Riding holidays - any recommendations?

[Em 1]

I posted about this ages ago but am now much older, more bruised and hopefully wiser! Can anyone recommend anywhere good to go for a weekend of hacking/treking/instruction in Wales, Shropshire, the Lake District, Scottish borders, Yorkshire at a push? Have had a look at Five Saints and it looks good but has anyone been there? We are looking for a relaxing weekend - no bolting or broken bones(!), but can WTC and gallop happily. Has anyone been anywhere they would recommend for this?

Many thanks,

Em

[Lovecat]

I went to Allendale in Northumbria many years ago on a 'learn to ride' holiday and had a fantastic time - good lessons in the morning and afternoons spent galloping over the moors. They do a variety of breaks, including weekend trail-riding breaks. Lovely horses, gorgeous food in abundance and great local pubs too, as I remember!

Here's the website: http://www.dalehotel.freeserve.co.uk/northumbria_holidays.htm

Disclaimer: this would have been about 10 years ago now, so if someone has been there recently an update would be appreciated!

[Jodie & Ru]

I ordered a brochure from Allendale and it looks great and am thinking of maybe booking.

Lovecat, did you go go on your own? This is all i'm a bit worried about.

[Scootster]

Try Transwales Trecks. They are very good: http://www.transwales.demon.co.uk/

Paul is very cute.

[HAYLEY GITTOES]

I went on a riding holiday last year on the border of Scotland, and it was fantastic. the web site addresse is: www.skylarkcottages.co.uk

If it dosnt work PM me and ill have another look.

Regards
hayley

[Lovecat]

Hi Jodie

I went on my own (billy no-mates!), I was the only one there on my own that week and it did get a bit lonely at times - even the people who were 'single' riders had brought their partners as non-riders...

But everyone was very friendly and I only had a couple of nights reading a book on my own in the bar!

[bexj]

the Dales Trekking Centre in Malham, North Yorkshire www.ydtc.co.uk

They do superb hacks on Dales ponies ranging from 1 hour to 5 days long. The horses are fit and well schooled, and the scenery is breathtaking - even though I know the area well. The owner, Zana is very well informed about the local area and is a very good ride leader.

If galloping across miles of deserted moorland is your cup of tea, then this is the place for you!

[Hels]

I've been to Five Saints for a 1hr hack. Lovely countryside. They were very strict about what order you went in (scarily so, there was no leeway in anything) so I guess they were pretty safety conscious.

There's an adult only place quite close to there called Cae Iago which I went to for holidays when I was younger (and they accepted children). The family who still own and run it are absolutely lovely and they are approved by every organisation going. I absolutely loved going there, and would love to go again. The countryside is wonderful.

[fair~filly]

Last year I went HERE (http://www.americanhorseriding.com/) western trail riding riding.....and I went HERE (http://www.atspringhill.co.uk/) english riding with a group of friends (our pic is on their homepage)
We spent 8 hours in the saddle riding English & hope to go back soon. We found hotels nearby to both places, stayed for the weekend & had a blast.:)

F~Fxxx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Horses are Us© (http://horse.notlong.com) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[DITZ]

I read in a magazine a while ago about adult pony club for those of us who were never lucky enough to attend as kids. I'd love to do that I think - has anyone done that?

[Njal]

I can recommend pendragon-riding-holidays.co.uk in wales which is good varied riding over moor, forest, and beach, and you can go at your own pace. (well, except on the beach!!)

Njal