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.

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 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.

Woolley Estate

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.

FOOD

As with all our rides, 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.