King David Stables

Beyond the stable gates

The trail-riding programme takes riders outside the stable grounds into the countryside around Yad HaShmona. Every outing is led by the stable team, whose programme description emphasises the safety of both riders and horses. It is an option for trying riding outdoors with an instructor rather than staying in a teaching arena. The published page does not specify one fixed route or duration for every ride. Discuss the route, pace and time in the saddle when arranging your visit.

Choose a trail ride or a course

A riding school with a family team

The official team page introduces Anthony, Eric, Gilad and Shoshi Lifshitz. The school offers courses that cover horse care, basic veterinary topics and working with horses. Some teaching programmes also include mounted archery or lasso skills. These are course activities, so check separately what is included in a one-off trail ride. Teenagers enrolled in lessons can ask about the apprentice programme, which involves volunteering in the daily routine of the stables during the school year.

Different programmes for different riders

Alongside trail rides, the stables advertises pony rides for younger children, holiday camps and therapeutic riding. Its general camp description starts at age six and groups children by age and riding ability. That camp threshold is different from the minimum age of eight for countryside rides. Lessons and camps use Hebrew and English. Therapeutic riding is a separate service to discuss with the team individually; the existence of the programme does not establish its suitability for a particular rider or promise a health outcome.

Before getting in the saddle

• Wear suitable clothing The stables recommends long trousers and closed shoes. Helmets are available on site.
• Arrange your programme Contact the team in advance. Give the ages of children and the experience of each rider, then agree on the activity, start time and duration.
• Discuss assistance needs Ask about help with mounting, mobility needs and accompanying visitors before travelling. The published accessibility statement covers the website and does not establish step-free access around the stables.

Location, riding days and contacts

Location

Yad HaShmona, King David Stables / חוות המלך דוד. Confirm the entrance and meeting point directly with the team.

Trail-riding days

Sunday to Friday by prior arrangement. These are the advertised days for arranging trail rides, not a published timetable of opening hours or guaranteed departure slots.

Telephone

053-7471681 and 053-7398866. Both numbers are displayed on the official website.

Website

https://kingdavidstables.com/

Languages

Hebrew and English are advertised for guided rides and teaching. Request your preferred language when arranging the activity.

Plan the final part of the journey

Use King David Stables or חוות המלך דוד when discussing directions, and obtain the agreed meeting point before leaving for Yad HaShmona. The contact page does not give detailed instructions for the entrance, parking or the approach to the mounting area. The school mentions organised transport for enrolled pupils from Jerusalem and Mevaseret Zion. Do not assume this applies to a single trail ride; ask whether it is available for your programme. Holiday-camp hours should likewise not be treated as the opening hours of the whole site.

Questions before your ride

• Can I ride if I am a beginner? Yes. The trail-riding and couples programmes explicitly welcome riders without previous experience. Tell the team your level when arranging the activity.
• What is the minimum age for a trail ride? The published minimum is eight for rides outside the stable grounds. Camps and pony activities have separate participation conditions.
• Which days can I arrange a ride? The trail-riding page lists Sunday to Friday with advance contact required. It does not publish fixed daily opening and closing times.
• What should I wear, and are helmets supplied? Wear long trousers and closed shoes, as recommended by the stables. Helmets are provided on site.
• What does the programme for two offer? It offers a countryside ride and the option of a table set for two in a wooded location afterwards. Confirm the arrangements and inclusions directly.
• Can I arrange an English-speaking activity? The official site advertises Hebrew- and English-speaking instruction and guided riding. Confirm your preferred language in advance.
• How do I contact the stables? Call 053-7471681 or 053-7398866. The location is Yad HaShmona; confirm the entrance and meeting point before travelling.
• Is the site accessible to visitors with limited mobility? Physical access arrangements have not been confirmed. Ask the team about the approach to the mounting area and any assistance you need.