Exploring new locations on horseback is one of the real joys of horse ownership. Just load up your horsebox and away you go!
We’ve rounded up just a few of our favourite spots here to give you some inspiration for your next ride – most are based in the countryside but there are a few surprises!
If you’re planning an extended break to take in a few of these locations, it’s essential to have the right horsebox insurance in place before you start.
Equesure are horsebox insurance specialists, with over 60 years of combined experience helping riders stay safe on the roads.
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If you’re looking for a picturesque ride with a few traditional country pubs along the way, the New Forest is hard to beat.
With open access for riders, there are seemingly endless bridleways to explore across heathland or along the coast – just make sure you stick to the tracks and keep one eye out for ‘wild’ ponies; there are around 3,000 roaming freely around this idyllic landscape but they’re actually cared for by the New Forest Commoners.
Did you know that over 70% of the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is suitable for horse riders?
Some of the routes make use of old railway lines making riding smooth and easy underfoot – a great place to come with children or if you’re just building your confidence on horseback.
There are lots of car parks that have been designed with horseboxes and trailers in mind, so do a little research before you go to plan the best stops for your particular vehicle.
Choose routes taking in stops in the West (Southport, Liverpool, Trafford and Tameside); central England (Leeds, Wakefield, Sheffield and Doncaster); or East (Selby, East riding, Hull and Hornsea). Visit the Trans Pennine Trail website for maps.
From the Radnor Forest trail in Powys to Carmarthenshire’s beautiful beaches, there are so many idyllic horse riding locations in Wales it’s hard to know where to start.
While more experienced riders might enjoy the testing terrain of Snowdonia – home to some of the highest mountains in Wales – or the Vale of Glamorgan with its undulating landscape, beginners should head to the Brecon Beacons, the birthplace of pony trekking.
Or if you really want to get away from it all, Angelsey offers complete seclusion for quiet, private rides away from the crowds.
Exploring the Lake District from the elevated position on horseback gives you a whole new perspective on this beautiful part of the UK.
Cumbria is thought to have the highest number of bridleways in the country, so both novices and experienced riders should be able to find a trail that suits them.
With mountains, fells, lakes and beaches to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Why not take a picnic and make a whole day of it? Beware of the changing climate around the lakes, though – you could easily see four or more seasons in one day at certain times of the year.
If you want to give your mount a rest day, head over to Cumbrian Heavy Horses, the UK’s only specialised heavy horse riding experience – and enjoy a beach ride with a difference.
Yes, you read that correctly! London is the perfect place to explore on horseback. You might not immediately think of the capital when planning a hack but with around 3,000 parks in and around the city, there are more opportunities than you think to saddle up.
You can take a trot around Richmond Park, canter over Wimbledon Common or take your first beginner lesson on the Isle of Dogs. Vauxhall City Farm also offers lessons for disabled riders.
Get your horsebox insurance in place before you travel as driving through the city can be a somewhat stressful experience for our equine friends.
Open access for horse riders, the stunning Quantock Hills in Somerset have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and when you’re out on horseback, it’s easy to see why.
Running from Taunton Deane in the south to West Quantoxhead on the Bristol Channel coast, you’ll be able to take in views of Glastonbury Tor and Wales on a clear day and spot red deer and wild ponies as you hack through this unspoilt landscape.
A popular riding spot, you can build your confidence in a mix of different terrains from vast open moorlands to ancient woods.
With Dunster Castle, Kilve and Minehead just a short drive away, the Quantocks Hills make for a great weekend getaway. Just make sure you have adequate horsebox insurance in place before you go.
If you’re planning on taking an extended trip with your horse, you’ll need to know equine-friendly places to stop along the way.
Did you know that there are many hotels and B&Bs around the UK that offer stabling for your four-legged friend, too?
It’s a good idea to look for places that are part of the BHS’s Horses Welcome scheme, the UK’s first quality-assured scheme for equine-loving B&B accommodation.
Once you’ve chosen your favourite location from our list above, your thoughts will turn to transporting your horse there safely.
From Equi-Trek and Ifor Williams to Alexanders and Empire, Equesure have years of experience in finding cover for some of the best horseboxes around.
Comprehensive cover will give you a high level of protection while you’re out of the road. Not only does it cover your vehicle if it’s involved in an accident; it also gives you protection if your horse kicks and damages anything inside in the box itself.
All types of boxes can be covered by our horsebox insurance, from 3.5 tonnes to HGVs and other benefits include:
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After having a long wait and some lunch at the onsite café, it was time to get ready for the Joan Wolfe Overall Supreme Shetland Pony Championship. I got changed out of my usual showing outfit into black trousers and a maroon top with white spots, as you are expected to be a bit more “bling” in the evening.
We were all set to go for our next outing, and were super excited. That was until I heard the dreaded clunk of a loose shoe! I checked it over, praying it wasn’t too loose, but, nope, it was going to need a refit.
This show almost passed me by as I was unaware of the show organisation. Luckily, the schedule was posted on one of the Shetland pony Facebook groups that I am a member of. The show was being held at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, which is where I should have gone to a show a month or so earlier, but was ill and unable to take Diva (Melland Queen of Scots).
Since the show, Bob’s been enjoying a bit of a rest with a few lunge sessions and being lightly ridden, but I’m gearing him up hopefully for a show either this weekend or next. Wish us luck, and the poor arena pole pickers too, as he does like to send some sailing!