Day One
Arrive after lunch and settle into your chosen accommodation. For couples and friends we have an onsite log cabin which is charmingly located with great views across the estate. There is one bedroom that can be a double or twin bed and a sofa bed in the lounge that can be made up if there are more wishing to stay. There is a bathroom and a small kitchenette with microwave and fridge. The local gastro pub is within walking distance or the hostess will prepare lunch / dinner upon request (prices below).
For singles or friends wanting to stay in the owners house there is a twin bedroom, continental breakfast is included with this option. Riding will start this afternoon with a private or semi private lesson in the indoor sand arena.
Day Two
Today there will be another lesson for beginner / novice riders and a 1 hour hack out around the estate, usually after lunch although riding times will be discussed upon your arrival. For those who are able to canter you will enjoy a 2hr guided hack. The Cranborne Chase was a vast private deer hunting forest enjoyed by King John in the 12th Century, and numerous monarchs thereafter. You may even come across a herd of deer during your ride!
We do have some gentle canter tracks for those who are used to cantering out in the open but there are some restrictions on the estate due to the other wildlife which prevents galloping.
If you are looking for other things to do locally during your stay we would recommend a visit to Larmer Tree Gardens. Set in the outstanding landscape of the Cranborne Chase, these beautifully laid out gardens were created by General Pitt Rivers in 1880. These gardens are an extraordinary example of Victorian extravagance and are recognised by English Heritage as a Garden of National Importance.
Day Three
This morning after breakfast enjoy your final hack out, 1hr for novices and 2hrs for the more experienced rider.
Beginner/novice riders:
2 nights B&B in the house plus 2 x 1hr lessons and 2 x 1hr private estate hacks is £425pp based on 2 peope sharing the twin bedroom. Single room supplement of £40.
2 nights in the self contained on site log cabin on a self catering basis plus 2 x 1hr lessons and 2 x 1hr private estate hacks is £470pp based on 2 peope sharing. Single room supplement of £170.
Intermediate/experienced riders:
Those who are able to walk trot and canter
2 nights B&B in the house plus 1 x 1hr lesson and 2 x 2hr private estate hacks is £380pp based on 2 peope sharing the twin bedroom. Single room supplement of £50.
2 nights in the self contained on site log cabin on a self catering basis plus 1 x 1hr lesson and 2 x 2hr private estate hacks is £425pp based on 2 peope sharing. Single room supplement of £170.
**Weight limit 13 1/2 stone**
Customer reviews:
"Just wanted to drop a review for the break I just had with Angie!
Just got home from the most gorgeous little break in Wiltshire. Angie, Emma and Jane were absolutely wonderful and made me feel so settled and welcome from the minute I met them. There was lots of opportunity to help out with the horses as well as just relax in the beautifully kept cabin, and Angie kept me well fed with meals and snacks! Angie went above and beyond at every opportunity to make me feel welcome and happy and kept me well entertained every day when I wasn't riding.
The rides were beautiful, so much wildlife and history in the woods, we were nattering for ages on horseback! We saw pheasants, wild rabbits, fallow deer and birds of prey and the trails themselves were stunningly gorgeous and different every day. The horses were so well trained - 'sports cars' of the horse world as Jane put it - and I received so much expert help from Emma, Angie and Jane that I went from a very rusty rider with lots of ropey old riding school habits on day one, to feeling really confident back in the saddle by day three!
The rest of the time I was free to help with the horses where appropriate, potter around, read, ramble around the estate and the woods, do some writing, fuss the cat, nap in the cabin (which has a TV and dvd player!), etc. If you are massive thrill seekers expecting activities to do at every second of the day, this might not be the best fit for you - but if you're like me and desperately needed an escape from the city and a switch off from my phone and my computer screens at work, this is absolutely perfect, it is totally idyllic and so calming. I am already eyeing up potential dates for next Spring!"
To read Equestrian Escapes reviews click on the link
What to do and where to eat:
There is a pub within walking distance.
Travel is possible without a car. Please get the train to Salisbury, a collection is offered by the host (pay them directly) £20.
Professional massage is offered by the host's daughter £45 - please book and pay for directly.
The host will generally be able to offer a dinner menu £12.50 please book and pay for directly.
We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.
If you are interested in reading more about equestrian aids have a look at our articles page - /A-is-for-Aids/
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.