Horses are a familiar sight in Hyde Park – it’s frequented by members of the Ross Nye Stables, Hyde Park Stables, the Metropolitan Police and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
A bridleway through the park, known as Rotten Row, was established in 1690 as an avenue for King William III to safely travel between Kensington Palace and St James’ Palace. It was lined with 300 oil lamps (as the area was a regular haunt for highwaymen) and is celebrated as the first artificially lit highway in Britain. During Victorian times it was a popular place for people to meet and watch the horses and carriages go by.
Hyde Park is also where the Old Police House is located, whose stabling is home to six police horses who exercise on Rotten Row.
If you’d like to horseride during your stay at 9 Hertford Street, contact either Ross Nye Stables or Hyde Park Stables who offer both rides and lessons.