Exmoor Horse Riding

Horse riding is a popular way of discovering the National Park and whether riding on your own, with friends or as part of an organised trek, the views of moorland and wildlife are stunning, Exmoor is a truly great place to come and ride and what better way to explore over 250 square miles of National Park than on horseback. Whether you just want a quiet hack through woodlands hoping for a glimpse of the wild deer, or an exhilarating canter over the heather-clad open moorland with far reaching views the choice is yours, but you can be certain of one thing, Exmoor is a very special place for riding.

Exmoor is a great place to come and horse ride and what better way to explore the 267 square miles of National Park than from the back of a horse.Within the National Park boundaries are 400 miles (650km) of bridleways. The National Park Authority has a special responsibility to ensure that all bridleways within its boundary are open and useable and that every path is signed where it leaves or joins a public highway. The more popular bridleways are waymarked using the national colour code of blue.

Exmoor Park also offers its visitors excellent horse riding facilities and guests can either hire horses or ponies from the local riding schools or bring their own horses with them as they can now be accommodated within the park. Most walking pathways are also bridleways and, in total, there are over 300 miles of horse riding trails available to riders. The park is also the location for several organised horse riding activities, including the Golden Horseshoe Endurance Ride.

Many riders are now bringing their own horses on holiday with them and some farms and riding stables can provide suitable accommodation for both horse and rider. Visitors can then explore at leisure the variety of scenery that Exmoor offers, from open heather moorland to the steeply wooded valleys. To help you plan your routes it is wise to buy the Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 1:25000 map which covers the whole of Exmoor and shows all the bridleways in great detail. The British Horse Society has published an excellent booklet called "Exmoor on Horseback" which sets out in detail some circular routes of varying length and over different terrain, this booklet is of special value to riders visiting Exmoor for the first time, which is available from Visitor Centres.

National Park Rangers and Visitor Centre staff with their local knowledge are always willing to advise visiting riders on suitable bridleways, and where they might see the famous wild Red deer or a native herd of Exmoor ponies whilst out on their rides. Horses and ponies can of course be readily hired, by the hour or longer, from one of the many riding schools or trekking centres. Some centres arrange special picnic or pub day rides, or week long holidays which are particularly suitable for children.

Most centres offer some kind of tuition, this can vary from very basic to more advanced lessons depending on the rider's needs and ability. All breeds and sizes of horse and pony are normally available to cater for every type of rider from the beginner to the more accomplished rider. Whether you just want a quiet hack through woodlands hoping for a glimpse of the wild deer, or an exhilarating canter over the heather-clad open moorland with far-reaching views to Wales or Dartmoor, the choice is yours. You can be certain of one thing, Exmoor is a special place for riding.

Riding on Exmoor brings to you a different world of dramatic moorland scenery, peaceful riverbanks and forest trails. With its picturesque villages and hamlets the area is quite simply a rider's paradise. Exmoor is very horse-friendly and if you are bringing your own horse, there is a wide variety of accommodation and stabling available to you, or, you can hire a horse for the duration of your stay (or by the day if you prefer). You do not need to be an experienced rider - lessons are available for those who wish. For those who would like to try, it is even possible to go pony-trekking.

Publications containing guides of promoted riding route are available from National Park Centres or try the Coleridge Bridle Way - a challenging new horse ride linking the Quantock Hills and Exmoor, from Nether Stowey to Exford. The route can be followed by using the detailed route guides and maps that can b< downloaded from www.coleridgeway.co.uk Exmoor is a rider's paradise and offers a variety of accommodation for both you and your horse.

Until about 50 years ago the horse was still being used on farms and for getting about on Exmoor.

A horse riders paradise, enjoy horse riding and general hacking onto open expanses of Exmoor on Anstey or Molland Common, or follow the many local bridleways.

Riding on Exmoor takes you through the dramatic open moorland, along river banks, peaceful forest tracks and through picturesque villages. It is even possible to find somewhere to stop for an ice cream during your ride. TExmoor  is quite simply a rider's paradise. Ride from the Quantock Hills to Exmoor (33 miles). The Coleridge Bridle Way is a challenging horse ride linking the Quantock Hills and Exmoor, from Nether Stowey to Exford. The route can be followed by using the detailed route guides and maps which can be found on www.coleridgeway.co.uk

There are many ways to explore Exmoor on horseback with a wide variety of horse friendly accommodation and stabling available, alternatively you can hire a horse to ride hacking or to follow one of the local hunts. You don't need to be an experienced rider; Exmoor has an excellent selection of riding stables offering lessons for those who have never sat in the saddle. Whichever way you choose, it's a fantastic way to naturally enjoy the freedom that Exmoor offers.

Today riding plays an important part in its traditional way of life. Riding is an excellent way to view Exmoor and numerous riding establishments within the National Park rovide opportunities for everyone, beginner and expert alike. Rides vary from a short and gentle amble for the nervous novice to a hard day’s riding for the enthusiast.

