Horse Riding – Activities – Things to do
Horse riding in Ruby Country is a rewarding experience, with lots of places to discover and opportunities to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Access from Ruby Country to the free-riding areas on Dartmoor is easy, where a different experience can be had. Horse riding in Ruby Country allows you the freedom to experience peace and tranquility, stunning landscape and diverse wildlife and habitats of rural Devon.
Ruby Rides
To download a copy of the Ruby Rides brochure, containing 6 circular routes suitable for walkers and cyclists too, click here.
- Ruby-Rides– 6 Routes
To view each of the 6 routes individually click on link or map to visit the Trail Rides details in Ruby Country.
A 10.2 mile trail starting and finishing in Cookworthy Forest with ample parking available. The ride also takes in Halwill Junction and the small hamlet of Halwill.
A 9.2 mile trail starting and ending at Thorndon Cross, where there is a small amount of parking available. The trail heads towards Ashbury, from where there are spectacle views of Dartmoor.
A 10.2 mile trail starting from Northtown Cross at Petrockstowe, taking in part of the Tarka Trail.
- Ride 4 Village & Lakeside Trail
A 12 mile trail starting from one of the free car parks to the east of Roadford Lake also taking in the pretty village of Bratton Clovelly.
- Ride 5 Bratton Clovelly & Boasley Cross Trail
A 12 mile trail staring from one of the free car parks to the east of Roadford Lake also taking in the pretty village of Bratton Clovelly.
An 8.7 mile ride out onto Dartmoor from Meldon Reservoir car park where there is ample parking. Ample opprotunities to link in to other trails along the way.
To view locations of above Rides, please use map below, also showing Horse Box parking.
Horse box parking
Ride the Ruby Country has put together a map of parking places for horse boxes and trailers in conjunction with Devon County Council, Forestry Commission, South West Riders and British Horse Society.
Some of the parking places are at the entrance to Forestry Commission woodlands, where access is required at all times. If you are going to use one of these places, please keep to the side and away from the gates.
To find out more about places to park your horse box or trailer whilst visiting Ruby Country with your horse, click on the Google map below.
Horse holidays
Here in Ruby Country, there is a wealth of opportunities and things to do. It’s a place where you can be yourself. Use this page and its links to discover the world of horse holidays in Ruby Country.
Opportunities for you to bring your horse on holiday with you and stay in one of the growing number of establishments offering horse bed and breakfast.With places to stay for you and your horse, Ruby Country is establishing itself as a destination for horse holidays. Whether you are a rider, or carriage driver, there are opportunities to come to Ruby Country, stay a while and explore the self guided routes.
Horse riding is important to this part of Devon and here in Ruby Country we have everything you need to have a pleasant holiday with your horse and the rest of the family. In Ruby Country there is so much more to do, places to visit, arts and crafts, walking and cycling routes, local events, wildlife and heritage, shopping and more. Ruby Country has lots to offer in addition to horse holidays.
Liberty Trail, The Lodge, Middlemoor, Dartmoor PL19 9DY Tel: 7967 823 674
Horse riding holidays on Dartmoor – Luxury horseback holidays
You’ll see the very best that this magnificent landscape has to offer, whether you hire one of our sure footed horses or bring your own. At the end of your horse riding holiday, you will return home with unforgettable memories of a great time spent both in and out of the saddle.
Liberty Trails is for passionate equine enthusiasts although we understand that some of your friends may not share our passion and want to spend all day or even any day in the saddle! For days out of the saddle, there’s a Liberty Trails adventure to suit everyone from guided walks to vintage car tours to tuition in fishing, archery and falconry.
www.libertytrails.co.uk info@libertytrails.co.uk
HorseB&B
If you are thinking about horse holidays, look at the businesses listed and contact them to discuss your requirements
South Worden B&B, West Putford, Holsworthy EX22 7LG Tel: 01409 261 448
Here at South Worden Bed and Breakfast, the facilities for you and your horse are extensive. Whether you are looking for a relaxing mid season break from competing, to enjoy the long quite Devon lanes and countryside, or if you thought about being able to school in a very quiet setting then our equestrian facility is for you.
Equitrax Ltd. Eastfield Farm, Shebbear, Beaworthy EX21 5HN Tel: 01409 281 276
Welcome to Equitrax Ltd. We are a family-run business in Devonshire, providing bed and breakfast and equestrian facilities from our farmhouse in the village of Shebbear.
