Altyn-Arai Equestrian Sports Complex

Location: Located in the Chubarash valley, approximately 35 km from Almaty, in the Talgar district, near the Ak-Bulak ski resort.

About this place: A modern riding club featuring trails for all skill levels and professional instruction.

Altyn-Arai is situated in the Chubarash valley, 35 km from Almaty and just a few minutes' drive from the Ak-Bulak ski resort, making it easy to visit both locations in a single day. There are plenty of trail options available: from one-hour rides for beginners to 15 kilometers or more for experienced riders. The facility features three stables and an open arena, with instructors on staff for first-time riders. All equipment—riding vests, helmets, and boots—are provided on-site, so no special preparation is needed.

History

Unlike its neighboring resorts Ak-Bulak and Tabagan, which have well-documented histories of competitions and Soviet heritage, Altyn-Arai has no notable competitive chronicle. What is known comes from what you see on the ground: the complex was established in the Chubarash valley as a modern riding club designed to accommodate different skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders, rather than to pursue sporting records. The covered arena is a rarity among equestrian clubs in the region—such facilities are typically built for year-round operation rather than just pleasant summer weekends.

The trails cater to everyone: a one-hour walk for those new to riding, and multi-kilometer excursions for confident riders ready for trotting and galloping through the foothills. The complex also offers hippotherapy—therapeutic horseback riding used as rehabilitation for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, where the gentle pace of the horse and work with an instructor can help where machines cannot. Nearby Ak-Bulak, with its pine forests and slopes, naturally suggests a weekend itinerary: ride in the morning, then head to the neighboring ski slope or hotel pool in the afternoon.