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Suffolk Cross Country Ride

Located close to Ipswich station, this riding break is based on a professional riding estate which is peppered with cross country fences from small logs to competition level obstacles.

What's Included:

  • 2 nights self catering accommodation
  • 5hrs of riding

Price: from £520pp


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Sample Itinerary and prices – scroll down for more details

"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 accommodation. We have two bedrooms within the farmhouse plus a self contained annex/apartment. All rooms are self catered. 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 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 training will continue and you will have your second cross country ride. There are jumps to suit all levels and aspirations on this fantastic course! If you would prefer a 2hr hack without jumps this can be arranged in advance, just let us know upon booking. 

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 £620 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.

How To Book

  • Select your dates
  • 30% deposit to book
  • Final balance 8 weeks prior to holiday
  • Book On-line by filling in the booking form below and pay deposit via WorldPay
  • or Book by phone on 01829 781123.

Optional Extras

  • Longer stays possible