"The riding was amazing, horses were beautiful and very calm and reassuring. Plus fantastic tuition, we learned so much more than we thought possible."
Day One
Travel via Ipswich today and arrive in an area of outstanding natural beauty in South Suffolk. The uncluttered coast, estuaries, farmland, sweeping forest and heathland is both dramatic and picturesque. The huge sky, golden gorse, sandy fields and swathes of heathland that are large enough to support wildlife that can exist nowhere else, certainly makes for a truly memorable riding location.
Large areas of sandy soil in the Sandlings region of Suffolk were planted by the Forestry Commission back in 1921 which today have grown into atmospheric pine forests. This is where much of your riding will take place.
You will stay in the on site farmhouse apartment. The horses are on site to the accommodation so this is an ideal location for those travelling without a car.
Equestrian facilities include indoor and outdoor arenas, a BE cross country course with over 130 obstacles, and extensive hacking on the 250 acre estate.
If you arrive in time today then riding will commence with our professional event rider in the form of a private or semi-private lesson.
Day Two
For those who didn't ride yesterday, this morning you will begin with a private lesson. In this lesson you can focus on flat work, dressage or jumping.
After lunch this afternoon you will have your first of two, 2hr cross country rides with one of our expert instructors.
The on site BE Cross Country Course has jumps ranging from 60cm up to 1.20m. But what makes the course really special is the ground, being on free-draining sandy soil you are always guaranteed the best going for your horse. The course is well maintained with takeoffs and landings regularly raked. Course Designers Joe Weller and Jim Hardwick update the track every year with interesting new fences designed to make the most of the natural features of the land.
From your base the local village is walkable and here you will find a pub and grocery store for all the essentials you might need during your stay.
Day Three
This morning enjoy your final ride, a 2hr countryside hack.
If you want to make this a second cross country training ride this is possible for an extra £30.
RIDING LEVEL
Please note that Cross Country riding, is a high-risk sport. Please make sure that you are walk, trot, canter confident with a strong seat in the saddle and recent XC experience to take part in this ride.
Neither the proprietors, nor any employee or person acting on their behalf, accept any liability for any accident or injury.
Riders must have appropriate riding experience to avoid and prevent accidents occurring and adhere to any instructions given by Poplar Park.
HORSES
Horses are available for all ages and levels of experience. Whether you are a complete beginner and have never ridden a horse before or you are a seasoned horseman looking for some challenging cross-country riding, we have the horse to suit you. The horses are typical Irish types, some homebred and all selected for their wonderful temperament and reliability.
Weight Limit 14 stone
TRANSPORT
A car would be helpful as you will be based in the countryside. However, there is a train station nearby with a taxi service, and the farmhouse accommodation is on site, and although its self catering there is a pub and fish and chip shop within walking distance. There is also the option to upgrade to our local 4* hotel which has a restaurant.
PRICES
Dates are flexible. Training packages from 2 - 7 nights.
2 nights with self catered accommodation and 5 hours riding from £520 per person based on a minimum of 2
2 nights with self catered accommodation and 5 hours riding from £750 for solo travellers
NO RIDING ON A MONDAY
To read Equestrian Escapes reviews click on the link
We offer a great range of riding holidays and weekends plus short breaks and speciality breaks.
We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.
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.