Western Riding in Bournemouth

Day One

Arrive and settle into your accommodation. There is a choice of accommodation either in The Cottage B&B or similar. All are within walking distance of the riding stables and the beach. If time permits we can organise a ride for you today or if not riding will start tomorrow. Swanage is 3 miles away whilst Poole & Bournemouth are only 10 miles via the Sandbanks Ferry. Tonight, you may like to travel into Swanage and sample one of the pubs that offer traditional home cooked meals or a restaurant offering fresh fish.

Day Two

After a full English breakfast you will be heading to the riding stables. The stables are located in an area of outstanding beauty on a world heritage coastline and the coastline is renowned for its safe sandy beaches. This morning you are able to spend some time getting to know your horse before you head off on the forest ride. Initially, you will be working on developing a deep, secure seat in the western saddles. The western saddles are designed to spread the weight of the rider over a larger area of the horse’s back, making it more comfortable for long days out riding. Today you will be working on the western paces - walking, jogging (trotting) and loping (canter) across heath land as you head towards Newton Heath forest. You will be riding through some of the most beautiful lowland heath with a multitude of paths and sandy tracks to explore and not a road in sight to cross! During your ride you will see stunning views of Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour and Bournemouth and if you are lucky you may even see one of the resident Roe or Sika deer!
After a break, during which you will be able to enjoy lunch at one of the pubs close-by we will be meeting again at the stables. This afternoon you will be riding on the beach and you will be using one hand to hold the reins in the traditional western way as you canter along miles of golden sand. You can take your horse into the sea for a paddle and watch the waves lap over his hooves. This is a truly spectacular and memorable experience.

Day Three

After a hearty breakfast at the B&B, you will be heading to the stables to ride around Old Harry Rocks. This is a stunning ride that leaves the picturesque village of Studland and takes you up over the dramatic scenery of the coastal cliffs. This ride has the most spectacular views of the Jurassic coast and the entrance to Poole Harbour. Western horses are trained to neck rein. This is when the horse changes direction with light pressure of a rein against the horse's neck. You can practice this technique today. This afternoon you may like to travel into Bournemouth. In Bournemouth there are plenty of areas to walk in quiet surroundings including walking in the Stour Valley Nature Reserve or besides the River Stour. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit Oceanarium, an aquarium containing a wide variety of aquatic species.
You may like to ride in both the English and Western style during your stay.

Riding is not permitted on the beach at any time of day during July, August and September. Riding on the beach is permitted during the evening in May and June.

Do you want to try out Western riding? If you fancy developing your riding skills by learning the Western style of riding then this horse riding holiday will be the perfect introduction for you. For another more spacialised itinerary please have a look at our  indulgence riding holiday in Cheshire!

We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.