Cheers! Company creates list of horse-friendly pubs for riders
Go for a ride, or have a drink in the pub — or both?
One pub operator has tried to make it as easy as possible for riders to combine hacking with a refreshment stop, creating a list of horse-friendly venues.
Brakspear, which runs more than 100 pubs in England, has a list on its website and also an app, which riders can use to find nearby venues that welcome horses.
“In these eco-conscious times we wanted to remind people that some of our pubs can cater for those arriving on horseback,” said Brakspear marketing manager Emma Sweet.
“A lot of our pubs were originally built as coach and horse inns, so it’s a great way to incorporate a pub’s history with its modern offering. Riding is a great way to get some fresh air and arrive in style.”
Many of the pubs also nearby off-road routes, some of which are bridleways, which can be identified on the app.
“Our landlords have been welcoming horses to their pubs for years,” Emma said. “With so many of the pubs in the countryside, they’re ideal for horse riders. We’re lucky to have some great riding trails in the areas surrounding some of the pubs, so stopping for a drink and a bite to eat with your horse is easy.”
A Brakspear spokesman told H&H all the horse-friendly pubs have safe places to tie up, and are able to provide water for the horses.
One of these is the Blackwood Arms, in Littleworth Common. Landlord Sean Arnett said: “We’ve welcomed horses ever since we took over the pub 11 years ago, and I’m sure the Blackwood was welcoming them long before that. We have a [rail] opposite our front door which is perfect for tethering horses to, and we make sure that both horse and rider are well looked after!”
You might also be interested in:
Tea for two: mare strolls into racecourse canteen
Watch the video of four-year-old Rosamaria investigating the cakes on offer
A pint at the pub WITH your horse — could there be a more winning combination?
Horses can mean compromise (missing friends' birthday parties, saying no to holidays to save the pennies...) But just when you
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world

Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.