Fort Apache
Fort Apache — Equestrian Club

Equestrian club — Vence · Col de Vence

A home for horses, in the heart of the Préalpes d'Azur

Family pony rides from age 2, riding lessons, school holiday camps and trail rides. Open every day.

Welcome to Fort Apache

An exceptional training, a shared passion

Pénélope has been riding since the age of five. Over her career, she has had the chance to work with and for great names in horse riding, including the renowned Bartabas and his Théâtre équestre Zingaro. From these encounters, she has drawn a rare sense of rigour in the selection, training and care of her horses.

Her philosophy today: to pass on what she has received — the complete apprenticeship of the horse. From the youngest pony riders to advanced competitors, every rider finds their place at Fort Apache.

What sets us apart

Why choose Fort Apache

An equestrian club unlike any other — by its history, its team, and its setting.

40 years of experience

Over forty years welcoming families and sharing our love of horses, in a spirit of transmission and constant improvement.

An exceptional training

Pénélope, founder, has worked alongside leading figures of the equestrian world, including the renowned Bartabas and his Théâtre équestre Zingaro.

Préalpes Natural Park

An exceptional setting at the Col de Vence, 40 minutes from the sea, within a preserved regional natural park.

Open every day

The club welcomes you all year round, from 10am to 5pm. Lessons, rides, camps — the choice is yours.

Pony ride at the Col de Vence★ Signature activity

Since 1975

Go on a pony ride

This is the favourite activity of families at Fort Apache. We welcome children from age 2 for rides through wild countryside, on marked trails in the heart of the Col de Vence.

From 10 minutes to several hours: after a short safety briefing, you set off with your children on the back of a pony that you lead by hand. From Shetlands for the youngest to large ponies for teenagers.

  • Children welcome from age 2
  • CE-compliant helmets and safety stirrups provided
  • Ponies carefully selected for their gentleness, for over 40 years
  • In the heart of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park
  • Open every day, from 10am to 5pm
Book a ride

An exceptional journey

A founder trained by the masters of the discipline

« Over a lifetime in the saddle, Pénélope had the chance to work with and for some of the most respected names in horse riding, including Bartabas and his renowned Théâtre équestre Zingaro. »

From each of these encounters, she has drawn a rare sense of rigour in the selection, training and care of her horses. A philosophy she now passes on to every rider, from the youngest beginner to the advanced competitor.

Meet the team and the club →

Our activities

Activities for every rider

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced rider, we offer an activity suited to your wishes and level.

They trust us

What our riders say

« You really learn everything about caring for a horse, not just riding. Whatever happens — feeding, illness — you know what to do. »

A rider

Fort Apache student

« It's a club where coming here actually means something. You learn to know your horse, to understand horse riding. The horse truly matters. »

A parent

France 3 — Television report

« When I'm having small problems, at school or with friends, I go see the horses. It helps me, it calms me down. »

A young rider

France 3 — Television report

Ready to saddle up? Get in touch

Our team is here to help you find the right programme — from the youngest pony rider to the seasoned competitor. Open every day from 10am to 5pm.

Come and see us

Find us

75 route de Saint-Barnabé, Quartier Col de Vence, 06140 Vence