There are pony-trekking and riding holidays with accommodation as well.

Horse riding on Exmoor

With peaceful forest tracks offering excellent going, wide open spaces for exhilarating gallops, meandering riverside trails, wooded valleys for strengthening hill work and rolling pastureland for relaxing hacking, Exmoor and the Quantock Hills are renowned as a rider's paradise, blessed with a rich and diverse landscape of deep valleys, ancient oak-woodland, dramatic sea cliffs, beautiful heather moorland, waterfalls and picturesque towns, villages and harbours. Together with an extensive range of quality accommodation, riding stables, tea-rooms, pubs, restaurants, and local shops, the area is able to offer riders of all abilities the perfect riding experience.

Summer 2006 saw the launch of 12 promoted horse-riding routes across some of the most breathtakingly beautiful countryside in the UK, Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. The new 'Exmoor & Quantock Hills on Horseback' publication, which includes 12 individual pull out and laminated maps, plus essential riding information, provides local riders and visitors with a great way to explore and fully appreciate the area's finest qualities. The guide has been produced by the British Horse Society, Exmoor National Park Authority and the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Service.

The official launch of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Country Ride in May 2007 gives horse riders a promoted route between Nether Stowey and Exford . A lot of hard work has gone into producing the route this far due to 'gaps' in the bridleway network. Due to the generosity of landowners over 5km of brand new permitted bridleways will be opened to enable safer, more enjoyable riding. For more details please visit www.coleridgeway.co.uk. The existing walking route opened in April 2005 and has been a great success story. Most businesses along the route are receiving an increase in trade as a result and the positive feedback from walkers has been exceptional. It is hoped that the riding route will build on this success.

Riding — Exmoor offers some of the best riding in England. There are many riding stables to choose from and some of our members provide stabling for you to bring your own horse.

Exmoor is a wonderful horse riding country and what better way to explore the 267 square miles of National Park than from the back of a horse.

Exmoor is criss-crossed with centuries old bridleways, they follow the river banks, climb steep wooded hillsides and traverse the vast open heather covered moorland between the villages. This is some of the best riding in the country.

Within the National Park boundaries are some 400 miles (600kms) of bridleways. The National Park Authority has a special responsibility to ensure that all bridleways within its boundary are open and useable and that every path is signed where it leaves or joins a public highway. The more popular bridleways are waymarked using the national colour code of blue. Many riders are now bringing their own horses on holiday with them and some farms and riding stables can provide suitable accommodation for both horse and rider. Visitors can then explore at leisure the variety of scenery that Exmoor offers, from open heather moorland to the steeply wooded valleys.

Farrier at work

To help you plan your routes it is wise to buy the Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 1:25000 map which covers the whole of Exmoor and shows all the bridleways in great detail. National Park Rangers and Visitor Centre staff with their local knowledge are always willing to advise visiting riders on suitable bridleways, and where they might see the famous wild Red deer or a native herd of Exmoor ponies whilst out on their rides.
Horses and ponies can of course be readily hired, by the hour or longer, from one of the many riding schools or trekking centres. Some centres arrange special picnic or pub day rides, or week-long holidays which are particularly suitable for children. Most centres offer some kind of tuition, this can vary from very basic to more advanced lessons depending on the rider's needs and ability. All breeds and sizes of horse and pony are normally available to cater for every type of rider from the beginner to the more accomplished rider. Whether you just want a quiet hack through woodlands hoping for a glimpse of the wild deer, or an exhilarating canter over the heather-clad open moorland with far reaching views to Wales or Dartmoor, the choice is yours. You can be certain of one thing, Exmoor is a special place for riding.

Riding Holidays on Exmoor

Some accommodation providers also provide some form of livery and many riders bring their own horses with them on holiday.

Horsedrawn Carriage Ride

You can also take a scenic tour carriage ride across the moor

Endurance Event
An annual event held on Exmoor Golden Horseshoe

Ride UK

The two riding routes across Somerset link the popular riding areas of Exmoor and Dartmoor to the British Horse Society's RIDE UK network across the rest of the country. The Exmoor route from Wheddon Cross includes the Brendon Hills and the full length of the Quantock Hills. The route from Dartmoor is in the process of being much improved along the top of the Blackdown Hills, linking the well known landmark of Wellington Monument to the ancient hill fort of Castle Neroche. The two routes join at Fivehead and run through the varied landscape of South Somerset before leading on to join the Ridgeway in Wiltshire. Further details of the route may be obtained from The British Horse Society, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2LR. Telephone 0203 696697

Exmoor on Horseback

A Guide to six circular rides on Exmoor published by the British Horse Society, British Equestrian Centre, Stoneleigh Prk, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LR Tel 0203 696697

