Great Britain, Dartmoor

Explore the mythical and beautiful Dartmoor Heathland. The morning mist of Dartmoor National Park’s mythical landscape has inspired many writers, including Agatha Christie. The heathland is incredibly beautiful and bordered by rattling cattle grids that prevent the wild herds of ponies from leaving the area.

Your hosts and guides, Phil and Mandi, know their way around the wide-open heath and will take you with them on Dartmoor trail ride together with their Western Horses. You spend four to five hours in the saddle with a stop either for a picnic lunch or at one of the small cosy pubs that you pass. You choose yourself whether to ride for a short week of a full week.

You can also choose a one week trail ride called The Dartmoor Crossing, where you stay at different bed & breakfasts and guest houses. Each week includes one non-riding day so you can see the local sights.

The horses are mainly quarter horses, but there are some Irish Hunters. All are in good condition, sure footed and have a lot of energy. You can choose yourself whether you want to ride a western horse or one that is trained in the English-style. The rides are demanding with steep climbs and descents, fording rivers and riding over all types of terrain so you must be at least a mid-level rider.

Phil and Mandi are unique in that they also use horses as part of managing their cattle. This means that sometimes there is the chance to be a real cowboy without having to cross the Atlantic. The cattle must be moved from their winter pasture to their summer pasture, calves must be branded and cows are let out with the bulls, etc… See specific dates under Cattle Drive below.

Enjoy the fun riding in a spectacular landscape led by your devoted hosts who love their heath.

Riding

‘If you climb in the saddle, be ready for the ride!’

They normally ride Western, however they can provide English saddles if the guests requests. Riders need to be reasonably fit and at least an intermediate standard or better, you are not having any lessons. The terrain involves crossing streams, shallow rivers, undulating ground and up and down steep inclines and would not be suitable for novice or inexperienced riders. The pace is often calm and in walk. 

The style of riding is very much akin to ‘Natural Horsemanship’. The riders should be relaxed and ride with soft hands.
The guides are all local moor men or women, who know the moor well. They know where the best crossings are, and where to avoid, as there are areas where it is unsuitable for horses. Some of the guides are members the Dartmoor Rescue Group; some are range clearers for the army on the moor. All are excellent horsemen or women, and are first-aid trained. 

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation and Food

All accommodation is at an excellent Inn and is on a half board basis, arranged by the ridingcenter. Breakfast will either be at the Inn or the farm. Guests will be collected and returned from the Inn in the courtesy vehicle.

Safe deposit box: No
A/C: No
Hair Dryer: Yes
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: No

Lunch at the farm, a packed lunch or en-route at one of many faboulous local pubs. Breakfast and lunch are all included in the package. The dinner is not included but the Inn serves very good food.
On The Dartmoor Crossing you stay at different hotel/B&Bs. The evening meal is not included in the price but everywhere you stay has a very good restaurant. 

Horses

There is a selection of fantastic Quarter Horses with their calm attitude and appetite for work. All are western trained, very sure footed and a pleasure to ride. There is also a selection of Irish hunters some western trained some English style, all nice to ride and cross the terrain with ease. Heights range from 145-165 cm. 

Climate

 

Travel Information

Ability description: Trail ride, level 2-3 >>

Included in the price: 4-7 nights, 3-5 days riding, half  board (every where you stay has a very good restaurant)

Not included: Flights, transfer, insurance, dinner, drinks and extras not mentioned.

Travel: Book flight/rental car >> 
Flight to Exeter airport or London.

Train: Train from London to Okehampton train station (approx. 3 hours). Trains leave from Paddington Rail Station. London Heathrow Airport has trains directly to Paddington and then on to Okehampton with a change in Exeter. You can see train times on www.nationalrail.co.uk

Transfer: Book in advance and pay to HorseXplore.
From Okehamton, price 20 EUR/person/return.

Single room supplement: It is possible to book single room (price for single supplement is available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.

Arrival / departure day: 6 nights, sunday-saturday, 4 nights Sun - Wed, The Dartmoor crossing, special dates.

Currency: Pound
Credit card: Not accepted by riding centre.
Tipping: Not expected.

Wifi: Yes
Electricity jack: EU standard

Group size: Min. 2 and max. 8
Age limit: 14 years old if accompanied by parent.

Closest village: The Inn is in a village.
Beach: No
Pool: No

Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: A few helmets and rain coats.
Saddle bag available: Yes
Special diet: Inform when booking.

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