ENGLAND – Stationary Ride – Exmoor Countryside Ride [
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England’s west country, Exmoor, is one of the greatest horseback riding areas of the world. The area was originally a royal forest and hunting ground. You will see England’s oldest native breed, the Exmoor ponies, which wander freely on the moors. Visits to historic market towns and the old racecourse will add to your adventure. You will enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the land meeting the sea with plunging cliffs and sheltered bays as well as the stunning Valley of the Rocks. You will stay in a charming renovated cottage.
Itinerary:
DAY 1
Transfer from London to your English cottage.
DAY 2 -5
After a traditional English breakfast, you will enjoy all gaits as you ride through the North Moor, cross the River Barie and return to the cottagefor lunch. Bridlepaths through fields and hills will take you to the old racecourse on Venford Moor. You will visit the historic village of Dulverton which datesback to the Doomesday Book. Your horse will carry you across bucolic farmland over the Castle Bridge to renowned River Danesbrook, where the Danes triumphed in battle over the Anglo Saxons. A splash and a drink for the horses and onward to Hawkridge with lovely views of the valleys below. Afterwards, you will visit the Tar Steps, huge stone slabs weighing two tons each. The bridle path along the riverbank will take you past Caractus Stone to Winsford Hill. A brisk trot uphill to Anstey Common will bring into view the quaint Ringcombe Wood farm dwellings dotting the hills. A crossing at Moorhous Ridge leads youto your picnic at Willingford Bridge. The ride will journey through tall beech trees to the historic village of Withypool, inhabited since the Bronze Age and Porchester Post. Which way will you turn as the you reach Old Five Cross Way, where the roads turn in every direction. Your horse will carry you across the rugged moorland terrain to Molland, for centuries, the main thoroughfare to London. After lunch, you will visit the Saxon Church, one of the only churches left unaltered Henry VIII. As you leave Molland, you will pass the Molland Horse Trials cross-country course to Cuzzicombe Post to enjoy traditional Devon cream tea.
A last trail ride in the morning, transfers in the afternoon.
Length of ride: 2 – 4
Meeting point:Tiverton Parkway train station
Ability level: Walk, trot, canter
Horse: Warmbloods
Group size: 2-8
Saddles: English
Non-riding activity: None
Hotel/s: Traditional country cottage
Price:$1,632 per person, double occupancy
*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in British Pounds. A currency adjustment will be made at your final booking.
Not Included: Airfare, rail transport from and to airport, all lunches, 4 dinners
