Day Rides in the Surrey Hills

Although we have the most beautiful countryside and off-road tracks on our doorstep, it can also be great fun to explore further afield and discover some of the other pretty lanes and tracks around Surrey.

     
 

We are able to offer relaxing day rides, or, for the more experienced rider, there are more challenging half-day rides.  Come on your own on either of these rides and make friends with fellow horse-lovers; or get together with a few of your own friends or work colleagues and plan your own outing with us - call Ian at the yard with a few suggested dates and we'll organise it all for you.

 

Read on for more details, and the dates of our scheduled rides.
  

Day Rides

Why not join us on one of our relaxing, larger day rides which may include the opportunity to visit some of Surrey's hidden inns and country village greens - the route generally varies for every ride.  We leave the yard about 10am and our ride should include some gentle canters, and possibly even a pub stop or two!  We generally get back around 4.30- 5pm.  Please note this makes for quite a long day so we recommend that you have a good breakfast beforehand. You will also be required to hold your horse whilst having ‘refreshments’ as our horses do not approve of being tied up and left!

 
The price for the whole day (excepting refreshments) is only £105.

    

Schedule 2013

Our next day ride are scheduled below. If you're interested in another date just ask and we will endeavour to accommodate you.

Saturday 28th September

 

  

Half-day rides

We are now able to offer a 1/2 day morning ride for more experienced riders on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We leave the yard at about 9am, the ride should last about 3 ½ hrs, and we don’t generally stop for any refreshments/comfort breaks.  The route is likely to vary each time but we may be fortunate enough to ride across Stileman’s X-country course, the Juniper Valley slalem, the "Gallops", and other less often visited routes.

The price for the morning is £85 so if you are interested just ask Ian at the yard.

 

Short breaks in Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex

As well as our usual services and periodic day rides locally, we are able to offer day trips to the beach, and short mid week or weekend breaks.  These can be either here in the Surrey Hills South West of London, or in the New Forest in Hampshire, or on the South Downs in East Sussex. Both the latter locations are less than 1.5 hours from the stables but again feel a whole world away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Read on to learn more!

Beach rides in West Sussex

At some point many of us have dreamed of cantering along a beach on a beautiful thoroughbred, the sea breeze and salt spray on your face. Well now you can!

We are able to offer our day trips throughout the year, but as we need to coincide with the low tides, and avoid busy periods, the best times to go are generally in the Spring and Autumn, or in the late afternoon during the Summer months.  We've found the best location is at Climping, not far from Bognor Regis on the West Sussex coast.  Here we can park the horsebox just a few minutes from the beach, yet off the main roads and close to facilities.  The trip takes about 1 hour each way in the horsebox (shorter by car), and the beach ride itself may last 2-2.5 hours.

Have a look at our Gallery for photos of some of our previous trips, and if you are interested, check out the schedule of dates below, or contact Ian who will be able to tell you more and suggest a few more dates for your consideration. 

Schedule Autumn 2013

(all the dates below relate to mid-morning rides except for the September trip which will be mid-afternoon)

Wednesday 18^th September

Mondy 28^th October

Tuesday 29^th October

Monday 11^th November

Tuesday 12^th November

Wednesday 27^th November

Thursday 28^th November

Either come down to the yard and travel down with us in the horsebox, or meet up with us at Climping, near Middleton-on-Sea, not far from Bognor Regis.  Times will vary according to the low tide scheduled for that day. 

At Climping we will unload the horses and tack them up, before mounting and riding the few minutes to the beach.  Here we will walk along to familiarise our horses with the unfamiliar sights and sounds before having our first gentle canter.

Depending on the horses, the weather, and how comfortable you are in these very different surroundings, we will then extend our canters, and may go for several miles.  Finally, relaxed and pleasantly tired we will walk back, rub down and feed the horses, and perhaps tarry awhile ourselves at a local pub for a rewarding drink or bite to eat before the journey back to the yard.

The cost is £120 which includes:

            Hire of the horse
            Horse transport

            Your transport from the stables to the beach and back

            Escort during the beach ride

Refreshments etc are not included in the price.

South Downs Weekend or mid-week riding holidays

This fantastic centre-based holiday for Intermediate riders is less than 2 hours away from London, yet offers hours of uninterrupted riding with magnificent views over the Downs to the sea, and the opportunity for long canters.  Stay at our village B&B which offers delightful accommodation for both horse and rider, relax with your horse at hostelries along the way, and take advantage of the delicious evening meals on offer at one of our local pubs nearby.

This exclusive trip, generally consisting of no more than 4-6 riders (including your escorts), will also offer you the opportunity to develop a special bond with the horse we have chosen for you and for you to get involved in his care (if you wish to!).  If requested, we will also be pleased to offer advice or assistance, and to help you develop or brush up on your riding skills.

It helps to be reasonably fit as there may be long days in the saddle, but where practicable we will customise the trip length and itinerary to suit your specific requirements – just enquire prior to booking. Please note that we do reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time where your safety and local prevailing weather conditions indicate.

