Plakias Horse Riding Center is a family-run establishment founded by Nikos Vardakis.
The center was established in 2004, and gradually expanded to what is today known as the place to ride in Plakias.
Since 2013, it operates as a Horse Riding Center by organizing riding lessons and participating in athletic competitions.
Since 2015 the riding center is an official member of E.O.I (Hellenic Equestrian Club).
Details
The Horse riding centre is located in Damnoni, Plakias, just 30 Km (25 min driving time) away from the city of Rethimnon, Crete.
At the centre , there are large olive groves /meadows for the horses to graze and roam around in, enjoying the natural environment of Crete.
There are three arenas for riding and training, depending on the level of each rider. Our largest arena was built according to the latest European standards.
At Plakias Horse riding center we have more than 40 horses and ponies of various breeds for different levels of riding.
Donkeys – We have 20 friendly donkeys for families to go out trekking.
Our staff are competent and multilingual. They have years of experience in guiding trails as well as teaching, and will provide you with an enjoyable and safe riding experience.
- Languages spoken: English, German, Greek.
- Opening hours: 08.00-14.00 and 16.00-20.00.
High-Quality Services
Plakias Horse Riding Centre is managed according to high quality north-European standards. All the horses and donkeys are vaccinated and dewormed on a regular basis.The vet makes regular visits and every 6 weeks the farrier comes to shoe our horses.
The horses and donkeys we use for riding are selected on having the right temperament and ability for the work they will be doing .
We divide their workload fairly so they all go out on a regular basis.
Their temperament are easy going and are used to mostly everything that they encounter in these surroundings.
We are animal friends
Our personnel are very sensitive to improving the welfare of all our animals in Plakias Horse Riding Centre. Our horses live free in large olive groves/meadows, grazing and roaming around , and enjoying the natural environment of Crete.
Special attention is also given to our donkeys, a species on the brink of extinction.
In co-operation with G.A.W.F. (operating as Animal Action in Greece), Plakias Horse Riding Centre hosts and takes care of many other horses and donkeys in the area that are very old or retired.