Horse Riding

 

 

Horse riding is a popular past time whilst enjoying a country cottage holiday in the UK and Ireland. The perfect way to explore the beautiful landscapes and breathtaking scenery, these fantastic four legged creatures provide you with a unique perspective of the surrounding countryside. Explore hidden gems, wonderful English villages, stunning mountain ranges and exhilarating, golden beaches. Whip up the sands on a refreshing beach gallop on some of the most stunning beaches in the British Isles or take a leisurely hack through beautifully green fields, moorland or hillsides. Whatever your ability there are many places across the UK and Ireland that can accommodate your trekking needs, from the complete beginner looking for a short taster hack to the advanced rider wanting a thrill seeking, fast paced gallop through amazing countryside; there is something and somewhere for everyone. However here are some of the best places to enjoy horse riding, hacking and trekking in the UK and Ireland:

Many of the best horse riding holidays around the world have been suggested, putting together a top ten which includes Dartmoor, the Black mountains in Wales and Sligo in Ireland. These fabulous places boast not only spectacular countryside, amazing sights and beautiful towns and villages to explore but the perfect treks and trails to enjoy a wonderful countryside exploration by horseback.

Dartmoor is found within the county of Devon in south England, in the beautiful area of the country named the West country. This area also includes the wonderful counties of Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset. Perfect for the horse owner looking to take their beloved pony away on holiday with them, Dartmoor boasts stunning open moor which is excellent for trekking. For those holiday makers looking to experience horse riding for the first time you can also find plenty of stables and yards with beginner hacks and lessons on offer. Spend a wonderful family day out in Dartmoor National Park and experience this beautiful area from your unique perch on horse back, keeping fit, taking in the sights and maybe even finding a new sport that you really love.

A very pleasant gentle leafy location for horse riding is the New Forest in Hampshire, on the south coast of England. Wild ponies graze the New Forest moorland and following its establishment as a hunting playground for kings, the New Forest became an outdoor playground for anyone and everyone. There are plenty of opportunities for horse riding through the forest and the moors along way-marked bridle paths and country lanes. Take a look at self-catering breaks in the New Forest with horse riding.

Another lovely peaceful rurual location with plenty of suitable places to ride a horse is the Isle of Wight. Just a short ferry ride from southern England, the Isle of Wight takes visitors back in time to a slower pace of life ideally suited to horse riding. Find out more about holidays in the Isle of Wight.

 

Horse riding in Wales

 

Wales has always been popular for equestrians, the wonderful landscape provides excellent conditions for some truly beautiful treks, especially in the black mountains and Brecon Beacons. With all standards of rider catered for this wonderful location is a popular choice amongst budding horse riders and experienced trekkers. Experience plenty of adventure in a wonderful wilderness environment at a bum-friendly pace or take an exhilarating gallop across the peaks of some of Wales's most spectacular hills and mountains. You can even take a relaxing tour of the area, taking in the pretty villages and towns and even stopping for a pub lunch when you need a break.

One of the best places for holidays on horseback I know of is the Brecon Beacons National Park. The area is exceptionally horse-friendly, with lots of riding centres offering guided horse tours for people of all ability levels. The trails run through some compelling hills and valleys will allow you to enjoy some of the spectacular panoramic views around Pen-y-Fan and show you some historic sites such as the ruins of Llanthony Priory.

There are some horse trails that experienced riders can use for short breaks or even a weeklong holiday or even as a camping holiday. Riders can spend a long weekend riding around the Hay Triangle or a week riding along the Trans Wales Trail, taking you through the ridges along the spine of Black and Cambrian Mountains, onto the historic town of Builth Wells and on to the beaches close to Borth. There is much scope to take pictures of the views and store them in your photo- album to show your friends and family.

The trails in this area are a lot less rugged, than the ones in north Wales, which covers a vast stretch of forests and hillsides of Snowdonia. To negotiate this side of Wales, you will need to be a highly experienced rider as the route is quite torturous, requiring greater skill and mastery of controlling your horse.

However, if coastal views are your preference then head south to the beaches of the Gower Peninsula, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. Regarded as being among the best in the UK, there will be a dramatic change of scenery, with riding along the coastal paths and perhaps the beaches themselves. There is nothing like enjoying that exhilarating feeling of galloping on a horse on an unspoilt beach, with shallow water and enjoying some breathtaking scenery in the background.

 

Horse riding in Ireland

 

Sligo, found in north west Ireland has to be one of the best places to send an equine holiday. The county boasts fantastic freedom with open roads, cart tracks, bog land paths and of course miles of golden sandy beach to enjoy a breathtaking gallop. So whether you want to take a leisurely, peaceful hack, taking in the sights or gallop like the clappers there is plenty of open space and beautiful views towards county Mayo for you to take in.

 

Horse riding in Scotland

 

Scotland is also regarded as a wonderful place to enjoy horse riding and it is also said that pony trekking originated in Newtonmore in the Highlands, making the Highlands a popular area for an equine holiday. It is also a popular area to enjoy a country cottage holiday, taking in the spectacular history of the area, enjoying the coastline and witnessing the wonderful wildlife and countryside. Enjoy exploring the mountains and glens or take a brisk gallop along one of the Highlands stunning beaches from coast to coast. The Cheviot Hills and Lammermuirs in the borders is also renowned for having some of the best horse riding country in Britain, the rolling hills and wide open spaces create a wonderful environment for a spectacular hack.

 

Discover Self-catering riding holidays. or if you would like to bring your own horse on holiday with you search country cottages with stables to rent for a holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 of the Best UK Beaches to ride:

Studland Beach, Dorset
Holy Island, Northumberland
Druidston Haven, Pembrokeshire
Holkham Bay, Norfolk
Kennack Sands, Cornwall
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