Have a look at our current schedule of available dates below and the Gallery of photographs from some of our previous trips elsewhere on our website.  Traditionally we have offered these 3-day trips mid-week only (usually Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday) during the Summer months.  However, from 2012 we are offering 2-day or 3-day Summer weekend excursions (Friday-Sunday) and Saturday-Sunday Winter excursions.  If none of the dates posted suit you it may be possible to schedule a trip on an alternative date so call us for a chat and further information.  Read below about the various options available and see under Availability for currently scheduled dates.

Three day (2-night) Summer trips (mid-week or weekend)

Itinerary

Day 1:
Travel down at your leisure and meet us at our designated B&B about midday, or travel down with us in the horsebox. `The Paddocks' was formerly part of a racing yard, and has great stabling as well as lovely accommodation for us!  Once you’ve settled in, and, if it suits you, join us at the village pub for a spot of lunch.  In the afternoon we will introduce you to your horse, and enjoy an invigorating 3 hour ride.  In the evening you are invited to join us for dinner at a local hostelry.

Day 2:
Our hostess does a great cooked breakfast (and she can also cater for vegetarian or other special requirements where sufficient notice has been given). After grooming and tacking up your horse a day ride is planned which will leave the B&B about 10.30am and return mid to late afternoon, though depending on the time of year we may start and finish earlier or later. We will stop at a pub lunchtime but please note  that you will be required to hold your horse whilst having ‘refreshments’ as our horses do not approve of being tied up and left!  Sometimes we will enjoy an additional quick stop at another pub along the way in the morning or afternoon for a ‘comfort break’ and to rest the horses after yet another wonderful canter.  Once we’ve got back, you’re invited to help untack, rub down and feed your horse, after which you will no doubt be looking forward again to a relaxing bath, and dinner yourself!

Day 3:
After another enjoyable breakfast, we will depart our rooms, and you will be able to ready your horse for another enjoyable ride, leaving about 10.30. After a break for lunch, you should get back to the village by the early afternoon.  Stop off for a last drink with us at our local, and then back to the yard to rub your horse down and feed him, or you may choose to start your journey home, whatever suits you best.

Two-day/Two night* Summer weekend trips
Itinerary

This is as for the 3 day itinerary but on Day 1 (Friday) you travel to the B&B at your leisure, and meet us at about 7pm. Once you’ve settled into your room you are welcome to join us at the local village pub for supper.

* we are obliged during the Summer months to book a minimum of 2 nights, so cannot offer a 1 night option 

Two day/One night Winter weekend trips

From Autumn 2012 we are pleased to offer this NEW South Downs excursion option for the Winter months: 1st November 2012 – 28th February 2013. The reduced price reflects the slightly shorter riding days possible during the Winter months.  Your holiday will start at Jevington on Saturday morning, though for a small additional supplement* we recommend the option of coming down Friday evening, which means you can join us for dinner, take advantage of one of our hostess’s great winter-warming breakfasts on Saturday morning, and feel relaxed and refreshed for the start of your ride.

*£30 per person

Itinerary
Day 1
Meet us in Jevington by 9.30am on the Saturday morning, ready to  groom and tack up your horse for our day ride. We will stop at a pub lunchtime but please note that you will be required to hold your horse whilst having ‘refreshments’ as our horses do not approve of being tied up and left!  Once we’ve got back, at about 3.30pm you’re invited to help untack, rub down and feed your horse, after which you will no doubt be looking forward again to a relaxing bath, and dinner yourself, then a good night's sleep!


Day 2
After a wonderful cooked breakfast, we will depart our rooms, and you will be able to ready your horse for another enjoyable ride, leaving about 10am. After a last exhilarating canter, we should get back to the village by lunchtime.  After grooming, watering and feeding our horses, why not stop off at our local for lunch and a farewell drink before starting your drive home.

Charges (for the Summer and Winter options
 

Costs cover:

• Hire of the horse for your trip
• Horse transport
• Transport for yourself from the stables to your holiday base (where applicable/required)
• Stabling - including bedding and feed
• Bed and breakfast

(Lunch time drinks etc plus evening drinks and dinner are not included in the price)

Charges are:
3-day/2night Summer weekend option: £450
3-day/2night Summer mid week option:£395
2-day/2-night Summer weekend option:£385

2-day/1-night Winter weekend option: £325

Scheduled dates 2013

September: dates not yet confirmed, please ring to enquire

October: Monday 14th-Wednesday 16th October inc.

November: dates not yet confirmed, please ring to enquire.

Dont' see the dates that suit you?  Just contact Ian at the yard and he will endeavour to accommodate you.

Four day riding holiday in the beautiful Surrey Hills

 

This 4-day (3-night) mid-week break has something for everyone as the Surrey Hills/North Downs are a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offer hours of uninterrupted riding with magnificent views and scenery.

You will have the opportunity to ride a different horse each day and it is up to you as to whether you get involved on the stable management side or not.  If you would like to spend time on the yard then we will be more than happy to involve you but alternatively if you would prefer to have us wait on you hand and foot, then that too is fine.  Your holiday, your call.

