LAKE DISTRICT SHORT BREAK - UK
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Welcome to the world of the ridden Clydesdale and Shire heavy horse. Do not be fooled by the "gentle giant" image, these beautiful horses have a fluency of pace and great acceleration that will satisfy the most adventurous of riders. This is the only centre in the UK where you can join the dedicated team and ride pure Clydesdale and Shire horses!
For the beginner they are kind, and have the most placid temperament. You can learn all about the care and history specific to the Clydesdale and Shire breeds as well as being taken for a ride by the most reliable of schoolmasters. For the more experienced rider, dispel the myth of the unresponsive plod, these guys can really motor...there is superb riding available on the farm fields and the fell work demonstrates how sure footed they are; all the horses are well schooled, fit, responsive and FUN ridden horses...we feel certain they will amaze you!!
SAMPLE ITINERARY - LAKE DISTRICT SHORT BREAK
Day 1
Arrive and settle in at your B&B in the picturesque town of Broughton-In-Furness, a hidden gem nestled within the Lake District National Park that dates back to the eleventh century. The town is not just a "picture postcard town" solely geared towards looking pretty for its visitors, it is a living, working town serving a large rural community where farming is still the mainstay of the economy. The town has great local cafes and shops as well as specialist butchers, grocers and bakers and of course numerous pubs all offering a warm welcome and good beer!
Day 2
You will make your way over to the farm, just ten minutes down the road. (A car is necessary; you could be waiting for days for a bus). Here you'll meet Annie and Tim who have a passion that is almost fanatical for their beautiful Clydesdales and Shires. They'll match you with a horse, get you used to the altitude(!) and put you through your paces in the arena, you can even pop over a few jumps, and on a Clydesdale that's a real experience! They also like to encourage riders to care for their horse for the duration, but it's no problem if you want to just jump on and ride.
After lunch you'll out onto the quiet fields of the Whicham Valley. These lovely farm tracks are a wonderful place where you can relax and enjoy the superb scenery whilst feeling the flowing paces of the Clydesdale and Shire horses you are riding. You'll head back to the farm where you can help with untacking and after ride care, all part of the experience, an if you'd like Annie and Tim would be more than happy to show you the DVD of their Great Clydesdale Migration, they used to be based up on Skye and when they moved they assembled a group of adventurers and rode the whole way to Cumbria. Then it's back to Broughton for a hot shower and a good meal in one of the many local pubs.
Day 3
An early breakfast and it's over to the farm for a 9am start.
Today you will ride up into the hills and fells, along the western coast of Cumbria with amazing views across the valley. Dependent on ability and interests you may ride for longer, up onto White Combe, or return to base for lunch followed by further tuition and hands-on learning.
More experienced riders will head up to Black Combe. This is where the weather plays its part, as you will head over the top of Black Combe or around it, either route is magnificent with superb views across to the Coniston mountains and the high tops of the Lake District. There are times when you might have to lead your horse either up or down particularly steep slopes, so stout footwear, with a tread, is advisable (traditional flat soled riding boots are like ski's!!!).
You'll finish your heavy horse experience by 4pm, you are welcome to linger longer should you wish, if you cannot tear yourself away!
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to unforseen circumstances such as bad weather and farming work.
NOTES - LAKE DISTRICT SHORT BREAK
This weekend break is very much led by client demand, so if anyone would like to specialise in farm work please do mention this as Annie and Tim are very happy to cover this side of the heavy horses' magnificent past.
The weight limit for this ride is 16st /224 lb/102 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Bed and breakfast accommodation, lunches and all riding and instruction as described.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Transfers, both from the airport and to the farm each day, dinners and drinks.
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