Do you think there would be a market for this?

oofadoofa

oofadoofa

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10 April 2008
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Somerset
www.mearecourtequestrian.co.uk
We currently have some lovely holiday cottages on the farm and do weekend breaks/hen parties etc. with pampering packages included, hot tub, sauna, etc etc. (www.somersetspa.co.uk)

Anyway, we are also starting to do liveries and currently putting in american barn stabling, menage and a ride around the farm. My question is, do you think there would be a market for something involving both? I was thinking maybe advertising weekend or mid week breaks away with your horse, getting some good instructors in to teach in the morning and then use of the spa in the afternoon/evening. Or even hunting breaks during the season as we have several packs of hounds local (would give me an excuse to do lots of hunting too!). Also have good riding as they have put in a 14 mile circular off road route nearby. What do you all think? Just an idea at this stage. Any suggestions gratefully received!
 
Thanks for all your comments!

Yes we are about a mile away from Bickenhall which started this year, about 15 mins from Pontispool, 30 mins from Stockland Lovell and about 30 mins from Aldon!

There are plenty of nice walks and things for non horsey people too. And lots of nice places to eat nearby!
 
I have taken my horse on holidays many times so it would be ideal for me. What I look for are individual post and railed turn-out padocks and good stabling. Also secure parking for lorry/trailer.

The BHS publish a book called Bed and Breakfast for horse and Rider each year. It is free to get your facilities listed in it.

Why not get an entry put in it?

There is also an organisation called Bridle Rides which organise routes and places for Horse and Riders to stay at so contact them as well.
 
We have individual turnout with wooden post and electric tape and the stables we are putting in are lovely - they are all 12' by 12'. Trailer parking would be pretty secure as the farm is all locked up at night. That sounds like a really good idea for the book, although will have to wait until we are properly up and running I think. So PM me if you fancy a holiday in Somerset!
 
Sounds a lovely idea, it would seem perfect to me! I can well imagine going out for a ride/having a lesson and then being pampered for the afternoon. Would it be possible for you to provide a couple of 'dobbins' for non-owners to ride? (Although this might cost too much to justify).

Just as a matter of interest, your charges look very reasonable for facials etc. It might be worth offering an option of a 50 minute version for double the half hour rate. I went to a big spa places recently on a girls day out and the lady doing my facial said most customers opt for the longer facial... anyway just a thought
 
Ideal 1 Its the sort of place we go to twice a year
Would be happy with 14 mile off road riding, and not wanting training when on hols.
Use of hot tub is perfect, with spa treatments as extra session booked if required.
Would expect to pay £10 -£12 per night per horse for stable and turnout, inc forage and bedding. DIY .More if full livery
 
Oooh, getting quite excited now as everyone thinks it's a good plan! I was thinking of offering either DIY (obviously with bedding and hay/haylage included) or full livery, depending on whether someone wanted a complete break from mucking out etc whilst they were on holiday. I will mention to Liz about the facials as she looks after that side of things! So do let me know if you are interested anyone, the stables are going in next week - fingers crossed!
 
This is my idea of heaven! And I second the dobbin thing, too, so that OH can hack out at least once or twice and then do his own things when I'd be having lessons. I'm divided on the DIY/full livery thing because I'm a loon about doing Brandy's bed just the way she likes it, but then, if I was on holiday, I would so love a lie-in, and a late start... Maybe leave it as an option and then you won't price poorer people like me out of the market.

Oh, but if you had a horse-spa too and we both went for a luxury pampering session... that would probably cost the earth, though, I imagine! But what an amazing Christmas/birthday gift?!
 
Yes, definitely will look into getting a dobbin or two. I have an OH who's not particularly great on a horse but wants to go hunting, so it may suit him too!

I think the horse spa might be a bit pricey to start with, but who knows! Although, funnily enough, one of the ladies who does the massages has just qualified in equine massage too so your horse could always have massage!
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