Targetting mainly those who wish to go on holiday with their horses, or those wanting a nights rest and recreation before proceeding to one of the Devon or Cornwall horse shows, we can cater for almost every aspect of your trip away.
We offer a number of services; bed and breakfast at our farmhouse, stabling for your horse, with access to a tack room and grazing in 12 acres of paddocks, use of an indoor arena, jumping paddock, 80 acres of off-road riding in a newly-planted forest, and information on riding-routes in the local area. You can, of course, book any of our services individually, – we’re flexible.
If you wish to book any of our sevices, just give us a call to check availability and request more information.
www.equitrax.co.uk b-jferrier@farmersweeklt.net
South Reed Farm Holidays, Boasley Cross, Bratton Clovelley, Okehampton EX20 4JJ Tel: 01837 871 258
If you are a horse rider and want to holiday your horse as well South Reed Farm Holidays has stabling and some fantastic hacking both from the farm and a 10 minute box to Dartmoor. If you want to hire a horse by the hour and enjoy an accompanied ride on Dartmoor contact Cholwell Riding Stables near Mary Tavy. They are highly recommended for every level of rider and they seem to have a horse and a ride to suit everyone.
www.southreedfarmholidays.com info@southreedfarmholidays.com
Easter Hall Park, Petrockstow, Okehampton EX20 3HP Tel: 01837 810 350
‘’Easter Hall Park is situated on the outskirts of the charming village of Petrockstowe set in 100 acres of farmland in the beautiful Devon countryside.
We have a full range of equine services and facilities at Easter Hall Park including Riding and Carriage Driving Lessons for all abilities, Hacking on the beautiful Tarka Trail and Devon Wildlife Trust Areas Horse Riding Holidays and Livery.
We can provide self-catering accommodation for you in our 2 bedroom cottage or flat situated close to the yard, and equine B&B for your horse so that you can enjoy a holiday together. Or you can use one of our horses during your stay. Or why not get back to nature and camp in our 90 acre woodland.
Our large outdoor schooling area has an all weather surface for flat-work and jumping and we also have a smaller indoor area, as well as fantastic hacking. ‘’
www.easterhallpark.co.uk info@easterhallpark.co.uk
Carriage driving
Drive the Ruby Country with BDS Devon. The group is particularly active in Ruby Country and keen to develop the area as a place to come for carriage driving holidays.
Equestrian Directory
Horse riding goods and services
There are a range of businesses supplying horse riding goods and services to help your you whilst visiting Ruby Country.
Not Just Horses, (Jane Goodey) The Bees, Beaworthy, Okehampton. EX21 5AN Tel: 01837 871 646
Not Just Horses equestrian supplies makes the best quality handmade horse rugs and neck covers, miniature horse rugs, dog coats and all your carriage driving accessories at affordable prices.
www.notjusthorses.net joanna@notjusthorses.net
Essie’s Equine, Torridge Way, Dobles Lane Industrial Estate, Holsworthy EX22 6HL Tel: 01409 253 900
Essie’s Equine is a specialist equestrian supplier, rug laundry and a “proper” tack shop.
www.essiesequine.co.uk info@essiesequine.co.uk
Hooper’s Equestrian, 20 Holley Park, Okehampton EX20 1PL Tel; 01837 54495
Hooper’s Equestrian Master Saddler Jodi Hooper has 24 years experience in the trade, taking great pride in her work using only the best Sedgewicks leather and English fittings.
Laura’s Lessons, West Brendon Stables, Sutcombe, Holsworthy. EX22 7QW
Tel; 07480646508
Riding lessons are available every day of the week. Group or private horse riding lessons are offered and last for half an hour or one hour.
www.lauraslessons.co.uk lauraslessons@hotmail.co.uk
Penbode Equine, North Road, Holsworthy EX22 6HB Tel: 01409 255 549
Penbode vets offer a 24 hour, 365 days a year emergency vet service, ensuring a dedicated vet is only a phone call away.
In an emergency, simply call the above number and we will ensure a specialised Farm, Pet or Equine veterinary service is available, depending on your need. We will never send a vet who is not dedicated to your animal type, so if you have a farm animal emergency, you will always get a specialised farm vet.
