A WONDERFUL RIDE OVER ONE OF ENGLAND’S FINEST LANDSCAPES

EXMOOR

Vast open moorland, spectacular coastal views, deep wooded valleys and fast flowing streams all combine to form a magical backdrop for a wonderful three day adventure by horse. Bring your own, or hire one locally, and stay at one of our two accommodation options, both in the heart of the moor.

We offer two separate itineraries for Exmoor however the rides are much the same. The main difference is the accommodation, with the three night stay based at either Duredon Farm (five star) or Emmetts Grange (four star).

We particularly encourage private groups for this ride however if you would like to join a group, we will put together a mixed group as long as there is enough interest. Please get in touch to discuss this.

DUREDON FARM

At the heart of the Exmoor Forest Estate is the elegant country house which makes the perfect retreat for three days of riding across the moor. Duredon can entertain groups of up to 16 guests with eight bedrooms that have been designed for the highest comfort.

The house is situated just outside the remote village of Simonsbath, high above the upper reaches of the River Barle and surrounded by miles of magical moorland. Each guest bedroom is beautifully decorated; some have four poster beds, and all have deep baths, good showers and plenty of hot water drawn from springs on the estate. The ground floor consists of a series of rooms perfect for a house-party of friends.

After a day in the saddle, there really is nowhere more comfortable and spoiling to spend an evening, relaxing and dining, than Duredon.

www.duredon.com

EMMETTS GRANGE

At 1250 feet, Emmetts is the highest farm on the moor. With no shortage of equine facilities and being in the very heart of the moor, it is the perfect base for three days of riding across Exmoor.

The main house offers five bedrooms, some with en-suite and some without. There is plenty of space downstairs with wonderful views across the front lawn to the moor. The holiday cottage, a very close walk to the house, also has two guest bedrooms (shared bathroom), and an annexe with an en-suite double.

Emmetts has an unchanged and old world feel - it is full of charm and character and always a fun place to stay.

www.emmettsonexmoor.com

THE RIDE

Both itineraries are based on a three night stay with two full days riding and a half day ride on the final day.

You will arrive from 4 pm on the first day and after settling horses in their fields, find your room and have tea in the house. We will meet for drinks with an introduction to the ride with maps before supper.

Two full days riding will follow with approximately five hours in the saddle (three in the morning and two in the afternoon) and a leisurely lunch on the way. On the last day, there will be a ride in the morning, finishing with a final lunch before departure.

Massages can be arranged at the end of each day.

HORSES

You are expected to bring your own horse on the ride, however hirelings are available on request for experienced riders. Horses must be fit enough to cover around 15 miles in one day.

For the duration of the ride your horses will be based at either Duredon Farm or Emmetts Grange, where they will be kept in partitioned paddocks. Stabling is available at an extra cost.

There will be knowledgeable people on hand to help with feeding, watering, tacking up and washing off horses over the course of the ride. Lunch spots are carefully planned with appropriate places to tie up the horses and a support team will ensure hay nets, water buckets and headcollars are in place when we arrive and watch them during lunch.

THE FOOD

Eating and drinking well are key components of the experience and a lot of thought goes into each meal to ensure that they are all delicious and, where possible, locally sourced.

Imaginative lunch spots are chosen for their views (or shelter !) and consist of classic English alfresco food - all produced by an independent and local chef. Beer, wine and soft drinks are provided and the horses are cared for while we eat.

Breakfast and dinner each day will be served in the house. Any dietary requests can be catered for.