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6 September 2023
Holidays on the hoof
By Phillipa
It may keep you sane, connect you with nature and give you the opportunity for a little bit of ‘me’ time. Or it could be the one activity that you enjoy with family and friends that doesn’t involve stress and arguments and truly takes you away from the daily grind.
If riding brings something special to your life, then taking a holiday that indulges your passion could be the perfect way to unwind, as well as seeing some amazing scenery and meeting like minded people.
The fantasy holiday ride for many is cantering along a stretch of beach, the taste of salt on the lips as the horse moves freely along the sand.
This was a long held dream for Eve who was celebrating a milestone birthday, and booked a holiday cottage in a pretty village on the Pembrokeshire coast, a popular destination because of its long, wide beaches that never seem to get too busy.
‘I started riding late in life, and although I love every minute spent in the saddle, I am quite nervous,’ she says. ‘I need to know that I’ll be well looked after by the staff and the horses.’
Eve spent a week riding with Nolton Stables, who organise regular treks to the local beaches of Druidstone, Newgale and Broad Haven. There are around 40 reliable cobs available that are perfect for every level of experience, catering for complete beginners through to very confident, regular riders.
‘On arrival at the beach, everyone splits into groups according to their level of experience,’ says Eve. ‘That’s reassuring, because no one is made to do anything they don’t feel comfortable with, and the real adrenaline junkies aren’t held back! My favourite horse has to be Arwen, a lovely mare who really knows her job and is steady and comfortable in every pace.’
As well as the beach, you can ride up to the headland and the woods, and if the instructors are happy with your level of competence you may be offered the chance to ride the small cross country course on their private track.
For those not inclined toward riding, there is ‘Zorbing ‘– which involves rolling down hill in an enormous ball, rather like a hamster – and a Segway track. When you’re not playing horses or hamsters however, there’s plenty locally to entertain you, including villages with great little shops, restaurants and pubs. Further afield is St David’s, the smallest city in the UK with its cathedral and a 14th century Bishop’s palace.
‘I’d definitely go back to Nolton,’ says Eve. ‘I’ve had the chance to canter for long stretches, which I rarely get to do at home, and my confidence has really improved.’
If Eve now feels more adventurous in her riding, she may want to take a look at what our own region has to offer. Just outside the pretty market town of Wickham Market in Suffolk is Valley Farm, an equestrian centre which offers riders the chance to experience much more than just straightforward English riding.
Most of the forty or so horses at the Farm have been trained in a range of disciplines, including western, side saddle, vaulting, and carriage driving. Each summer, the campsite is full of visitors keen to try new skills and improve their general knowledge of horsemanship. Set in 80 acres of meadowland, riding out is a pleasure, and lessons can be taken in the indoor schools or in one of the three outdoor manèges. Also available is the beautiful three bedroom lodge with its interesting views; there are surely worse things in life than waking up to see the UKs only full herd of Camargues tearing around the paddock!
There’s a row of Wendy houses too, each sleeping four children and supervised by an on-site nanny at night, so both the young and the young at heart will feel at home here. The centre’s cafe has viewing windows overlooking the indoor school but there are also eateries in the village or in nearby Woodbridge. A little further afield is the spectacular Suffolk coastline with its jewel, Aldeburgh, at its heart. But it seems there is so much fun to be had on the farm that visitors rarely stray too far.
‘We can tailor activities to suit,’ says instructor Amanda. ‘We have enough ponies here to ensure that every age and ability of rider will find something just right for them. Of course, you can bring your own pony, but if you want to try something different, ours are highly trained in their specialist skills.’
You can watch peacocks strutting their stuff and the chickens pecking around as they roam. Say hello to the Farm’s star attractions, Camelot, the camel who thinks he’s a horse, and Coquin Deux, the young Camargue colt, born in 2012. With games around the campfire and new friends to be made – two legged and four legged – the Valley Farm experience is like being transported into the pages of an Enid Blyton novel. Lashings of ginger beer should be compulsory.
Some people prefer to stick to traditional riding and want to take their own horse and have the ‘home away from home’ feel.
Up in the furthermost reaches of Cumbria, is Off The Beaten Track Rides, where owner Chris Parsons and her mum Joy will welcome you to their home with great food, chat and lots of laughs. You’ll be made very comfortable in one of the three twin bedded rooms, while your horses stay out in the pasture in summer or are stabled in the colder months.
Visitors may go out and explore on their own if they wish, but usually they like to be accompanied by Chris.
‘I tend to sit at the back of the ride, and encourage people to take whichever path they choose, within reason,’ says Chris. ‘Obviously I know the terrain around here very well, so I might point the group in a particular direction. It depends on what they want to do – if they are keen for a good canter, I know all the tracks that offer the chance of a good blast. But if they want to amble along, enjoy the scenery and take it easy, that’s fine too.’
Christine Rogers stayed with her horse Tilly, and has booked again for this year.
‘The only thing you share the scenery with is the local wildlife,’ she says. ‘It’s rare to meet traffic, cyclists or even walkers, which leaves you free to relax and enjoy the hacking.’
Another visitor, Jules Gilchrist-Beckett, took her horse Sam The Man.
‘I never stopped laughing,’ says Jules. ‘And I really enjoyed the chance to ride for five hours at a stretch, including fitting in a mile and a half canter. It’s one of the best holidays I’ve ever had!’
As well as the quiet roads and forest pathways there is a shallow river which horses love to stop and paddle in, cool down and have a drink. Treasure hunts in the woods are a regular feature, as are the popular fancy dress rides to the local pub.
Chris also says that there are plenty of places for the non riders to venture out to as well. Hadrian’s Wall, the Lake District and the Cumbrian coast are all within easy driving distance.
There are so many types of riding holiday in the UK that it should be reasonably easy to find something to suit almost anyone with just a little research.
So throw off the shackles of everyday life and feel your cares drift away. Revel in that unique bond between human and equine. Put it on your ‘must do’ list today.
www.noltonstables.com
www.valleyfarmonline.co.uk
www.offthebeatentrackrides.co.uk