riding holiday recommendations--UK/Ireland?

[Roheryn]

Just thought I'd ask if any of you can recommend a good place for a riding holiday in the UK or Ireland for 3 or perhaps 4 American riders. We're thinking of trying to do something sometime this summer or maybe next fall, something like a week at a place where we could do a series of lessons and maybe riding out as well. As some of you may know I am a fairly nervous rider working my way up to Intro. Level dressage (walk-trot, circles, planning to start cantering and lateral work if my horse and I are ever sound at the same time!); the others are at about the same level (maybe one of us is Training or even First Level). None of us jump (though ages ago I did hunt seat; I also ride western sometimes). We would just like to be able to do some lessons on good school-type horses. I personally would like to be within a walk of the sea, but what I would REALLY like is advice/recommendations from people who know good places. I know I can do a Web search, but recommendations from horsey people are valuable. :)

[NoviceNic]

You so have to visit Murthwaite Green in the Lake District. Many, many people have been there and rave about the place. Me included....:D

There is a Bed and Breakfast next door that is also highly recommended.

I'm jealous already.....:o ;)

http://www.murthwaitegreen.co.uk/

[bexj]

I was going to suggest Murthwaite - I'm hoping to check it out this summer! Also if you fancied a change of equine, then http://www.cumbrianheavyhorses.com/index.html

have just relocated to fairly near Murthwaite. I rode with them when they were up in Scotland, and would def go back, especially as it's a bit nearer.

I can also personally recommend www.ydtc.net too, although I'm not sure if they do lessons. However, well schooled ponies, outstanding scenery and very friendly pub/accommodation!

[Roheryn]

Thanks, NoviceNic and bexj!
I would love to visit the Lake District. The last time I was in England I met a couple of people who recommended it--unfortunately this was 2 days before I was due to come back here.
I will check out the Murthwaite site and the others--the heavy horses site sounds really intriguing. And a B&B nearby would be very nice.
:) :)

[bexj]

As I was brought up in the Lake District, I am more than a little bit biased:p but it is a beautiful place. If I can do anything at all to help you (like go to check anywhere out...., sample the local pubs, etc;) ) then just pm me:)

[Roheryn]

Murthwaite Green looks fantastic online! I can almost smell the sea and the grass. And I've already fallen in long-distance love with one of the horses who looks exactly like my guy except for being a different color and breed (they have the same look in their eye and similar blazes.;) )
I've been exploring the website and I like that it's accessible by train and that there are places to stay within walking distance. I must really scrub my wellies to get them clean enough to pack.
I will send a link to the site to my horsey friends here and I may be asking you two about seasonal weather etc. When I was thinking of being within a walk of the sea I was actually thinking of Sussex, but I have heard that the Lake District is beautiful and I do love mountains. I'll have to see what my riding friends think of the website--I imagine they will be as enthusiastic as I feel.
Thanks!

[loopyh]

bexj where do you ride?

[bexj]

bexj where do you ride? I have my own horse....

[loopyh]

Just curious - your the only person I have noticed who comes from the leeds area. Are you a member of a riding club?

[bexj]

nope not a member of any club , just hack out usually around Tong area... there are quite a few of us from round here,.....:)

[horseygirl123]

I've just looked at the Murthwaite Green website and it looks pretty amazing and £290 for a 3 day break doesnt sound too bad a price too especially considering you are out for 6 hours one of those days
I want to go, i want to go :D
Anyone fancy coming too ??
Might book to go there in june time :)

[loopyh]

I want to go as well I don't know that I can afford it as yet though - I was planning to have a holiday around August - going to dump daughter on father and have a break by myself. Will have to see if bank balance improves first though.

[Roheryn]

I've just now looked at the website of the Yorkshire Dales Trekkiing Centre. It seems I completely missed that link the first time I read your post, bexj.
They do give lessons as well as trekking. I have never met a Dales Pony but I have admired them for a long time and the whole place sounds very nice and friendly.
I'll have to check out prices and places to stay--are there any B&Bs or other places near there that you know of?

[bexj]

There's a pub in the village, which looks nice, although I've never stayed there. It's called the Lister Arms, I think there's a link to it from the YDTC site. Alternatively, the village of Malham is a little tourist trap, so there is bound to be plenty of other B&B's or self-catering cottages in the vicinity.

I think you would have to hire a car though, as it's quite a way from a station.

I really can't recommend it highly enough, i've ridden there about 5 or 6 times now over the last few years, and love it. It caters well for competent and beginner riders, the horses are superb, all very gentle and wellschooled, they obviously love the job they do, and the owners are really friendly and knowledgeable about the area too. I love that area, it has to be well up in my favourites in the whole of the UK:)