Thank you to Izzy, who rode so beautifully and LOVED her first Dartmoor Derby, and to her Mum Corinna (on her third Derby!) for bringing her daughter along this time.. Here is Izzy’s lovely summary of her adventure
Dartmoor Derby 2022!
50 miles riding across Dartmoor over 3 days
Day 1- We arrived at Bovey Castle mid morning Friday to a very warm welcome from everyone at Liberty Trails, after meeting with everyone and a light bite we headed out for the first ride. An estimate 12 miles on the lovely Archie around the North part of the moor. We then finished the evening with a buffet in the great western restaurant and took in the gorgeous views from the castle grounds.
Day 2- An early start and back out onto the moor roughly 19 miles of riding and unreal views. Not to mention Star, the beautiful 16.1hh hireling, from Exmoor Hirelings, who definitely lived up to her name! A picnic lunch halfway round and then back to Bovey for a quick swim (as some of you know didn’t go quite to plan for me ) and then we headed out to the Eversfield Organic Dartmoor Inn for some gorgeous food and a really lovely, funny night out!
Day 3- the final day of riding but just as amazing as the last two days we set off to meet the final lot of horses at the entrance to a pine forest leading us out onto the moor. Roughly 18 miles riding with yet again unreal scenery and wonderful horses and the stunning weather really topped it off. Another picnic lunch in the sun and a quick pub stop to bring the final days riding to a close. After a freshen up it was up to the Castle for pre dinner drinks followed by a beautiful 3 course meal in a very fancy private room, hired out specially for liberty trails.
I am so grateful I was able to have the chance to experience the Dartmoor derby and it has been one of the best weekends of my life! Rode the most amazing horses and met amazing people! Shoutout to Elaine and everyone at liberty trails for making it the most amazing and relaxing experience Here’s to next year x
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Elaine Michelle Prior, the founder of Liberty Trails, explains why fitness is important to cover the distance on Dartmoor. She explains that fitness is essential for horse riding and particularly when you want to experience the expanse and joy of riding in Dartmoor National Park.
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Octavia Pollack from Country Life Magazine explains that to ride across Dartmoor with one of Britain’s top riders is an unimagined delight, especially when they are as friendly as Mary King MBE. She recalls having a poster of Mary riding King William in the first of her two Badminton wins and had adored her as a child. Yet, within moments of meeting her, she felt as if she had known her personally for years, such is Mary’s warmth.
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