening horse riding tour on Terschelling

Pure Day Out on Terschelling with a Beach Ride on a Frisian Horse

Bareback horse riding

Swimming with Friesian Horses

Take your parents to Terschelling

Horses for sale

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a ride last?

Puur Terschelling offers various horse back ride. The duration ranges from 1 hour (private only) to 2, 3, 4, or 5 hours. We also organize full moon and evening rides.

Can I borrow a riding helmet?

Yes, the riding helmet is included in the price. You can borrow a helmet free of charge in sizes 49 to 66.

Do I ride alone or in a group?

You can ride individually (private), in a group, or in combination with a private covered wagon. Group rides are suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. At Puur Terschelling, you ride in small groups of up to 6 guests—ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Upon request, we also offer rides for private groups of up to 7 or 8 guests. Mixed skill levels can ride together, provided the beginner-level ride is chosen, where no galloping takes place.

What clothing is recommended?

Long trousers and closed shoes are required. Each saddle is equipped with safety stirrups. They provide comfort and ensure that your foot cannot slip through the stirrup.

Is the use of a GoPro allowed?

Would you like to capture great footage with your GoPro? It is only allowed when attached with a separate strap to your helmet. For safety reasons, a chest mount or any other type of attachment is not permitted.

What equipment is used?

Almost all Puur horses are equipped with an Australian stock saddle with safety stirrups during the rides. This saddle offers excellent comfort thanks to its soft foam padding. The knee blocks also provide a safe and stable riding position. This type of saddle is lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain.

What about animal welfare?

At Puur Terschelling, the health of our horses comes first. Our horses are ridden by guests almost every day. We aim to do this responsibly, ensuring the horses are not overburdened. That is why each rider is matched with a horse based on their weight. Smaller horses can carry up to a maximum of 90 kg. The Shire horse, one of the largest horse breeds in the world, can carry up to 120 kg. When mounting, we always use a mounting block. This helps reduce strain on the horses’ backs. Every rider, whether beginner or advanced, uses the Puur mounting platform.

Does a ride always go ahead?

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. That’s why our rides always go ahead, as horseback riding is an outdoor experience. Rain gear is available and can be borrowed from us. If temperatures rise above 30°C in summer, we take a break between 12:00 and 16:00. Only in case of thunderstorms will we reschedule a ride in consultation with you.

Paarden rennen in draf over het Noordzee strand

Een groep ruiters rijdt door het bos op Terschelling

Do you love Terschelling?

Share this feeling with family, friends, or colleagues. Give them an unforgettable memory, surrounded by beach, dunes, and sea. A Puur Terschelling gift voucher has no expiration date and can be used for all activities, from mudflat hiking to horseback riding. You can also use the voucher for an overnight stay.

Order a gift voucher

Herd of Friesian horses

At Puur Terschelling, everything is family—and that includes our herd. We breed our own Friesian and Shire horses; their withers height ranges from 1.50 to 1.80 metres. Foals grow up within the herd, where each horse knows its place. In turn, we know our horses inside out. They are trained consistently, with great care and respect, making them reliable horses. They live together as a herd out in the fields. We consciously choose to maintain a closed herd, meaning no horses are brought in from outside. This creates calm and trust.

Trail rides

A horseback ride is a unique experience—especially on Terschelling. Within just a few kilometres, you’ll ride along the North Sea beach, through dunes and forests, and past the island’s cranberry fields. When riding outdoors, a whole new world opens up to you. In a natural environment, a horse feels completely at home. The scents and sounds, the sea water or soft forest ground beneath their hooves—this is what horses truly love. Our riding route is deliberately varied, so you can enjoy the island’s nature together.

Tips

Riders of different levels can ride together in a group, as the beginner level is suitable for everyone. Would you still like to canter? Then book an advanced ride at your own level!
Do you take riding lessons at home and are unsure about your level? Ask your own instructor for advice!
There is a big difference between a beginner and an advanced rider. We believe that those who fall in between these levels should continue practising a bit longer in an arena or outdoor riding area (enclosed space). After three years of weekly lessons, you are ready for the Puur advanced ride.