Recommendations for days treking in New Forest!

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Vicstress

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Hi

A friend and I were hoping to book a long hack over Easter in the new forest and just wondered if anyone had recommendations?
 
I know there are stables at Burleigh, but not sure of their reputation.

Arniss stables at Godshill near Fordingbridge had a good reputation, but are under new managment, so again, not sure how good, but lovely hacking.

Hope you have a great time . :D
 
I went on a couple of hacks in the NF about 3 years ago.
Burley Manor Stables were ok, I'd ride there again. We rode for 2 hours and the horses perked up after they realised they were going for a good canter on the 2 hour route... We also rode at Burley Villa and the horse I got put on would not go anywhere, even for me, or when his mates cantered away up the hill, or on the way home, I swapped with my friend I was riding with but he was the same for her. I think, in the end, the rider who was escorting us rode him but it made for a disappointing and slow ride.
If you can get to Studland, I'd recommend going with Studland Stables. I have ridden on the beach with them nurmerous times and would again. The staff are friendly, the horses are almost all well schooled and like to run (I can only think of one who'd rather plod along on the beach rather than het his groove on cantering along. But then perhaps that was the rider on his back out with us?). I'd love to go on an Old Harry ride with them but won't be down in Dorset again for some time with my hat :(
Have a lovely time. I am trying very hard not to be jealous ;)
ETA: Not sure where you are but if you fancy a longer break, go up to Cumbria and ride with Cumbrian Heavy Horses. Would recommend them in a flash; Annie and all her staff are great and I had a great ride in stunning countryside and on the coast.
 
Kat_Bath said:
If you can get to Studland, I'd recommend going with Studland Stables. I have ridden on the beach with them nurmerous times and would again. The staff are friendly, the horses are almost all well schooled and like to run (I can only think of one who'd rather plod along on the beach rather than het his groove on cantering along. But then perhaps that was the rider on his back out with us?). I'd love to go on an Old Harry ride with them but won't be down in Dorset again for some time with my hat :(
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I was just going to recommend Studland! I rode there last summer and went on the Old Harry Rocks ride in the morning and then a trek through the forest in the afternoon.
I would recommend them completely, the scenery is stunning and the routes are really varied. On the Old Harry route you go up along the cliff tops (amazing views!!!) and then back down through the heath. On the forest ride there is no road work as the stables have direct access onto the forest and again the views are lovely. Both the horses I rode were very sweet and Smartie (My fav) in particular was very, very forward going making for some lovely gallops through the forest!
The staff are very friendly and can advise you on rides/make a day programme for you. I would definately suggest checking out their website and they also have a facebook page with lots of pictures :)

Hope you have a lovely days riding!
 
Great minds Princess Jess! I'm glad you've also enjoyed riding there. Dorset might seem like quite a horsey place but quality riding places, I find, are few and far between. Studland is well run and the horses are all very well looked after.

Vicstress said:
Thanks guys - I've contacted Studland for a morning beach ride!
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Sooooo jealous! I rode Cale (pronouned Cally, not Cale as in 'pale', just in case you wondered!!) and he was lovely! He was very narrow (compared the Suffolk Punches and Percherons I was used to at the time!) and had quite a bouncy trot but his canter was to die for.
I have also ridden Whisky (if I remember rightly we were at the back as he's a bit of a grumpy bum sometimes) and he was a great ride and I've ridden 2 others a long time ago who I can't remember... Oops. I've got my eye on Hattie or their Ardenne for next time! Take lots of pictures!
 
Haha Kat Bath they do indeed! I rode Boris and Smartie, but Smartie was definitely my favourite :) I think someone else on my ride rode Cale, she looked lovely.

Hope you have a fabulous time ( I know you will) and yes we want to see lots of pictures!!!
 
Another vote for Studland! I rode Whiskey (again at the back) and I loved him, so well schooled and he went at my pace not everyone elses. I really want to go back again...must sort that out.
 
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