SOUTH DOWNS SHORT BREAK - UK

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An easy train journey or drive from London, South Harting a lovely old downland village with lots of attractive walks and there is the added bonus of sea views (about 8 miles South) from the top of the downs. This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the horses' stable's are situated on the southern slopes of Blackdown which is owned by the National Trust. With buzzards on the hills and many species of wild flowers across the pastures there is a complete air of peace and quiet. Your hostess, Joyce, was an avid endurance rider who regularly competed so the horses are fit and responsive. She takes excellent care of her beautiful horses and it really shows; these fit, good-natured animals are her pride and joy and will give you a wonderful ride across the hills. After long hours in the saddle you will be accommodated in one of the two guest bedrooms at the farmhouse, both with either twin or double beds, one ensuite or in the peak season nearby bed and breakfast with dinner taken at the farmhouse (you will be notified if this is the case). Good home cooking with meat purchased from the local farmer and vegetables from the nearby market / local suppliers. Joyce has two enthusiastically friendly dogs who love to be made a fuss of but are old enough to keep quiet.

Trip length From 2 nights with 1.5 days riding to 3 nights with 3 full days riding. Please see below for details. Ride only price From £315 in 2008, please see below for details. Departure dates April to October by arrangement. For other times of year, please ask. Approximate riding time per day 4-6 hours Riding ability required Intermediate and experienced riders confident to canter for 10 minutes or longer. Min age 16. Group size 2 - 6 Meeting point Petersfield or Haslemere railway station. Transfer Included from meeting point. Single supplement 50% only charged if not willing to share

SAMPLE ITINERARY - SOUTH DOWNS SHORT BREAK

Day 1 
Arrive late afternoon/early evening to be greeted by your hosts with a cup of tea and a piece of cake or a Pimms and nibbles depending on the weather! Sit outside in their peaceful garden, dogs at foot, and enjoy the view of the South Downs whilst discussing the next few days. Dinner is fresh and tasty and comes with a glass of welcoming wine or beer. Joyce uses locally sourced fresh produce including newly laid eggs, organic meat, fish delivered to the door, fresh vegetables, local pies, cakes and cheeses.

Day 2-3
After an early breakfast you will drive to the stables with your host Joyce to meet the horses. You are encouraged to help catch the horses, give them their breakfast and after your own cup of tea or coffee, groom and tack up with their help.
A day ride takes you across the hilly countryside surrounding the 800 acre farm, travelling at a good pace with lots of trotting and cantering wherever conditions allow.  The lunchtime stop is usually a pub where the horses enjoy their lunch brought by our backup crew whilst the riders relax with a glass and freshly made sandwiches and chips.  Then off again for an afternoon of further exploration before returning to the farm for that welcome cup of tea having sponged the horses off and turned them out. If you have chosen Riding Option A then departure is after lunch and if Option B then you will carry on and depart at the end of the day.
If you are staying for longer then you can look forward to a lovely dinner either back at the cottage or a local pub (contribution to the drinks if the latter).

Day 4
If you have chosen Riding Option C then today you get to enjoy another full day's ride across the countryside before departing for home.

NOTES - SOUTH DOWNS SHORT BREAK

2008 prices;

The village of South Harting has 2 pubs and two churches together with a good general village store and post office. Nearby is Petersfield, a market town complete with a leisure centre, several art shops and interesting small boutiques with the surrounding area full of interesting places to visit - ideal for the non riding partner. With miles of good paced riding over downland and bridleway networks in the heart of Hampshire and West Sussex, fit and fast horses, beautiful surroundings and a friendly, knowledgeable host this is the ideal short break to prepare for a longer riding holiday or just to get away from it all for riders wanting a challenge.

The horses are all Arab, Anglo Arab, Irish and Cob nature, responsive fit horses with characters to suit all.

Do take warm and waterproof clothing, this is the UK and no weather guarantees can be given! Riding hats must be worn so take your own if you have one, if not they may be borrowed on site. A small rucksack for carrying lunch, waterproofs etc. is invaluable.

Each year several two or three day trails staying at other farmhouses with luggage transport as required are arranged. Call us for details of these. Non riders can be accommodated.

The weight limit for this ride is 13st 7lbs/191 lb/87 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, meals and riding. Wine is served with dinner but prices do not include alcoholic drinks away from home. If you are staying at a nearby B&B/pub a small contribution towards alchoholic drinks will be required. Pick up from Petersfield or other nearby stations.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Travel to and from Petersfield.

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