Liberty Trails

Riding and Horses

How much riding experience do I need?

You should be confident and in control on a fit, forward going horse at a fast canter, over rough and variable ground in wide open spaces.

What sort of horses do you have?

We work with trusted local suppliers of high class hunting horses, ranging from large Irish hunters to smart but smaller hunting cobs. We will carefully match you with a horse depending on your height, weight and taste in horses.

And what kind of tack?

Our horses wear quality English saddles, we do not have western ones.

What’s the normal daily riding time?

This can vary on each ride depending on which holiday you choose, and on bespoke rides it can be tailored to suit you. But on group rides like the Horse & House Party or Mary King ride, we are usually out for 4 to 5 hours a day with a good break for a dismounted lunch.

We’ll send you a detailed itinerary for your holiday when you book, and if you have any questions or special requirements, just get in touch.

Can you help non-riders in my party?

Definitely. We regularly organise golf, fishing, guided walking, falconry, E-biking and more for non-riders in your party, and they are most welcome to join you for a super lunch on the moors part way through your ride. Equally, non-riders can’t go far wrong with a good walking map and pub recommendation!

Do you have a weight limit?

Yes, but there may be leeway depending on the height and experience of the rider. If you are over 13 stone, please drop us your mobile number so we can discuss this with you by phone.

Can you take children?

That again depends on the size and experience of the child. Our horses are not generally under 14.1hh, and since a Liberty Trails ride takes you far and fast out into the moors, riders need to be quite strong and experienced. Generally we cannot help children under the age of 11.

Do you organise other activities?

Yes. Many of our riding guests enjoy a rest day experiencing falconry, wild swimming, golf, a Dartmoor Hill Pony experience day or a trip to visit the local kennels. From Sept to end of March we can also take you out hunting with a local pack. If it happens on Dartmoor, we can do it!

We also arrange riding for many guests Windsor Great Park, by Windsor Castle, after landing at Heathrow before they head to Devon.

What riding equipment do I need?

It’s essential that you have your own to the following UK/ European safety standard: PAS 015 (1998 or 2011) and VG1, with BSI Kitemark.

America: ASTM F1163: 2004a onwards with SEI mark, Snell E2001 onwards with the official Snell label and number

Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards with SAI Global mark

You will also need riding boots or boots and chaps (boots to have a heel and no laces). Breeches or jodhpurs are definitely the comfiest riding wear, and you are most welcome to wear a body protector or air vest, though this is not a requirement. Thereafter, we send a suggested packing list to guests with advice on layers etc.

Is there a minimum/ maximum number of riders?

The minimum is generally two riders; in exceptional circumstances we may be able to accommodate a solo rider, so please enquire.

In group rides such as the Horse & House Party, there are never more than 12 participants and the group is sub divided into smaller rider groups which rejoin at lunch times.  The annual Dartmoor Derby is capped at 30 and ride in small rider groups.

What is the ideal group size for a bespoke booking?

A bespoke ride based from a cottage, hotel or lodge works best with between  four – eight people.

Do I need insurance?

You should have travel, personal accident and health insurance of the kind you’d have for any overseas holiday, ensuring that you are covered while taking part in a sport like riding.

Travelling to Dartmoor

How far is Dartmoor from London?

It’s about a 3.5-hour drive. But if you come by train from London it’s just over two hours. There are also flights from London City Airport to Exeter airport which is less than 40-minutes by car from Dartmoor.

Do you offer an airport or train pick up service?

If booked in advance, we will meet you at Exeter St Davids or Cranborne train station or at Exeter, Bristol or Newquay Airport

Can you arrange transfers from London?

We offer a full concierge service and can collect you from Heathrow airport and take you right to your door on Dartmoor.

If you prefer to hire a car and drive yourself, or come by train, we supply directions/ details of which trains to catch, and can of course collect you from the station.