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 Marina Equestrian Center offers in Mimizan, in the Landes region, 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 isn’t just a stroll along the water’s edge. It’s a multi-hour horseback ride that takes you through the Landes forest and then to the Atlantic coast, where the horses pick up speed on the fine sand, either individually or in pairs.
The difference compared to a horseback ride in the forest? The space. The beaches of the Landes are wide, wild, and far from civilization. The horses are in their element there, and the 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. The answer is clear: you must be comfortable at all three gaits, which is equivalent to a minimum of Galop 3 level.
The forest-beach rides (half-day or full-day) and the Mimizan-Bias day trip are accessible from Galop 3 level. The minimum age is 13 if the rider is accompanied by a parent or family member, and 15 unaccompanied.
If you don’t yet have this level, the Marina Equestrian Center also offers 2-hour rides in the Landes forest, accessible to beginners from age 12 when accompanied, as well as introductory courses to learn the basics in just a few days.
| Formula | Required Level | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Hour Forest Ride | Beginner | 12 years old (accompanied) |
| Half-Day Forest + Beach | Minimum Level 3 (Galop 3) | 12 years old |
| Full Day Forest + Beach + Lunch | Minimum Level 3 (Galop 3) | 13 years old (accompanied), 15 years old (alone) |
| Full Day Mimizan–Bias (beach gallop) | Galop Minimum age 3 | 13 years (accompanied), 15 years alone |
Day trips
At the Marina Equestrian 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?
Morning: Forest and First Access to the Beach
The meeting point is at 8:30 a.m. at the equestrian center. After a welcome and introduction to the team, riders prepare their mounts and work in the arena to get acquainted with their horses. If necessary, a change of horse is possible.
Then comes the departure for a 2- to 3-hour ride along the Landes coastline. After a warm-up to get a feel for their mount’s temperament, the ride continues through the high moors and maritime pine forest.
Afternoon: Dunes, Lagoons, and Sunset
After a break, the ride resumes, depending on the tide and the time of year. The group crosses lagoons, in the heart of a forested area with wild vegetation, before heading towards the banks of the Mimizan stream and its mouth. The day ideally ends with a ride on the beach at sunset. Arrival time varies depending on the season and the length of the days.
Size and supervision
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 region and also speak English.
The Natural Setting: Why the Landes Region is Ideal
The Marina Equestrian Center is located in Mimizan-Bourg, 4 km from the Atlantic Ocean. This geographical location is exceptional: it allows you to experience both the pine forest and the unspoiled beach in a single outing.
The Landes region is home to the largest man-made forest in Europe – approximately one million hectares of maritime pines planted in the 19th century – which offers shaded trails, natural heathland, 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 Center
The stable 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 with people.
Many of them come from the family breeding farm in Les Sables-d’Olonne. The center places particular importance on the gait, bloodlines, and quality of life of its horses. They are ridden with Forestier leather English 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 ensuring that cantering on the beach takes place in good conditions.
The Marina Equestrian Centre: a doubly certified establishment
Established for over 35 years, the Marina Equestrian Center holds two certifications from the French Equestrian Federation: Equestrian Tourism Center and Riding School. These certifications guarantee the quality of services, the expertise of the instructors, and adherence to safety regulations.
Its trail rides are also offered by French and international equestrian travel agencies, reflecting the center’s international reputation.
What to wear?
Here is the recommended equipment for a forest-beach ride:
- Riding pants and top
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Protective vest
- Horse boots and chaps (regular riding boots are not recommended)
- Riding crop (optional but recommended)
- Water bottle
Lunch is included in the price of full-day rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to book your gallop on the beach?
