Imagine: your horse galloping across the still-damp sand, facing the Atlantic. The salty air, the sound of the waves, the vastness of the beach stretching out before you. This is what the Equestrian Center Marinain Mimizan, in the Landes, 4 kilometers from the ocean, in the heart of the largest forest in Europe.
What is a gallop on the beach?
A gallop on the beach is not simply a ride along the water's edge. It's a horseback riding excursion lasting several hours that takes you through the Landes forest and then to the Atlantic coast, where the horses pick up speed on the fine sand, individually or in groups of two.
The difference compared to a walk in the forest ? Space. The beaches of the Landes are wide, wild, far from civilization. Horses are in their element there, and riders find a rare freedom of movement.
What level of skill is required to gallop on the beach?
This is the first question candidates ask themselves. The answer is clear: you must be comfortable at all three gaits, i.e., a minimum level of gallop 3.
The forest-beach outings (half-day or full day) and the Mimizan-Bias day trip are accessible from gallop 3. The minimum age is 13 years if the rider is accompanied by a parent or family member, and 15 years without an accompanying person.
If you do not yet have this level, the Marina also offers 2-hour rides in the Landes forest accessible to beginners from 12 years old accompanied by an adult, as well as discovery courses to acquire the basics in a few days.
| Formula | Required level | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| 2-hour walk in the forest | Beginner | 12 years old (accompanied) |
| Half-day forest + beach | Minimum level 3 riding certificate | 12 years old |
| Day in the forest + beach + meal | Minimum level 3 riding certificate | 13 years old (accompanied), 15 years old alone |
| Day trip Mimizan– Bias (beach gallop) | Minimum level 3 riding certificate | 13 years old (accompanied), 15 years old alone |
Day trips
At the MarinaEquestrian Centre, these two emblematic day trips illustrate this experience well: departure in the forest, access to the beach, gallops, break at the Bias pond where the horses graze freely, exploration of the dunes and lagoons, then return to the beach at sunset before returning to the centre.
How do the day trips work?
In the morning: forest and first access to the beach
The meeting point is at 8:30 am at the equestrian center. After being welcomed and introduced to the team, the riders prepare their mounts and ride in the arena to familiarize themselves with their horses. If necessary, a change of horse is possible.
Next comes the departure for a 2 to 3 hour ride through the Landes coastline. After a warm-up allowing you to discover the temperament of your mount, you progress through the high landes and the maritime pine forest.
Afternoon: dunes, lagoons and sunset
After the break, the ride resumes, its duration depending on the tide and time of year. The group crosses lagoons through a forested area with wild vegetation before continuing along the banks of the Mimizan stream to its mouth. The day ideally ends with a visit to the beach at sunset. Arrival time varies depending on the season and the length of the days.
Size and framing
Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people (minimum 3 riders). Supervision is provided by qualified guides (Equestrian Tourism Guide or equivalent), who have extensive knowledge of the Landes and also speak English.
The natural setting: why the Landes is ideal
Equestrian Centre Marina is located in Mimizan-Bourg, 4 km from the Atlantic Ocean. This geographical location is rare: it allows you to combine, in the course of a single outing, the pine forest and the wild beach.
The Landes is home to the largest man-made forest in Europe – approximately one million hectares of maritime pines planted in the 19th century – offering shaded paths, landes , and an unexpected dune landscape. Just a few kilometers away, the Atlantic beaches stretch for dozens of kilometers without interruption: no rocks, no cliffs, just sand and waves.
In July and August, it is also possible to swim with the horses in the ocean, during the 5-hour outings offered by the center.
The horses of the Marina Equestrian Centre
The cavalry consists of 30 horses, mostly Anglo-Arabians , and 4 double ponies. They are generous, active, well-trained, and very sure-footed. Accustomed to living in a herd, they are well-balanced in groups and very friendly towards humans.
Many of them come from the family-run stud farm in Les Sables. The center places particular importance on the gait, bloodlines, and quality of life of its horses. They are ridden with Forestier brand English leather saddles, equipped with spacious saddle pads.
These horses regularly ride on the beach: they are used to the sand, the sound of the waves, and the marine environment. This is essential for galloping on the beach to take place in good conditions.
The Marina Equestrian Centre: a doubly certified establishment
Established for over 35 years, the Marina holds dual accreditation as both an Equestrian Tourism Centre and a Riding School from the French Equestrian Federation. These accreditations guarantee the quality of services, the level of instructors, and adherence to safety regulations.
Its rides are also offered by French and foreign equestrian travel agencies, which testifies to the international recognition of the establishment.
What should I wear?
Here is the recommended equipment for a forest-beach outing:
- Riding trousers and top
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Protective vest
- Ankle boots and chaps (classic boots should be avoided)
- Riding crop (optional but recommended)
- Gourd
The picnic lunch is included in the price of full days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to book your gallop on the beach?