We have selected overnight accommodation to suit differing tastes and budgets, ranging from our village and country farmhouse B&Bs and various local inns, to luxurious hotel accommodation.

To discover more about this short break in the Surrey Hills please turn overleaf for a detailed itinerary. In addition we recommend that you read about us and our horses elsewhere on this website.

Itinerary


Below is our proposed itinerary, but we reserve the right to change this to suit your level of ability.



 

Tuesday:
Travel to us, at your leisure, in the morning, settle into your B&B and if it suits, join us at our village pub for a spot of lunch.  In the afternoon we will introduce you to the stables, staff and horses and take you for a one and a half hour hack, which will provide you with the opportunity to get to know your horse and help us decide on any changes that might be required to increase your enjoyment of the holiday.

Wednesday:
Today we plan to explore various routes around Hascombe Hill. Leaving at about 10am we will enjoy a 2 hour hack before returning to the yard.  You are welcome to join us for a light lunch  before we saddle up and head out for another 2 hour ride in the afternoon. Back at the yard, you are welcome to help us untack and groom your horse, by which time, no doubt pleasantly tired, you’ll be ready to unwind over evening dinner.

Thursday:

Hopefully feeling well refreshed and ready for a relaxing day ride  we’ll leave the yard at about 10am.  We will stop lunchtime at a pub, though you will be required to hold your horse whilst having ‘refreshments’ (as our horses do not approve of being tied up and left!).  We may have a quick stop at another pub on the way home for a ‘comfort break’ before getting back to the yard around mid afternoon.

Friday:

On your final morning we will leave the yard at about 10am for a two hour ride and return in time for lunch.  You may choose to take refreshments at one of our local pubs, or alternatively start your journey home, whichever suits you best.

The cost for this 4-day break is £350, based on use of our village or farmhouse B&B accommodation in Cranleigh and Dunsfold.  It  includes:

All horseriding and escort costs.

Overnight accommodation

Transport between your accommodation and the stables.

(Lunchtime refreshments, evening drinks and dinners are not included.)

The supplements payable for other accommodation options are given below:

Drummond Arms, Albury: 
£90pp (2 sharing, double/twin beds; £120pp (single occupancy)

Richard Onslow, Cranleigh:
£90pp (2 sharing, double/twin beds; £120pp (single occupancy) )

The Crown, Chiddingfold:
£225pp (2 sharing (double/twin beds); £315pp (Luxury 4-poster).

 

Payment:
A £100 deposit is taken at the time of booking in order that we can reserve your accommodation, and is unfortunately not refundable.  The balance should be paid two weeks before the holiday.

Please note our cancellation policy and other Terms and Conditions which are given on our separate Price List and on our website.

New Forest mid-week riding holidays

These relaxing 4-day (3-night) mid week breaks offer pretty and varied riding country through delightful scenery with wild ponies (and the occasional donkeys, pigs and cows!); super pubs for lunch stops and evening meals; and friendly, comfortable B&Bs for relaxing and stocking up on a good breakfast for the day ahead (which includes getting down and dirty with your horse!).

Being small and exclusive (these trips generally consist of no more than 6 persons, including your guides), this is an ideal time to develop a relationship with the horse we have chosen for you and with us on the rides to offer advice or assistance, a time to develop or brush up on your riding skills.

It helps to be reasonably fit but as long as you are able to advise us accurately on your level of experience in advance of booking we should be able to ensure the horse we provide and the routes chosen suit your level of experience.  We do however reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time if required to suit your ability, or prevailing weather conditions.

3 night/4 day option:

 

Tuesday

We travel down Tuesday morning and arrive just in time to settle the horses and enjoy a pleasurable lunch at a local

pub before returning to tack up the horses, and have an enjoyable, gentle introductory afternoon ride.  Back at the B&B we settle the horses down for the evening before setting off for our evening meal.

Wednesday:

At 0730, after feeding the horses breakfast and mucking out, we'll be ready for our own breakfast.  Then its all hands to the deck as we prepare the horses for the day and set off. 

After a relaxing morning with maybe a gentle canter we'll stop at a pub for a lunchtime drink (and maybe a snack if hungry - not usually required given the size of breakfast!), before continuing our exploration of this delightful part of the world. On our return to base we'll groom and feed the horses before retiring for a well earned, albeit short rest, before going out to dinner.

Thursday:

As Wednesday apart from exploring a different route and pubs.

Friday:

Similar morning stables format, plus additional tidying up to leave the stables/yards spick and span.  Then its off for a last ride before we return to the B&B and load the horses for the journey home.

The cost is £450 which includes:

            Hire of the horse
            Horse transport
            Stabling for 3 nights - including bedding and feed
            Bed and breakfast for 3 nights

Lunch time drinks etc plus evening drinks and meals are not included in the price.

Payment:

A £100 deposit is taken at the time of booking and one month prior to going, a further amount of £100 is payable. The final payment of £250 is taken 10 days before leaving. These amounts are paid in stages to allow us to pay related expenses to our New Forest colleagues and unfortunately, once these payments are made, we cannot refund your costs.