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The Badminton Experience with Mary King, MBE - header image
If you’ve ever imagined riding one of Britain’s last great wildernesses in the company of one of the sport’s most respected horsemen, this is that opportunity.
Over two full days in the saddle, you’ll discover Dartmoor’s sweeping open moorland, ancient tracks and wooded valleys, and be joined by William as he shares stories from a lifetime at the highest level of the sport.
But, as with every Liberty Trails experience, the riding is only part of the story.
After each day’s adventure, you’ll return to the warmth and comfort of the five-red-star Bovey Castle, where there’s time to unwind in the award-winning Elan Spa before gathering once again for drinks, dinner and relaxed conversation with William and your fellow guests.
These quieter moments are often the ones guests remember most. Away from the pressures of competition and the crowds of major events, there is time simply to enjoy good company, hear William’s reflections on an extraordinary career and share a memorable few days with like-minded riders.
This isn’t a clinic.
It isn’t a demonstration.
It isn’t a public appearance.
It’s an intimate, beautifully hosted experience that brings together exceptional riding, outstanding hospitality and genuine time with one of Britain’s greatest horsemen.
With the event now just weeks away, we’re making the final preparations and would be delighted to welcome a few more riders to join us.
If you feel this experience is calling your name, we’d love to hear from you.
Few riders have shaped the sport of eventing quite like William Fox-Pitt MBE. Across a career spanning more than three decades, he has claimed victories at the world’s most prestigious events, represented Great Britain at multiple Olympic Games and become one of the most respected figures in equestrian sport.
While William’s achievements speak for themselves, this event is about something more personal. Riding together across Dartmoor offers the opportunity to spend time with him as fellow riders do: talking horses, sharing experiences and enjoying the day together. Whether discussing training, competition, memorable moments from his career or simply the ride ahead, conversations develop naturally both in the saddle and later over dinner.
With William joining guests for dinner on the second evening, a full day’s riding on Dartmoor and a farewell dinner before departure, there is time to get to know the person behind the results as well as one of the sport’s greatest riders.
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There are few better ways to experience Dartmoor than from the saddle. Its wide-open moorland, granite tors, wooded valleys and ancient tracks create a landscape unlike any other, where every mile reveals a different side of the National Park. From panoramic views across the high moor to sheltered valleys hidden below, it is a landscape that rewards those prepared to explore it on horseback.
Just as important are the horses themselves. Liberty Trails’ experienced hunter-type horses are carefully matched to each guest, ensuring riders can enjoy the landscape with confidence, on a forward-going, sure-footed horse that’s accustomed to the terrain.
Across two full days, you’ll cover a variety of ground at a pace that suits both horse and rider, from long stretches across open moorland to quieter tracks winding through the valleys below. Designed for confident riders who enjoy spending full days in the saddle, this is riding that allows you to cover ground, settle into the rhythm of the day and experience Dartmoor as it was meant to be explored.
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Throughout your stay, you’ll be based at Bovey Castle, the five-red-star country house hotel set within 275 acres of beautiful Devon countryside on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Elegant bedrooms, exceptional dining and the award-winning Elan Spa make it a place to look forward to returning to at the end of each day’s ride.
Each afternoon, there’s time to enjoy the hotel before dinner. Soothe tired muscles in the Elan Spa, take a drink out onto the terrace overlooking the estate, explore the grounds or simply relax before the evening begins.
Dinner is where the event takes on a different pace. Sitting around the table with William and your fellow guests, conversation naturally turns from the day’s ride to memories from his career, life beyond competition and the horses that have shaped it. With such a small and intimate group of guests, there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share stories and enjoy relaxed conversation throughout your stay.
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At Liberty Trails, we believe that the most memorable equestrian experiences are shaped not only by the riding itself, but by the people and the place. For those elements to take centre stage, every practical detail must already be taken care of.
Each aspect of this experience is arranged with care. Step into the stables to find your fit, forward-going horse tacked-up and waiting. Ride out across the estate knowing full ground support is always on hand, while our private chef team prepares mid-morning refreshments or lays tables for a l
At Liberty Trails, we believe that the most memorable equestrian experiences are shaped not only by the riding itself, but by the people and the place. For those elements to take centre stage, every practical detail must already be taken care of.
Each aspect of this experience is arranged with care. Step into the stables to find your fit, forward-going horse tacked-up and waiting. Ride out across Dartmoor knowing full ground support is always on hand, while our private chef team prepares mid-morning refreshments and a sit-down lunch to be enjoyed out on the open moor.
When the day’s riding concludes, seamless transfers return you to the elegant surroundings of Bovey Castle. Every logistical detail is considered and handled, allowing you to focus entirely on Dartmoor, the riding and your time with William Fox-Pitt.
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The Badminton Experience with Mary King, MBE - header image
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