Horses to return to Formby Beach for spectacular exclusive autumn ride through the dunes

Horse riders will have the rare opportunity to ride through normally restricted areas of Formby’s spectacular sand dunes and out onto the beach this September, as a hugely popular equestrian event returns for a second time this year.

Following overwhelming demand for its previous ride, BHS North West, part of the British Horse Society, has announced the return of the Formby Beach Ride on Saturday 19 September, with the continued support of National Trust Formby.

What makes the event particularly special is that riders have been granted exclusive permission to cross areas of the Formby sand dunes that are not normally permitted for everyday horse riding.

The ride will begin from Marsh Farm on Range Lane, Formby, L37 2HU, before taking horses and riders through the dunes and out onto the glorious sands of Formby Beach.

A choice of two spectacular routes

Riders can choose between two routes of approximately eight miles or six miles.

Both will take participants across the dunes, onto the beach with spectacular views across the Irish Sea, before returning along a fully marked and marshalled route.

The majority of the ride will be at walk and trot, although there will be stretches of beach suitable for a controlled canter where conditions allow. Riders are being reminded to remain mindful of other horses and members of the public enjoying the coastline.

The shorter six mile route is also suitable for riders on a lead rein, although organisers advise that it involves walking for long stretches across the sand.

For anyone who has dreamed of experiencing Formby’s coastline from horseback, it promises to be an unforgettable sight, with horses making their way through the dunes before emerging onto the vast open beach.

Important information for riders

Parking at Marsh Farm is included within the entry fee and riders will choose a 30 minute arrival slot when making their booking.

Once they arrive, participants will have up to 30 minutes to register, prepare their horse and set off. Anyone hoping to complete the route alongside friends should therefore make sure they all book the same arrival slot.

All riders must have public liability insurance.

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the event, while riders must be competent and confident riding in wide open spaces and capable of maintaining control of their horse at all times.

Horses and ponies taking part must be at least four years old and have an appropriate level of fitness for the route.

Organisers have also highlighted that the route passes close to a firing range, which may be active on the day.

Priority booking opens this week

How to book your place

With the previous Formby Beach Ride attracting overwhelming demand, anyone hoping to take part should make a note of the booking dates.

BHS members in the North West will get priority booking from Thursday 13 August. The booking details and link will be sent directly to members through the monthly BHS member email newsletter.

Booking will then open to the general public at 6pm on Friday 14 August, subject to places remaining following the members’ priority booking period.

The event is being organised by BHS North West, part of The British Horse Society.

As the public booking link has not yet been released, riders hoping to secure a place should keep an eye on BHS North West updates ahead of 6pm on Friday.

Given the overwhelming demand for the previous Formby ride, places could prove extremely popular.

The event takes place on:

Formby Beach Autumn Ride

📅 Saturday 19 September

📍 Marsh Farm, Range Lane, Formby, L37 2HU

BHS North West said it was extremely grateful for the continued support of National Trust Formby, which has made it possible to hold a second beach ride this year and provide riders with access to areas that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

With miles of beautiful coastline, sweeping dunes, sea views and the unforgettable experience of riding a horse along Formby Beach, it is easy to understand why the previous event proved so popular.

For horse lovers across Formby and the wider North West, Saturday 19 September promises to be a very special day on our coastline.

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Photographs taken with permission of National Trust Formby