Horse Riding in the Lake District: The Best Places to Saddle Up
WE'RE saddling up this month as we take a look at the best places to go horse riding in the Lakes.
When two legs are weary from hiking over the fells, four legs can offer a chance to explore the landscape in a totally different way. There’s a number of different options for horse riding in the Lakes, from short sessions for beginners to adventurous treks for experienced riders.
And as part of our round-up, we take a look at where to see expert riders in action, at the Lake District's own fabulous National Hunt race course. But let’s start with your opportunity to go horse riding in the Lakes. And we’re providing a musical backdrop this month, with the Cedar Manor horse-themed playlist.
Park Foot Pony Trekking, Ullswater
Park Foot pony trekking
Here at Ullswater there’s the chance to take to the saddle for a beginner’s paddock ride or a trek into the fells. It’s a really special way to see the Lake District landscape and here you’ll get some fabulous views of our favourite lake, Ullswater, as you head into the hills.
The team at Park Foot don’t need to use the roads at all. They go straight onto the fells from their centre which is on the quiet side of the lake, near Pooley Bridge. Beginners are welcome, and riding hats are included free, along with waterproofs if required; rain doesn’t stop play in the Lake District.
But they do have a strict weight limit, for very good reasons, and if you’re over 13 stone you won’t be allowed to ride on their ponies. The centre is open from the end of March to mid November.
Soundtrack: White Horse, Taylor Swift
Cumbrian Heavy Horses, Millom
Heavy horses
There’s a chance to ride on Cumbrian Heavy Horses over west near Millom, at the world’s only BHS approved Heavy Horse Riding Centre. Remember the opening sequence of BBC’s Countryfile, which featured riders trotting along beside the waves? This can be your experience too, with a chance to ride on one of the Shire, Clydesdale or Suffolk Punch horses. There’s also a chance to go out onto the fells, as well as the seashore, and all abilities are catered for, including beginners.
The centre was set up by Annie, and she and her team have been operating here for many years. Their professionalism is highlighted by many happy clients who also love to see what’s happening at this breed conservation centre.
There’s a very detailed safety briefing before each ride so that every member of the group will get the best experience. That’s why they need to know about you, what you expect, what your abilities are, what you hope to achieve.
Soundtrack: Wild Horses, Rolling Stones
Harness Change, Bigland Hall
Harness Change
At Bigland Hall, just south of Newby Bridge, you’ll find Harness Change, a centre for experienced riders who want some adventure in the Lakes. Their woodland hack is a ride for those that have done some basic horse riding before. The route goes down to the bottom of the hill through the woodland and joins a bridlepath that takes a scenic climb then joins the road back to the stables.
There are plenty of opportunities to trot on this ride and it lasts about an hour. All ride leaders who accompany this ride are also mounted so you need to be comfortable controlling the horse by yourself in walk and trot.
If you can already canter in balance in an open environment and have had the experience of riding out, then try a fell ride at a faster pace. These rides take you over the fell side and through some stunning countryside. The terrain is very varied and the rides are a good introduction to trail riding, with several opportunities to canter in the open.
For the most experienced riders, there’s a chance to try some of the most memorable trail riding in the UK, on multi-day treks into the mountains.
Soundtrack: Horse with no name, America
Rookin House, Troutbeck
Rookin House
In the northern Lake District at the “other” Troutbeck, between Keswick and Penrith, is this multi-activity centre which has more than 40 horses and ponies for trekking and riding lessons. There’s a wide range of options to suit all abilities, starting with a one-hour trek and all the way through to a full day ride. Both private and group rides are available so the centre can cater to everyone’s needs. They also have an indoor school for competitions and demonstrations.
But there’s a lot more on offer at Rookin House. If you don’t want to saddle up, you can try quad biking, archery, clay pigeon shooting, assault courses, fishing, and something called Human Bowling!
Soundtrack: Ballad of a runaway horse, Juni Fisher
Cartmel Races
Cartmel Races
But what if you’d prefer to watch the experts riding the horses? Not far from us here at the Cedar Manor you can sample national hunt racing in its most original format. Cartmel Racecourse is a small national hunt venue in the attractive village of the same name. Nine racedays are held each year, starting on the Whit Holiday weekend at the end of May and ending on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Known for having the longest run-in in the country, Cartmel Racecourse only stages National Hunt (jumps) racing. With its woodland backdrop and drystone walls lining the road side, it’s as if the venue had stepped off the page of a Beatrix Potter story. You can catch the last meeting of the season with Cartmel cup day on Saturday August 24, and August Monday season finale on the 26th. Tickets from £19.74.
Soundtrack: Only the horses, Scissor Sisters