Ride the North Downs in Kent



As far as UK riding holidays is concerned this is the ultimate for you and your horse. No map reading, no mucking out - just riding.

A 3 day guided ride incorporating Elham Valley, Crundale Downs and Lyminge Forest. Approx 52 miles

We take you out from our yard each day so that you can experience different rides with varying terrain and views. The horses are stabled with us and you will stay at a local B&B so you do not have to pack up and move on each day.

This great itinerary gives you the opportunity to ride the North Downs on your own horse. The route will take you through beautiful valleys, forests (TROT members please bring your headband) and across open downs – largely in areas of outstanding natural beauty. The majority of riding will be on tracks and bridleways but where this is not possible you will be travelling along quiet and minor roads. Where main roads have to be crossed support and assistance will be on hand. The pace will be dictated by the desires and abilities of the riders and usually includes a mix of all speeds to suit the group. We look after everything for you so all you need to do is turn up, saddle up and ride out. We do the guiding so you don't have to worry about maps or gates!

Fun and enjoyment is the philosophy of this ride, which will help build your and your horse's confidence, introduce you to like-minded people and offer you a hassle free weekend. Cost of the weekend is £325 per person which includes half board and accommodation for riders and horses (stabling or grazing) and back up support each day.

"Thank you Emma and Becky for your hospitality and for giving us such a wonderful relaxed holiday. Your personal touch is very much appreciated, and you both work very hard at making your holidays extra special. We can definitely recommend this holiday to people who are nervous. Not only have we gained more confidence riding, but cantering in open spaces too. We will treasure the lovely memories, and the quality time spent riding with our dad, Eddie and his partner Jane in the beautiful Kent countryside and quiet lanes". Jenny Everett and Debbie Newell, September 2009

"Thank you all so much for a fantastic weekend really enjoyed it, hope to be back again sometime thanks for your wonderful hospitality" Gill and Junior June 2009

"Just a quick note to thank you all for making my stay so special again!" Ronnie and Herbie June 2009

"Great weekend. Conquered my fear of cantering in open fields! Slept like a log and enjoyed the company." Debbie Turner and JJ - June 2008

"Fantastic weekend. Thankyou for making us so welcome and taking us on a wonderful ride. Many thanks. I'll be back." Gill Raymond and Bella - May 2008

"Far exceeded my expectations! Have never been looked after so well, been made to feel so welcome or enjoyed myself so much. Highly recommended!!!" Tina Bull and Dixie - May 2008

Dates for 2010:
29 - 31 May - Full
4 - 6 June - places available
11 - 13 June - Full
25 - 27 June - Full
2 - 4 July - 2 places left
10 - 12 September (incorporating the Postling ride) - places available

We are incorporating the Postling sponsored ride in our September dates so that you can ride on Friday and Saturday and participate on Sunday without the hassle of travelling here on the day. (Registration fee approx £12 payable in advance plus additional sponsorship payable on the day).
If you can't make the set dates but are able to get a group of four people for dates of your choice please contact us to discuss availability.
We can also accommodate for non riders. There is plenty of activties for you to do including golf, walking, cycling, sightseeing and plenty more.

To check availability and for more information please contact us or click here to download a booking form.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Approx 13 miles
Arrive mid/late morning and allow the horses to settle after their journey. We will have an early lunch before tacking up and setting off through the pretty and sleepy village of Postling. We leave the road and ride up onto Tolsford Hill, which has a fabulous panoramic view of the area including the English Channel and France on a good day! From the top we descend into Etchinghill and continue on quiet roads for several miles to Paddlesworth where we pick up a glorious bridlepath which takes us along to Shuttlesfield and down to Lyminge. We cut through the village, onto another bridlepath and complete the circuit back to Postling. Dinner and local B&B.

Day 2 – Approx 25 miles
After a good English breakfast we prepare the horses and saddle up for another exciting day. We head west crossing Stone Street, the old Roman road from the coast to Canterbury. Our destination is the chalk grasslands of Wye and Crundale Downs, which are in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Downs comprise a ridge and characteristic dip. The slopes and dry valleys and are of high ecological value. We will stop at Crundale church for a rest and allow the horses to drink and graze while we enjoy a filling packed lunch. From here we start the return loop of our journey riding through Hastingleigh and back across Stone Street and into Lyminge Forest before returning to base and tea. In the evening we will enjoy another meal together and overnight B&B.

Day 3 – Approx 13 miles
Our third day's ride takes us up into Lyminge Forest and along to Exted before descending steeply into Elham where we pick up the Elham Valley Way. We return to base via Shuttlesfield and North Lyminge. Depending on timing we will either have lunch en route or back at the yard. We say our farewells after experiencing a weekend of varied and beautiful riding.

NB This itinerary is complex and may be subject to change. Although carefully planned it may also need to alter depending on weather conditions and distances may vary due to the ability of the horses and riders. Riders must be aware that they will be travelling along some minor roads and will be required to abide by road safety rules. The route also passes through military exercise/training areas where blank ammunition is used. While we make every effort to establish when major exercises are taking place these are beyond our control.

South East Transporters
Below is a list of transporters that we have recommended from the South East. They are very friendly and experienced people not just from a driving point of view but with horses as well. They are also highly recommended by our previous North Downs riders.

Horse and car transport - Mr Ken Hall Tel: 0208 650 3525 / 0208 749 7399 / 0797 679 5161

Horses To Go - Mr Tony Cross Tel: 01795 830455 / 07970 461999 or visit www.horsestogo.co.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Important Information about travelling with your horse - latest news from Defra

-The primary carer of the horse will now be required to ensure the horse is correctly identified and produce the passport without delay when required.
-If a horse is taken from the premises where it lives by foot (ie a hack) the passport must be provided within three hours if requested. -If a horse is taken anywhere in a vehicle it must be accompanied by the passport — except when moved in an emergency — even if for just a hack or lesson.
-If a horse is competing/hunting and will leave the competition venue/meet, the passport is not required to accompany the horse and may remain in the horsebox.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Ride the North Downs
Payment: The cost of the North Downs is £325. Please make cheques payable to Have Horse Will Travel Ltd. Bookings may be made by telephone and a provisional place will be held for 5 days. No booking is confirmed until a non-refundable deposit of £75 per rider is received. Have Horse Will Travel will invoice you for the balance, which is due 6 weeks before the start of the ride.

Cancellation: If you cancel your booking less than 6 weeks before the start of your ride Have Horse Will Travel is entitled to receive full payment, less refunds as follows: written notice received – 28 days or more before ride date – 50%; 14 days or more – 30%; less than 14 days – nil.