People in the New Forest

[ester]

If I were to consider hacking down from East of Salisbury for a bit of a horsey B+B holiday what time of year would you suggest is best? I'm just pondering it as a possibility for a few days. No transport and I reckon I could work out a sensible route down with appropriate stops.
We did have crab flies up this far last year and he wasn't bothered like some of the others on the yard but obviously maybe not if there were a lot.

Any other advice/thoughts on places to stay/company available as will be only be me and him very welcome

 

[teapot]

My old boss is offering airbnb in the east of the forest, (and has space for a pony...) Could ask her for details :smile3:

 

[ester]

ha I was just about to say you aren't in the forest! Yes please

 

[Ben2684]

Anytime between now and June, when it gets to summer proper a lot of the forest is like concrete, you can't win in the winter it's very boggy!

Have just had to move from the area and really missing the forest

 

[burtie]

I would say October or May, but so much depends on the weather and how much rain we've had! October can be risky though if the pigs are out and you're not used to them!!!

 

[ester]

Thanks Ben, I did think it might be better to get a shifty on and try and do a few days in late May, I have only just thought about doing it though!
Pigs are semi doable but , hopefully hunting again to amuse us by then too anyway.

 

[Ben2684]

Was going to add depends on the weather really!!!

First time we saw the pigs whilst out riding was interesting to say the least!

 

[burtie]

Also if you're riding down from Salisbury way, I'd stick to the bits North of the A31 as they are some of the best riding anyway!

 

[ester]

We do have them up here but they are a little more contained. He has more issue with lambs tbh.
Essentially if he wants and excuse to be welsh he will take it but he is all mouth no trousers!

 

[ester]

Also if you're riding down from Salisbury way, I'd stick to the bits North of the A31 as they are some of the best riding anyway!

an excellent to know thanks

We are quite happy to mooch about, I was just thinking as I drove past more bridleway signs that were a little out of our usual area that we should go for an explore at some point and make the most of it .

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

If you come anywhere near Woodgreen give me a shout! Lovely riding with pubs.

Drifts start mid Aug so I'd avoid getting caught up with one, although it maybe entertaining!

 

[smellsofhorse]

probably best to avoide when the stallions are out too.

Ive lived her for almost 18 months now, we moved down from Somerset.
I love it.
My horse is still scared though!
Seeing these free roaming ponies or when the local herd of shetlands decide to gallop around is all to much for him!

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

Stallions will probably go out mid May for 4 weeks. Dates tbc yet.

 

[planete]

If you are sensible around herds there is no need to worry about stallions while you are mounted but dicey if you are off the horse. Just give any groups with a stallion a wide berth. Aggressive stallions are reported and removed from the Forest. I rode all over the Forest for twenty-five years with no problems.

 

[ester]

We used to meet them up the quantocks without issue although fewer in number, probably rather them than too many crab flies!
PF I did check my PMs to remind myself quite where you are .

 

[ester]

So I found the perfect spot in Bramshaw, easily hackable from home (about 13/14 miles mostly off road) but enough in the forest that lots of options when we are there and the owner sounds lovely, and the paddock is right outside the cottage. It is worrying when someone who does endurance goes :eek3: you are going to hack here!? - then I point out we don't have to go through salisbury we can pretty much do a straight line.

Had to be a little more flexible on dates as hopefully Rara007 is going to join us for a bit after her vet finals so going on the 24th of june with fly repellent
Peregrine we will definitely come your way one day and if we could meet up/you suggest a good pub for lunch or something that would be fab

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

ooooohh, how exciting! Definately up for that. There's the Royal Oak at Fritham, Fighting Cocks at Godshill, High Corner Inn at Linwood, Green Dragon at Brook.

 

[ester]

You know a lot of pubs . I'll pm you nearer the time

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

Weirdly though I don't drink! I shall look forward to it. The Lamb at Nomansland isn't far also.

 

[ester]

Do people go to pubs for the drink? I always go for the grub!

 

[ester]

So I just wanted to report back on a successful Hols Frank even coped with living with a pair of emus for the week :eek3:, much helped by the arrival of a wingman in the form of Rara007s pony . Didn't have to hack down in the end as we acquired a lorry .
Bit wet, in the sky and on the ground!, Did result in a bit of flapping trying to find routes last weekend but had it down pretty well after that/minimised going oh **** about turn find another track!
Did an all day ride to high corner where Peregrine met up with us for lunch on Tuesday, day off for the ponies on wednesday in the rain and then up to the fighting cocks at godshill yesterday - slight issue with the donkeys, Frank doesn't do donkeys whereas pip thought they were great new friends.

There err there's a donkey, right there, braying look...

and yes, there was

and if he dare spook at a bird again (he is a well known bird hater)

 

[Haphazardhacker]

Burley rails cottage, lovely place to stay.

 

[Haphazardhacker]

So peaceful and hacking straight from the cottage as its literally in the forest.

 

[J&S]

I wondered if the paddock with the shelter and the birds was Paddiss Corner where we stayed on our three day tour in 1992. We had dinner that night in The Foresters Arms at Frogham....... aptly named as we had to walk a grassy track to Hyde common that was covered with toads!

 

[ester]

No, other side in Bramshaw