To find out more about riding locations and establishments, places to stay, equestrian events and shows and area and riding information, visit the Equinetourism.co.uk UK REGIONS SECTION.

The English countryside (and cities) are home to a host of professionally run, friendly riding schools and equestrian centres, who offer a warm welcome to those learning to ride.
And, if you're planning to enjoy some trekking or trail riding while on holiday, it's well worth investing in some lessons to acquire or brush up your skills at your local riding centre before you go. The best establishments will want to know that you have a degree of confidence and riding competence before taking you out and about on their precious horses. When you're choosing a riding school, if you pick one that is approved by the British Horse Society, or Association of British Riding Schools, you'll know that they have achieved high standards of horse care, safety and riding tuition.

To find out more about riding locations and establishments, places to stay, equestrian events and shows and area and riding information, visit the visit the Equinetourism.co.uk UK REGIONS SECTION.

Horse riding is hugely rewarding and great fun and it's worth taking some time to understand a bit about horses and how to handle them before you go and ride one.

Although you could study equine behaviour for a lifetime, a few basics will get you a long way and vastly increase your enjoyment of horses. The horse is a 'flight' or 'prey' animal because, in the wild, he spends most of his time avoiding things that want to eat him - if something frightens him, his instinct is to run away. Therefore, your job as a human - and a predator - is to reassure him that everything is OK. If he sees that you're OK, he'll take great comfort in that.

Because a horse is a gentle herbivore (a vegetarian if you like) he is more likely to freak out if you act in a 'predator' way around him. If you watch good horsemen, you'll see that they move around horses smoothly, without quick, jerky movements that might make them jump. And they don't stare them in the eye either - like a leopard might. You will often see the biggest horse give a big sigh and lower his head when he realises he's got a human near him that understands this. And, if someone new marches up to him, staring him straight in the eye and gives him a big slap on the neck to say hello, you might see him jump out of his skin and grow six inches, snorting. Even if you don't have much horse experience, a riding school horse will appreciate you a lot more if you understand these basics.

It's the same while you're on his back. This is when he really needs you to tell him that the world's OK and you're going to look after him. Most riding school horses will be very well schooled and well behaved, but as we all know, stuff can happen that can make us jump - and horses are the same. If you feel your horse tense up, the best thing you can do (even though your instinct will be to tense up with him) is to breath deeply and tell him it's all fine. You won't believe how quickly he'll relax again. And remember to stroke his neck or scratch him around the withers (the base of his mane) to reward him. These are all things your riding instructor or trekking guide will tell you, but if you've understood it before you go riding, you'll find you quickly make a good equine friend - and your friends will think you're a pro!

To find out more visit:
1) The Equinetourism.co.uk UK REGIONS SECTION
2) The Equine Ethology editorial section
3) The Monty Roberts editorial section
4) The Natural Horsemanship section
5) The Exmoor Pony editorial section

Although you don't need to be hugely fit to ride a horse for half an hour or so, it's worth bearing in mind that if you're planning a half day or full day's trekking, you will use a lot of different muscles.
Getting in shape beforehand, by suppling up your body with stretches and doing some aerobic exercise like walking, jogging or swimming is a good idea. You'll also improve your balance and coordination - which will make it easier on the horse and you! It's quite amazing how toned you can get from horse riding.

Exmoor National Park (Somerset & Devon)
We have to start with what is known as 'The Riding Playground of England.' Exmoor National Park, occupying a small corner of North Devon and Somerset, offers 265 square miles of some of the best riding in the UK. There are literally hundreds of miles of moorland bridleways and forest tracks to discover and explore. There is an abundance of wildlife on Exmoor – the herds of beautiful red deer can often be spotted when out riding, as can herds of wild Exmoor ponies. In October, it is the rutting period and a wonderful time to watch the magnificent stags with their gravity defying antlers. There are also some 240 species of birds, including buzzards and skylarks. With a choice of peaceful forest tracks offering excellent going, wide open spaces for exhilarating gallops, meandering trails alongside flowing rivers and steams, wooded valleys for strengthening hill work and rolling pastureland for relaxing hacking – Exmoor is quite simply, a rider’s paradise.

This year, the British Horse Society is launching a new set of circular riding routes reaching across Exmoor and the nearby Quantock Hills - which will offer horse riders the opportunity to enjoy a horse holiday of a lifetime! The new BHS Exmoor & Quantocks Riding Routes folder will contain laminated maps and detailed instructions on all the routes.

For those without horses, Exmoor National Park is also full of good quality riding establishments which offer horses for hire, riding lessons and trekking - for all levels and abilities of rider.

For more information on Exmoor and places to stay visit: UK Horse Holidays

Dartmoor National Park (Devon)
Dartmoor is considered to be the remotest and wildest countryside in Southern England with its numerous Tors, wild ponies, archaeological sites and its sense of sublime isolation. Dartmoor is a land of beauty, mystery and ancient history - and free-living Dartmoor ponies. If you are seeking a greater challenge - the rugged landscapes of the open moor await you with miles upon miles of wooded river valleys, bogs and wide open spaces. A knowledgeable guide is recommended and can be easily arranged, to traverse the high moorlands, and competent navigation skills are essential. Many riding establishments offer escorted rides to safely enjoy this outstanding terrain.

