Sourced from: The British Horse Society. CLICK HERE for British Horse Society South West Regional website.

The information below has been sourced from The British Horse Society advisory statement (no.25) Hill & Moorland Riding. It is designed to help you understand the do's and don't of riding in moorland areas such as Exmoor and Dartmoor.
The information detailed below includes additional information which relates to the South West of England. For a copy of the original BHS leaflet and any further information please contact The British Horse Society on 01926 707700, email [email protected] or visit www.bhs.org.uk

The National Park of Exmoor has good bridleway networks and places where you can stay with your horse. Other National Parks, such as Dartmoor, can also offer opportunities for riding holidays but in Dartmoor you need to be very wary of bogs.

The best months to ride in these areas are June to September, but they can offer delightful riding all year round if care is taken to understand the local flora and fauna. In May, for example, you may disturb ground nesting birds and in some areas, lambing will not be over so farmers may be too busy to receive visitors. If you do ride in the lambing season, you should take care not to distress sheep.

Soft and boggy ground is the most widespread hazzard to riders in these areas. If you are on a track the problem patches should be clear to see, so look out for areas of dark brown wet peat. These areas should be avoided by going carefully around the edge. If your horse is unwilling to go forward, get off and lead him or give him to your companion while you check out the ground on foot. Remember, if he is adament, he may know best.

If you are riding on untracked ground (not advisable for visitors to an upland area) the vegetation is a useful guide as to safe and unsafe ground. On grass hills look for straw coloured grass and avoid areas with red tinged grass which growns on boggy ground. Follow sheep tracks through reeds as sheep know the best lines to follow. Avoid bright green, mossy areas as they tend to be bottomless. Cotton grass is another good indicator of unsuitable ground.

Should your horse sink in, even a little, get off at once and encourage him to extricate himself. If he is in deep, he may lie still in shock. Loosen the girth if you can, wait and then encourage him again, very strongly if necessary.

These remote areas are often flown over by low flying jets. But it is often the rider rather than he horse that is upset by their sudden noisy appearance.

Some horses will shy when a pheasant or partridge gets up from close to their feet.

Very stony ground, rock slabs and loose scree can be difficult to ride over. Remember it is much easier for a horse to keep his feet if you are leading him.

Because of the lack of shelter high winds can make riding very difficult, but poor visibility is perhaps a greater hazard as it is easy to lose one's sense of direction and map reading becomes more difficult. Listen to the weather forecast and, if necessary, take a rest day or keep to roads and tracks in the valleys if low cloud is expected. If you are caught out by deteriorating conditions, it is often better to return the way you came as the horses will be able to sense which way to turn even if you can't remember.

A headcollar and long lead rope which can be worn under the bridle for elading through boggy ground and at lunch stops.

A breast plate which will prevent the risk of your saddle slipping back on steep climbs.

Windproof and waterproof clothing for a normal summer. Sun cream and protection for arms and neck for heat waves. Protect any pink patches on your horse as well as your own exposed skin. A holder for a water bottle that is attached to the saddle will also be needed for hot summers. A sponge tied to the saddle can be used to cool the horse when fording streams.

A bum bag with basic first aid for horse and rider such as a sachet of antiseptic cream, insect repellent, sterilised dressings, plasters, bandages and a survival bag. Other essentials for the bum bag are a hoof pick, a penknife and binder twine for tying up poor gates.

You may want a saddle bag for your food, spare clothing and maps.

An equihoof or shoof can be tied to a D ring in case a shoe is lost. Experiment with it at home as they can be difficult to put on. A spare set of shoes should be at your base.

Never ride along - a party of three is best in case something goes wrong.
Tell someone, preferably in writing, where you are going each day.
Don't take your dog with you - this is sheep rearing country and the habitat of many ground nesting birds.
Close and latch al the gates, however difficult.
Allow plenty of time to complete your ride - it always takes longer than you expect.