Day One
Arrive and settle into your beautiful B&B accommodation just 4 miles from the market town of Shrewsbury. This privately owned period country house is set in a bow of the River Severn and is steeped in history. There are three rooms available, each room has TV, DVD player, radio and internet connection. All the bedrooms are beautifully furnished with antiques and all mod cons. Breakfast (and dinner upon request) is served in the oak panelled dining room and there is also a separate sitting room for guests. Well behaved dogs can also be accommodated upon request.
This afternoon you will be meeting the horses, and once comfortable, your host Becky will be taking you for your first ride out. You will ride along the River Severn, through private fields and bridleways with beautiful views extending out across to the Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders.
This evening the choice is yours. You may like to try one of the local pubs, you can head into the centre of Shrewsbury where you'll find an array of restaurants and bars or you can arrange to dine in the B&B where all ingredients are locally sourced or freshly picked from the organic walled garden.
Day Two
This morning after a good night's sleep and a breakfast of your choice you will head back to the stables which are just a 5 minute drive away to be reunited with your faithful steed. Beginner/novice riders will receive three half day rides during their time here. The more experienced riders will have a full day ride on their second day.
For those who want tuition Becky will teach on the hacks, or just offer pointers if you prefer! Experienced riders will explore Nesscliffe hill which is only a 45 min ride or a 10min trip in the horse box where you can explore Humphrey Kynaston's way. Humphrey is said to have been the local Robin Hood, after committing a murder he fled to Nesscliffe Hill where he hid out in Kynaston's cave until he was eventually pardoned by Henry V111. The cave is still there today for you to visit. Three stunning sandstone hills rise above the Shropshire plains; Nesscliffe, Hopton and The Cliffe, and during May they are alive with Rhododendrons and The Cliffe covered in heather. Between riding round the hills you can drop down to The Old Three Pigeons Pub for some lunch. The Pub has been standing there on the old A5 London to Hollyhead road since 1404. If the weather is nice then you might take a picnic instead, or call in at the local farm shop for afternoon tea. Please note lunch is not included in the price.
For those having their second half day you will ride through the airfield at Forton. This was used by the RAF during WW11 for training the young soldiers and makes for some really nice open countryside, perfect for taking in the surrounding views. From the airfield you will ride through the woods and venture down to the river where when the tide isn't too high, you can walk into the water for a splash!
Day Three
The third day, sadly, is your last chance to ride. After breakfast Becky will take you on an early morning ride through the private tracks and beech woodland which in spring is covered with bluebells. A few log pile jumps can also be found in the woods for the more experienced riders.
There are good train connections into Shrewsbury so for those travelling without a car you can get a taxi to the accommodation and then we can offer transfers to and from the stables each day. You can dine in the B&B at night or get a taxi to the pub/into town.
Please note if you book the experienced ride from a Friday - Sunday your full day ride may be on Saturday or Sunday depending on the time of year.
Prices:
Beginner/novice rider, 2 nights B&B in double/twin bedroom plus 3 x 1/2 day rides = £395pp
Experienced rider, 2 nights B&B in double/twin bedroom plus 2 x 1/2 day rides and 1 x full day ride = £495pp
Single room supplement = £115 for the beginner/novice package and £145 for the experienced package. This covers you staying in a double room plus a small amount extra for Becky for taking a solo rider out for three days.
Please note that the maximum weight limit is 13 stone.
As well as a good selection of horses for adults of all riding levels Becky also has three ponies - Tommy, Juno and Posey and they are ideal for children's riding holidays. They can be ridden and pampered all day long. The pony mornings and days are extremely popular, entailing brushing, washing, hoof picking etc. Once the ponies have had their 'make over' you will tack up and head for the river for a picnic. There the ponies are left to graze while the children can sit by the river eating their picnics. Minimum age for children is 4. Please call to enquire about the pony days - 01829 781123.
Customer Feedback:
"We had a great time at our recent stay in Shropshire – our hosts were so helpful and friendly that the 3 days we had there were fantastic. The horses they had were great and we were able to enjoy riding through the forest with the beautiful scenery."
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