The Pennine Bridleway
The Pennine Bridleway is a new National Trail which has been purpose-built for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers. When fully completed (in 2008), it will pass through the Pennine Hills from the High Peak Trail in Derbyshire to Byreness in Northumberland - a distance of 350 miles. This National Trail guide covers the newly opened Bridleway between Derbyshire and the south Pennines. The trail uses a mix of ancient packhorse tracks, drove roads and newly-created bridleways - there are no stiles or steps, just easy-to-use gates, special road crossing points and a well signposted route.

The Mary Towneley Loop is the ideal short break destination for horse riders. It is fully open and available for use and takes a 47 mile journey through the south Pennines. You will encounter open moorland and hidden reservoirs, ancient packhorse tracks sweeping into valleys with gritstone walls, mill chimneys and canals offering a glimpse of past histories. The Loop is circular with several car parks for loading and unloading horses. The terrain is good surfaces on new tracks and some quiet roads. There are user-friendly gates, specially-designed crossings at main roads and clear sign posting.

For more information see the Penine Bridleway editorial section.

Northumberland National Park
Spread over the hills and valleys at the very top of England, but right in the centre of Britain, Northumberland National Park has unspoilt treasures awaiting your discovery. Ancient pre-history and the rare red squirrel exist alongside traditional lifestyles with a thriving culture. Confident riders will enjoy hill routes in the Cheviot Hills, particularly in the Breamish Valley near Ingram and around Alwinton in the Upper Coquet Valley. These routes should, however, only be ridden in good weather by confident riders and map readers.

Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, is one of the region’s most popular riding destinations. Existing facilities in the 5,000 acre beauty spot include 17 miles of waymarked equestrian routes and normal forest roads can also be used. Kershop Forest, near Longtown, is another top destination. Existing facilities in the 17,000 acre woodland include three grassed over equestrian routes.

For more information see the Northumberland National Park editorial section.

North York Moors National Park
With over 800 km of bridleways in the North York Moors National Park your choice of route is practically endless. A new guide, 'Horse Riders' Guide to the North York Moors' has been produced to help riders enjoy the Moors. There have been significant additions to the bridleway network in the last few years, and concessionary bridleways such as the impressive former Scarborough to Whitby railway are now included.

The National Park Authority has established a 35½ mile circular route for horse riders through the dramatic gorge of Newtondale. The Newtondale Horse Trail is a three day ride for small groups of two to four. If your horse is fit, you could complete it in two days. The Trail links with other bridleways in the area and you can start from any point.

For more information see the North York Moors National Park editorial section.

Other ideas
In addition to the National Parks and Forestry land of England, there are many idyllic bridleways crossing spectactular downlands and coastal areas, meandering through gentle valleys, following glistening rivers and passing through some of England's prettiest villages.

An Educational Holiday
A horse holiday doesn't just have to be about riding out on the bridleways. Many horse riders use at least some of their holiday time to improve their riding skills by attending clinics, short courses and workshops covering various equestrian disciplines from dressage and classical riding to show jumping and cross country training, or even natural horsemanship - where you can develop your understanding of natural horse behaviour. England is full of top quality equestrian training and competition centres, which offer both their own instructors and special clinics with top class professional trainers. Often, you'll find facilities include full cross country courses, indoor and outdoor arenas, show jumps and even equine spas and on-site complementary therapists. Many offer 'residential holidays' for horses and riders who want to develop their skills, build partnership and confidence with their horse, or perhaps study with a particular visiting trainer.

To find out more about riding locations and establishments, places to stay, equestrian events and shows and area and riding information, visit the visit the Equinetourism.co.uk UK REGIONS SECTION.

From April to September, England's equestrian calendar is packed with masses of horse shows and equestrian events so if you fancy a day out to watch horses and riders in action, there will always be something exciting happening. Horse shows offer an excellent opportunity to see some of the UK's rare native breeds such as Exmoor ponies, Suffolk Punches, Shire horses and Welsh and Highland ponies. A small local show can be as much fun to visit as some of the bigger events. There is always plenty of spectator sport and, as many local shows take entries on the day - why not enter your own horse while visiting? International events such as Badminton, Burghley, Gatcombe and Blenheim will enable you to see the best international horses and riders in action - and offer outstanding shopping opportunities too! The newly popular sport of TREC gives spectators the opportunity to watch competitors demonstrating control and partnership with their horse, cross country jumping and orienteering and endurance riding. Exmoor hosts the European Championships in September 2006.

To find out more about horse shows, equestrian events and activities across the UK regions, visit the Equinetourism.co.uk EVENTS & SHOWS LISTINGS section.