Come and spend time at our luxury BHS Approved Livery Yard in North Devon, set within 400 acres of privately owned farmland just 10 minutes outside of Barnstaple. Here we can offer excellent DIY part or full livery facilities and stunning self catering cottages for you and your horse. Non riders and dogs are also welcome. Enjoy all types of horse riding activities including hacking in Exmoor National Park, gallops along Saunton Sands Beach as well as the onsite cross country course and the 20m x 60m all weather floodlit arena plus a full set of show jumps. Tuition is also available onsite plus regular dressage and jumping clinics are run year round. Bedding and hay/haylage is to be purchased on site at cost price.
Day One
Arrive today and settle into your self catering cottage or log cabin accommodation. You can choose one of the 4 large loose boxes for your horse or if you prefer you can have a secure fenced paddock. This afternoon once you’re settled and unpacked why not make the most out of the on site facilities and school your horse in the 20m x 60m all weather floodlit arena which is free to all liveries. You also have use of a variety of lightweight show jumps consisting of a mixture of fillers, wings and poles.
Day Two
The choice is yours as to how you spend your second day. We suggest exploring the onsite cross country farm ride where you will find 19 fences which span over two fields, both of which can be secured, ideal for schooling young/novice horses. The obstacles include tyres and logs, ditches, banks and barrels, tiger traps, several roll tops and a pheasant feeder. The course will continue to expand as time goes on; the most recent new addition is a water complex, ditch and sunken road. Alternatively if dressage is your forte the stables have a specific area allocated for grass schooling, with a 20m x 40m arena marked out with dressage white boards and all the markers, making sure you and your horse get the most from your schooling.
Day Three
The hacking in the area is outstanding and if relaxing is more your thing then the off-road riding is really amazing. You can spend hours exploring the 10km maze of farmland, tracks and woodland where the only traffic you need to worry about are roe deer and pheasants! Alternatively take the 20minute drive to Exmoor National Park or Saunton Sands Beach where you can enjoy miles upon miles of free range riding.
- Other activities to consider during your stay: hunting – Fox or Stag. We can also arrange a days hunting for you and your horse as the lively yard is ideally situated to join 4 different hunts in the North Devon area. The West Country is the only part of England where it is possible to hunt with staghounds. There are three packs; the Quantocks, Tiverton Staghounds and, the biggest, Devon & Somerset Staghounds. Stag hunting is a necessary method of controlling the 3000 strong herds of red deer which roam the Devon & Somerset countryside, the majority of which live on Exmoor. If this is something you are interested in tasking part in call the office on 01829 781123 and we can advise appropriate dates and cost upon request.
- Exmoor Rides: Exmoor is the wildest and most beautiful part of North Devon, a unique landscape over which to hack with your horse. If hunting over Exmoor is not your thing, why not meet up with our guide who has lived on Exmoor most of his life and is the most knowledgeable and entertaining character, and be taken on a wonderful hack to the most beautiful spots in the County. We can even arrange a picnic to finish off a lovely day. Alternatively, we will supply you with clear maps of the Exmoor countryside and its bridleways and you can take yourselves on your own adventure in these amazing surroundings.
- Beach Rides: North Devon is famous for its amazing stretches of sandy beaches. Galloping unrestricted along the waters edge is an experience that is priceless. We can arrange escorted beach rides of what ever length you choose, and will provide refreshments along the way. Alternatively, if you would rather go alone we can provide detailed information and directions for you to explore alone.
- Tuition: If you really would like to make the most of the facilities on offer on the site, tuition can be arranged by the hour, half or full day. We have access to some very talented instructors, who have competed themselves at international level in all disciplines. Whatever your ability and experience, we can cater for you and your horse with tuition in the arena or on the cross country course.
- Facilities for your horse: we are able to cater for up to 6 horses in 4 loose boxes and 2 secure fenced paddocks.
- Facilities for you: we are able to offer 3 x 4* self catering properties, two cottages and one log cabin sleeping from 4 to 8 people. The high quality self catering holiday units offer all the up to date facilities that you would expect; one even has its own private hot tub!
- Farm activities: pony rides for children. Children's pet corner with rabbits, guinea pigs, runner ducks and chickens, guests are allowed to collect the eggs.
- Play facilities: indoor play area with ball pit, soft play and pool table. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the enclosed outdoor playground and trampoline.
- Amenities: off-road parking. Bed linen, towels, electric, central heating and first basket of logs included. Regret no smoking within the property. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Wi-fi available.
- Location: Situated upon a 400 acres farm estate on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, incorporating lakes and paddocks, guests are invited to enjoy 130 acres of managed woodland perfect for riding, walking and cycling with a fully marked nature trail for children. The market town of Barnstaple is 10 minutes' drive and benefits from numerous restaurants, shops and pubs, as well as the Queens Theatre, Leisure Centre and multi-screen cinema. The wealth of golden sandy beaches and secluded coves that litter North Devon's coastline are within 20 minutes' drive and the rugged and awe inspiring landscape of Exmoor National Park is a short drive.
THE STARTING PRICE OF £210PP IS FOR 2 NIGHTS SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION BASED ON 8 PEOPLE SHARING PLUS 2 NIGHTS DIY LIVERY. PRICES VARY WEEK ON WEEK - PLEASE CALL FOR AN EXACT QUOTE 01829 781123