Horse Riding at the Stables

Experienced riders Novices Western riding Pub rides What to wear Hen parties Booking Prices

• Gooseham Barton is a licensed riding stables. It was established in 1974 and is approved by the British Horse Society.

• Around 35 horses and ponies are kept on the farm, most are used for riding, others being mainly much loved old faithfuls enjoying their retirement.

• The horses and ponies range in size from approximately 10hh to 17hh, and we cater for everyone from the complete beginner to the experienced rider. Mounts are allocated to suit size and riding ability.

• All rides are escorted by our experienced and friendly staff, who will make your riding as varied and interesting as possible.

• Non guests are welcome at Gooseham Barton Stables, please contact us with your requirements.

• Horse riding is available either English or Western style.

• Hard hats and riding boots can be borrowed from us.

At Gooseham Barton we have a selection of happy, well behaved horses and ponies, from Shetlands to cobs and thoroughbreds, suitable for all ages and abilities on which you can enjoy a ride through beautiful unspoilt countryside, leafy lanes, wooded valleys and bridle paths with stunning views of the coast and Lundy Island.

You may like to ride every day or just occasionally during your stay - plan your riding to suit you. Non riders are welcome at our self catering holiday cottages which makes it a great location for families with mixed interests - there is something for everyone to do in the local area. See Links Page

Hacks for experienced riders can be taken separately for up to 3 hours. For beginners and novices we usually recommend an hour or a half hour ride with children taken on a leading rein for safety.
Our gentle ponies are ideal for nervous riders and little ones from four years of age. Half hour rides around the farm are very popular we are close to the coast so the views are stunning, great photo opportunities for mums and dads who are welcome to come along on horseback or on foot.

In the interest of our horses we do have a weight limit of 15 stone. See Our Horses and Our Ponies.

Guests may like to get involved around the yard and help with the care of their horse or pony, although children must be supervised. If you have no experience with this don’t worry, we’ll help you.

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Pub rides can be arranged out of school holiday times, please enquire if you are interested. During the summer months we organise an evening Western Pub Ride, an informal, gentle hack to either the Bush Inn in Morwenstow or across the valley to the The Old Smithy in Welcombe. Suitable for beginners or groups of mixed abilities, an opportunity to experience a genuine western saddle.

Planning a ranch holiday, have you always wanted to try it? A chance to experience riding Western style.
Please enquire when booking if you are interested, there is a small extra charge. Unfortunately we cannot cater for young children.

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What to wear. Your safety is paramount so the right, correctly fitting equipment is essential. Ideally you should have your own riding hat but we do have a large selection here at the stables that you can borrow. Footwear is also very important, a strong boot or shoe with a heel must be worn to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup. We have a selection of long and short riding boots that you may use, please remember to bring a pair of socks with you. Jodhpurs are good but not essential, a comfy pair of jeans or trousers will do just as well. Be aware as well that you will be riding out around the countryside so cover up, even in hot weather, to prevent getting scratched or sunburnt. A good place to buy your equipment is Mole Valley Farmers or Essie’s Equine, both are in Holsworthy.

Hen Parties are very welcome at the stables, we can organise a ride to suit your group and good food can be had at our local pub The Bush Inn, Morwenstow, or The Old Smithy Inn just across the valley in Welcome. Please e-mail debbiehmltn@aol.com or call us on 01288 331204 we will be happy to help you. You may also consider renting our Farmhouse accommodation which sleeps up to 10 people, and for larger groups there are 3 other cottages if you need more bedrooms.

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The smile says it all!

Booking.

If you would like to book a ride please phone us on 01288 331204 or call in to have a chat and a look around the stables.
We will need a few details in order to suit you to the right horse or pony and you will be asked to fill in a client registration form before your ride.
If you have any special requirements please ask, we will endeavor to help.
We are open most days except Saturdays during the summer school holidays when the horses and ponies have their well deserved day of rest.
For non riders there is the games room with ping pong, a pool table and Champion the rocking horse.
Tea coffee and squash is available on a help yourself basis.

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Horse Riding Tariff 2011

Discounted riding charges for guests for 2011:
	£13 per 1/2 hour
	£22 per hour
	£40 for 2 hours
	£60 for 3 hours
Western Style Riding: £4 extra per ride
Evening western pub ride: £44

Non-guest riding charges for 2011:
	£15 per 1/2 hour
	£25 per hour
	£46 for 2 hours
	£66 for 3 hours
Western Style Riding: £4 extra per ride
Evening western pub ride £48

All prices include VAT

BHS Approved Riding Stables

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Contact us: Telephone 01288 331204 or email to debbiehmltn@aol.com

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