THE RIDGEWAY DOWNS
THE VALLEY OF THE RACEHORSE
A CLASSIC ENGLISH RIDE IN UNSPOILT COUNTRY WITHIN 60 MILES OF LONDON
THE RIDE
The standard itinerary for the ride is based on a three night stay at Woolley Park with three days riding - two longer days and a shorter final day - but is entirely flexible should you wish to make it shorter or longer. Each day has approximately five hours in the saddle with leisurely picnic lunches on the way. All three days cover a different area and all start and finish at Woolley Park.
Private groups are encouraged however this is not exclusive so if you would like to join a group then please get in touch and we will try to put a group together. You are expected to bring your own horse however a limited number of hirelings may be available for experienced riders. Woolley Park has much to offer beyond good riding, so non-riders are encouraged to join too.
WOOLLEY PARK
Woolley Park is an Estate on the Berkshire/Oxfordshire border and has been in the same family since the reign of Henry VIII. Today the house is the home of Kirsten Loyd and her family, as well as horses, chickens and dogs. Among the spectacular grounds of Woolley Park is the walled garden, tennis court and swimming pool. The Estate is positioned high above the surrounding area making the views across the parkland and local landscape unrivalled on a summers day.
With bridleways heading in all directions, we are spoilt for choice with beautiful rides which is why Woolley Park makes the ideal place to stay for the duration of the ride. After a day in the saddle, what more can you ask for than to relax, dine in style and stay in such a magnificent country house.
THE RIDGEWAY & LAMBOURN DOWNS
The Ridgeway, known to many as the oldest track in Europe, follows the crest of the downs for 87 miles from Wiltshire to Buckinghamshire. Over 5000 years it has been used by travellers, farmers and armies. During Saxon and Viking times it was used to transport soldiers into Wessex and in medieval times and later it was used by drovers to move animals to market.
The backdrop to this ride is the great panorama of the Ridgeway downs which is crammed with rights of way, bridleways and byways. The importance of the horse is in evidence more than ever, as the downs are dominated by thoroughbreds in training. Lambourn has been the heart of the racing world since the 18th Century and today, every sort of racehorse is worked on these grassy stretches and yard ‘strings’ nod and float across the downs.
HORSES
Due to the excellent going and gentle undulations of the downs, we are able to cover the country at a good pace. Therefore it is vital that horses are fit enough to cover up to 50 miles over the three days, unless an alternative route has been arranged.
Woolley has a lovely stable yard with limited stabling for those who would prefer to have their horses in overnight. There is also unlimited grazing which will be segregated for your horses. There will be knowledgeable people on hand to help with feeding, watering, mucking out, tacking up and washing off over the course of the three days. Lunch spots are carefully planned with appropriate places to tie up the horses and a support team will transport hay nets, water buckets and headcollars.
2024 DATES FOR GROUP RIDES
29th APRIL - 2nd MAY - 2 SPACES LEFT
20th - 23rd MAY - FULL
3rd - 6th JUNE - FULL
2nd - 5th SEPTEMBER
These dates can be filled with private groups OR individuals wishing to join a group. For private groups, there are many more dates available so please get in touch to find a suitable one for you and your friends
“On another day, I shall put my foot in the iron, hear the saddle creak, and go forth again on the timeless bridleways of England”
James Wenworth Day - Farming Adventure: A thousand miles through England on a horse