Devon Riding Holidays

Winter at Devon Riding Holidays

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:37:31 +0000

Winter riding in Devon! Is it worth it? Of course!!! Most years, our winters are very mild and the routes remain not only passable but very enjoyable. We personally live for those beautiful frosty fresh winter days where the views are crystal clear and the haw frost clings to the trees. Dales ponies are wonderfully equipped to cope in ice and snow and really come into their own, displaying amazing sure footedness over the terrain. The scenery is different and also the wildlife. The area is hunting terrain and so our rides have to take into account the local shoots (pheasant for supper) and just sometimes we might get the glimpse of the local stag or fox hounds being taken through their paces, which is a stirring sight whatever you feel about the hunting laws. The day length might be shorter, but at least one can then make the most of a cosy long evening in front of the roaring log fire!

Spring at Devon Riding Holidays

admin — Sat, 15 May 2010 12:35:47 +0000

Spring has blossomed in the Exe Valley.

The woods are awash with colour; bluebells, wild garlic, primroses, wood anemone, violets, campions, bellflowers and orchids to name a few. Trees are out in blossom and its a truly magical place. The sunlight dapples as it penetrates through the trees and the ponies keep cool as they travel through. The whole valley seems alive with flora and fauna and the birds all sing as they busy themselves with bringing up their young. The young fawns are out there now, so its just a case of keeping your eyes peeled.

Summer at Devon Riding Holidays

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:31:32 +0000

Summer is a wonderful time in Devon. One can escape the heat by nipping into the woods for some cooler riding temperatures and cool down the ponies wading through the beautiful river waters or taking the trip to the beach and letting the waves crash over the ponies and washing their bellys. Even if the weather isn’t on your side when you visit, the showers tend to be short and the temperatures stay mild. Honeysuckle clings to the hedgerows and a full array of summer flowers grow in the meadows and along the verges. Evenings are peaceful and long and the hammock by the pond in front of the farmhouse beckons!

Autumn at Devon Riding Holidays

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:58:52 +0000

Another lovely season at Devon Riding Holidays! As the sun works its way through the mist which hangs in the valleys, tracing the path of the River Exe, it makes magical mist spirals drifting up from the trees ready to display their wonderful natural “fireworks” of colour. The reds and yellows are amazing and beautiful, and the woodland tracks a delight to ride along with their crunching leaves and carpet of yellow pine needles. Calling the ponies in from their pastures is a favourite job of ours as they appear from the mist in spectral fashion. During the evenings when it is time for them to return one can catch the erie sounds of the Red Deer in Rut down in the valley, a sound you’ll never tire of.

Riding on Exmoor

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:48:07 +0000

The Dales ponies have ventured over new territory in Exmoor and this photo shows them wading past the old clapper bridge at Tarr Steps which is said to date back to 1000 BC. The ride takes in some wonderful and varied scenery through beautiful villages, along deep hollowed lanes, across open moorland with Exmoor ponies grazing by and through ancient forests. One to add to the riding list!

Gallops a big hit

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:08:30 +0000

The gallops are a big hit with the first influx of customers. It’s the first thing you see as you enter the drive to West Steart Farm and every morning you’ll see the race horses being put through their paces. It lies there as a temptation that is proving too hard to ignore. So far, it’s the highlight of everyone’s stay and the Dales ponies love the stretch of beautifully laid woodchip under their hooves. They take it all in their stride and don’t get silly, after all it’s a very long way to the end!

Bliss on the beach

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:46:46 +0000

Sea and Sand what a perfect combination!

After all it’s most peoples dream to be able to gallop on a beach. This beach is one of the nicest we’ve ever been to and we’ve ridden some great ones in Ireland! The ride through the dunes, the splash in the sea and the long stretch of sand makes for a great day out and all our “moorland” ponies are taking the day at the sea well in their adjustable little strides, make you proud don’t they?

Even if you’re not quite up to a gallop, the beauty of the dunes and coast should still tempt you to book a day at the coast. Our Dales ponies are sensible enough to take it steady up the beach too.