• www.equinetourism.co.uk
• Always Exmoor
• Burrowhayes Farm
• Calvert Trust
• Dean Riding Stables
• Essential Exmoor
• Knowle Manor
• Liscombe Farm recommended escorted rides from novice to expert
• Periton Park
• Point to Point
• Porlock Vale
• Spirit of Exmoor
• West Ilkerton Farm recommended cart rides on the open moor
• The Exmoor Pony Society
• Bold Try Stables - Chulmleigh Enjoy your ride on our well-mannered, well-cared for horses and ponies. Accompanied rides through varying and beautiful scenic routes. All makes and models of riders catered for (15 minutes from Country Ways) Tel 01769 580366
• Kingsland Stables - Woolsery, Bideford Enjoy a gentle hack through local countryside. We have horses and ponies for all sizes, ages and abilities. Novices and children most welcome. Our staff are friendly and experienced Tel 01237 431378
• Collacott Equestrian Centre - South Molton Tel 01769 572725
• North Devon Equestrian Centre - Shirwell, Barnstaple Tel 01271850864
• Westacott Stables - Goodleigh Barnstaple Tel 01271 372965
• Arlington Riding Centre - Arlington, Barnstaple Pony trekking and hacking for experienced and inexperienced riders Tel 01271 850300
• Roylands Stables - Croyde Tel 01271 890898 Roylands is a small family run stables, established since 1988. It began with about seven horses and has gradually built up to a mixed bunch of good tempered, friendly, quality horses and ponies ranging from experienced well schooled horses and ponies used for teaching, to reliable trustworthy horses for the complete novice who just wants to ride for fun!!
• Woolacombe Stables - Woolacombe 01271 870260
• Witheridge Moor Equestrian is a small friendly yard offering Riding instruction for children and adults from beginners to advanced or hacking in the beautiful North Devon countryside. Long and short term, part or full Livery is also available in new internal stables with 77 acres of turnout. Tel: 01884 860396 Email
• Keypitts Trekking Centre - Ilfracombe A friendly service catering from the complete beginner to the experienced rider with horses to suit all. Trekking over 200 acres of beautiful west country farmland and wooded valleys with views of the sea. New standard hats, body protectors if required Tel 01271 862247
• Mullacott Equestrian Centre-Ilfracombe Superb hacking all off road. Fantastic horses for all makes and models of rider. Sedate hacking for the beginner to exhilarating gallops for the experienced rider, Cross country course, beach rides, hacks and carrage driving. Also Quad bike rides for non riders. Tel 01271 866685
• Doone Valley Stables - Oare, Lynton Set in the heart of the famous and stunningly beautiful Doone Valley. Escorted rides for all levals of rider including non-riders and children. Picnic rides, day rides or simply an hour to see what you can't see by road 01598 741278
• Outovercroft Stables - Lynton Ride direct onto Exmoor, or through The Valley of The Rocks and around the spectacular Exmoor coast with little or no roadwork. Suitable horses and ponies for all abilities of riders. Hard hats provided. Tel 01598 753341
• Brendon Farm - Lynton See Exmoor on horseback - go where cars cannot and enjoy some of the beautiful countryside first hand. Very little roadwork. Ride for as long as you likeover green fields and heather moorland. - riding hats provided. Tel 01598 741246
• Mount Pleasant Centre - Templeton, Tiverton horse riding in beautiful england countryside, offering a comprensive range of activities including training, hacking and trekking. All rides are escorted. Tel 01884 860482
• Brendon Manor Farm Near Lynton Tel: Mr. & Mrs. B. Woollacott on 01598 741246 Go where cars cannot over lovely green fields and heather moorland with Brendon Manor Farm, est. 1951. Ride for as long as you like, with Horses and ponies for hire, large groups welcome (school groups a speciality). Riding hats provided. Beginners escorted and experienced rides catered for. Devon County Council Licensed.

With its long equine history Exmoor is a great place to ride and the back of a horse is a great way to explore. The quiet and open network of bridleways and lanes offer some of the best riding in the UK, including some sections of coastal bridleway, along with our beautiful open heather moorland and steeply wooded valleys. Within the National Park boundaries are over 300 miles of bridleways, in fact well over 50% of our public rights of way network has bridleway or higher rights, plus significant permissive access in addition to this. The 33 mile Coleridge Way Bridleway route also offers some wonderful riding from the Quantock Hills to Exmoor following in the footsteps of the Romantic Poet Samuel Coleridge and there's accommodation for horse and rider along the way.

Horses and ponies can be readily hired, by the hour or longer, from one of the many riding schools or trekking centres. Some centres arrange special picnic or pub day rides, or week-long holidays. Most centres offer some kind of tuition; this can vary from very basic to more advanced lessons depending on the rider's needs and ability. Many riders are now bringing their own horses on holiday with them and some farms and riding stables can provide suitable accommodation for both horse and rider. For a ride on 'Exmoor's original 4 x 4' get in touch with the Exmoor Pony Centre (01398 323093) and book a ride on an Exmoor pony, the Centre also offers 'up close and personal' encounters with a pony for those who do not wish to ride.

See also:

www.exmoorponycentre.org.uk

Contributed by: Louise Underwood