The beautiful rural county of Devon is a perfect holiday destination for horse riding enthusiasts. Whether you like to get in the saddle yourself or prefer to watch the pros ride high, Devon won’t disappoint. A network of Bridleways, uninhibited access to Dartmoor and Exmoor, and miles of sandy beaches ensure that virtually all of Devon is accessible to equestrians.
Devon also has a packed calendar of equestrian events and a wide variety of horse venues to keep you entertained. So whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the world of steaks and hoof picks, a Devon holiday could be the perfect opportunity to indulge your inner rider!
If you fancy getting into the saddle yourself, then Devon is packed with opportunities for you to do so. Most riding and trekking centers are able to cater for all ages and abilities, shapes and sizes of rider, and can offer expert advice to ensure you are matched with the most suitable mount. If you are new to horse riding, then you may prefer to take a few lessons in a controlled environment, before setting off into the wide open spaces of Devon! However, if you are a more experienced rider, renting a horse for the day could be an exciting and challenging alternative.
7 GREAT IDEAS FOR A HORSE RIDING HOLIDAY IN DEVON
1. Come run!
Devon is fortunate to have two permanent racing venues: Newton Abbot and Exeter, both of which are National Hunt courses (jump racing). A day at the races is a great day at any Devon party. Newton Abbott is a summer course and Exeter is a winter course, meaning there are matches throughout the year.
Both courses are easily accessible by car and bus, and Newton Abbot is situated in close proximity to a mainline train station. You don’t need to know about horses to enjoy a day at the races, anyone can enjoy the spectacle of racing and there is often other entertainment, including live music and who knows, if you fancy a flutter you might even get a gain !
2. Gallop on a beach
Devon has an extensive coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. If you’re bored of making sandcastles or it’s too cold to brave the water, why not try a walk on the beach? What could be more exciting than galloping across a deserted stretch of sand?
Access to some beaches is limited in the summer, but there are many riding establishments on the North and South Devon coast that can offer beach walks and gallops all year round.
3. Explore Dartmoor
If you are looking for an adventurous equestrian getaway then head to Dartmoor, this wild national park lies entirely within the borders of Devon and has some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery to be found in Britain. Riding and trekking centers can be found all over Dartmoor for supervised rides and horse hire.
4. Take a lesson
Whatever your level of experience in the saddle, a lesson can always be an interesting and enjoyable experience. If you are new to riding or have children who want to learn, taking a lesson during the holidays can be a good introduction. There are dozens of riding schools in Devon, each with their own particular strengths and areas of expertise; call a few to make sure you find the right one for your needs.
5. Visit an agricultural fair
Farm shows are a perfect way to become more familiar with the area you are staying in. They showcase the best the countryside has to offer and provide a real insight into the lives of the people who live off the land, both past and present.
For horse lovers, there is usually a wide variety of equestrian competitions on display, from shows to show jumping, gymkhana games and carriage driving, be sure to explore beyond the main ring as much of the true grassroots activity takes place in the lateral quadrilaterals. which are sometimes a bit more out of the ordinary. Devon County is the best known agricultural show, but many larger towns will have one over the course of the summer.
6. Discover the Ruby Country
Ruby Country is the name given to the Devon region between Dartmoor and the North Devon coast and from Holsworthy to Hatherleigh. Named for the distinctive rust-colored ‘Ruby’ cattle native to the region, Ruby Country is one of the least populated regions in the Southwest. Crisscrossed by bridle paths, it is perfect for exploring on horseback and must be one of the most idyllic examples of the unspoiled English countryside.
7. Go to a point to point
Perhaps an unfamiliar term to those outside of the horse world, point-to-point is an amateur version of horse racing. Organized by volunteers and held on temporary racecourses, points to points are a true taste of the countryside, and nowhere do they do it better than in Devon! The dot-to-dot calendar runs from December to May and can provide a great day out for all the family – barber jackets and a Range Rover are by no means essential! Bring a picnic and try to pick a winner!
So the next time you’re wondering where to go and what to do on your next holiday, why not think of a walk in Devon?
