Running a b&b trekking centre

T

those-ears

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Theres a very good chance that we will be in a position to buy a large house with land next year, the one we have in mind is a 6 bed farm house with stables and outbuildings, a ménage and 12 acres of land. What I really wanted to do is run a holiday b&b horse trekking centre (hacking is fabulous here) planning on doing my riding instructor (bhs) exams this year.
I have come to pick your brains and ask lots of questions :D
Can i have some tips/advice please from people who run/work for trekking centres.
I want to be able to take complete beginners to more experienced riders.


Thanks
 
Things like insurance, prices, ability of riders - ie if they have never sat on a horse before do you offer a riding lesson to learn the very basics before venturing out? (obviously anyone like this will be led off another horse) how many people (staff) would be needed on a days/half days trail? obviously i am aware that i would need to be trained in basic first aid also.
 
I think prices vary wildly depending on where you are in the UK. Most places which make their bread and butter from holiday makers seem to charge a bit more than your average riding school, but thats just what I've found. Prices for nearby riding schools/trekking centres would give you a starting point to work from.
The yard I worked at offered half/full days riding but we mostly took experienced riders out for longer periods of time and there was usually 2 staff to perhaps 4 or 5 riders. For novice riders we usually encouraged them to take just 1 or 2 hours and would vary the route so they could ride single file behind ride leader for whole ride if possible, or most of it. It always made me feel better to know I was setting pace at the front and another horse couldn't get in front when we were on single track roads. I would say though overall, more people came that were novice than experienced- we had everyone fill out a tick box self assessment and sign it before taking them out. Each trek leader/assistant had a saddle bag with mobile phone, small first aid kit etc in it also.
With the yard I'm at now, if we have riders come for a trek who are here on hols etc, we try to find out at time of booking their previous experience (most people can't do near as much as they say they can) and I do a quick assessment when they arrive of how they act, how comfortable they are getting on, their position when they get on and look for wee clues as to how much they know- reins held the wrong way, toes down, slouchy back etc usually give away someone who hasnt ridden much/ for a long time. If i'm in any doubt, I do a quick 5 minute assessment in the school before heading out- can they steer/stop, use their leg, rising trot (if they want to do more). Most riders are happy to do this, and I tell them its a good chance to get to know their horse before heading out (which it is- as well as letting me assess them).
Horse wise I would go for nice steady neddies who know the score and accepts a rider who may not be 100% balanced or accurate with their aids etc. Something that is happy to plod or go a bit faster is ideal- none of our school ponies are super fast and most are native types, mainly highlands, haflinger's, fjord's etc and all under 15.2hh. I find most people who come to trek are happy even with a steady canter outside, even if they can do more/go faster. Most people are out to enjoy the scenery and I think appreciate a horse that they can trust not to bomb off! Something chunky-ish that can live out is great as it will stop you from spending hours mucking out/ rugging up etc when you may need to do stuff within the b&b. Our hairies live out all year with ad lib haylage over the winter and do great!
Hope some of this helps, and I'm not just waffling!
 
You could try looking at a place called Free Rein who run amazing (guided and unguided) trails in wales for an idea of prices, what they offer etc.

It sounds like a great idea, congrats on the new house and career - very jealous!
 
I have a horse riding holiday cantre in Tuscany, so insurance etc will be different rules but if you have any specific questions feel free to ask and I will try to answer!

In your questions about taking out beginners, yes we do take complete beginners out on our very steady neddies (usually after a half hour private lesson). You obviously need a certain type of horse to be able to do this. I would advise getting several of these certain types of horses!

One of the most important things to remember is not to accept at face value what people tell you and always make a riding assesment in the arena before riding out.

I have 10 horses and run the place with just me and the occasional volunteer (we are not for profit). Last year in the high season we were working from 6am-midnight (with a 4hour break for lunch, but we were often eating with the guests) so in the high season it is very hard work.

Hoped that has helped in some way :)
 
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