RIDE ACROSS HARDY’S DORSET
RIDE OVER IRON AGE HILL FORTS, DOWN ANCIENT WAYS AND TAKE IN THE EVER CHANGING VISTAS
DORSET
Step back in time to explore Thomas Hardy’s rural Dorset. This ride is usually three days, from one part of Dorset to another, staying at a variety of private houses, country inns and holiday cottages along the way. This ride is for small ready-made groups only, so put together your own group.
Watch on as Dorset reveals itself slowly by horse and the landscape changes each day. Starting with open chalk downland, views give way to a range of smaller cropped hills with hidden valleys and sunken lanes worn deep over centuries
A support vehicle will transport all the necessary kit for your and your horse.
THE RIDE
Due to the logistics involved with a point-to-point ride, we design the itinerary around ready-made groups only. So put together your own group of between 6-8 people.
The ride can be either two or three days riding, with one, two or three nights accommodation along the way. Depending on where you are coming from, we suggest arriving at our starting point by 10 am. We will ride west for around 2.5 hours, stopping for lunch, and another 1.5 hours in the afternoon.
You will stay and eat in either a private house, local pub or holiday house. The next day follows a similar format and the third day is either a half or full day to the final stop, with the option of either a third night at the finish or departing home.
THE HORSES
You are expected to bring your own horse on the ride, however hirelings may be available for experienced riders by separate arrangement. Horses must be fit enough to cover around 15 miles in one day.
Each overnight place has grazing which will be separated for your horses. There will be a yard with facilities but limited stabling on request. There will be knowledgeable people on hand to help with feeding, watering, tacking up and washing off horses over the course of the ride. Lunch spots are carefully planned with appropriate places to tie up the horses and a support team will ensure hay nets, water buckets and headcollars in place when we arrive.
THE FOOD
Eating and drinking are key components of the experience and a lot of thought goes into each meal to ensure that they are all delicious and, where possible, locally sourced.
Imaginative lunch spots are chosen for their views (and shelter!) and consist of classic English alfresco food - all produced by an independent and local chef. Beer, wine and soft drinks are provided and the horses are cared for while we eat.
Breakfast and dinner each day are served in the house. The first evening tends to be more kitchen supper vibe with three course dinners on the other two evenings. Dietary requests are catered for.
DORSET RIDE DATES*
2027
26 - 29 APRIL
6 - 9 SEPTEMBER
20 - 23 SEPTEMBER
*DATES AVAILABLE FOR A TWO OR THREE NIGHT ITINERARY
“THE WHOLE THING WAS MAGICAL - MILES BEYOND ANYTHING THAT I IMAGINED. I CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH ROSE. AND YOUR WHOLE BRILLIANT TEAM FOR ENSURING THAT IT WAS SUCH A TRULY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE”
Mary H