At Penbode Vets, all of our vets work within their own area of expertise, ranging from horse pre-purchase vettings to herd health plans, ensuring you get the highest possible quality of care for your animals.
www.penbodevets.co.uk equine@penbodevets.co.uk
Equine Dental Services, Tel: 01409 231 686
Gill Spinney is a fully qualified member of the BAEDT covering Devon and North & Cornwall.
www.equinedentalservices.org.uk contact@equinedentalservices.org.uk
The Grange Equestrian Centre, Northlew Road, Okehampton EX20 3DA Tel: 01837 52858
Situated on 400 acres just outside Okehampton at the foot of Dartmoor, offering riding lessons for all ages and levels, boarding, schooling and riding holidays.
www.grangeequestrian.com grange.equestrian@yahoo.co.uk
Tracking-Up!, View Farm, Dunsland Cross, Holsworthy EX22 7HY Tel: 01409 221 889
Tracking-Up! equestrian software was launched in 2003 and is used to manage the organisation of riding tests. It handles pre-show day organisation, building up a database of Riders, Horses and Judges, allocating bridle numbers, creating classes and managing start times.
www.trackingup.co.uk info@trackingup.com
Positive Horsemanship, The Stables, Halwill Junction, Beaworthy EX21 5XD Tel: 01409 211 166
Positive Horsemanship supports trainers, products and ideas that are committed to the emotional and physical well being of the horse and the handler.
www.positivehorsemanship.com mail@positivehorsemanship.com
Holsworthy Riding Club, Tel: 07980 843 716
Established in the 1970’s around the historic market town of Holsworthy, in North West Devon, the club has continued to grow and now welcomes members from a much wider community including North Cornwall.
www.holsworthyridingclub.co.uk
Equicanine Connections, Springfield Bungalow, Halwill Junction, Beaworthy EX21 5UF Tel: 07917 282 970
Based in Halwill Junction, specialising in helping owners overcome behavioural problems often encountered with horses and dogs.
Owners are empowered to lead their animals rather than being led themselves. Often horses won’t stand still to be groomed, mounted or dismounted and display aggressive behaviour, including biting, kicking and rearing up.
The service provided will help put at ease both owner and horse and dog.
For more information email; ann@equicanine.com
Preparation
Before setting out on a ride in unfamiliar territory please ensure you have food and drink and are wearing appropriate clothing and are prepared for poor weather. Also, it is advisable to carry a first aid kit and any other equipment to ensure your comfort and safety.
Ruby Country is covered by OS Explorer maps 111, 112, 113 and 126 depending upon where you are riding.
Although carrying a mobile phone is recommended you are advised that in some areas it may not be possible to obtain a strong signal. Please ensure you inform someone of your intended route and time of arrival at your destination.
Code of Riding
Whilst out riding your horse it is important that you abide by a simple code of conduct to ensure you do not conflict with trail and bridleway users, farmers, land owners and other people.
Please take care of the land – do not stray off the line of the route, damage hedgerows by jumping and remember horses’ hooves can damage surfaces in bad weather.
Please show courtesy to others – pay heed to walkers, cyclists and other riders, and acknowledge courtesy shown by drivers.
Please consider farmers – leave gates as you find them, ride slowly past all livestock.
Ride safely and enjoy the countryside.
Ragwort
Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a specified weed under the Weeds Act 1959. It contains toxins, which can have debilitating or fatal consequences if eaten by horses and other grazing animals.
Ragwort may need to be controlled when its presence and the likelihood of it spreading to neighbouring land poses a risk to horses and other grazing animals or land used for the production of forage.
DEFRA has produced 2 useful publications. Code of Practise on how to prevent the spread of ragwort and Guidance on the disposal options for common ragwort will help you identify ragwort, prevent its spread and dispose of it safely.
Please bear in mind that common ragwort is an important part of our biodiversity, providing important nectar for insects as well as being the larval foodplant for the cinnabar moth caterpillar. Therefore it should only be removed where there is a significant risk of it spreading or being eaten by horses and other livestock.
Useful Websites
For more information on public rights of way in Ruby Country or to comment on the routes visit www.devon.gov.uk/index/environmentplanning/public_rights_of_way.htm
To download a copy of Devon County Councils publication Horse Riding in Devon ddhorseriding Click here (pdf download).
Health-Benefits-of-Riding
To view and download a copy of the BHS publication Health-Benefits-of-Riding in the UK, click here. (1.5mb pdf)
Other links
British Horse Society South West www.bhssouthwest.org.uk
DEFRA pages on horse passports www.gov.uk/horse-passport
Ruby Country Partnership is pleased to be supporting these businesses and would like to support more. If you are interested in working with Ruby Country Partnership to develop and promote your business please contact us at Holsworthy Information Centre on 01409 254185 or email us at info@ridetherubycountry.co.uk
