Riding UK holiday or riding course for beginner this summer?

[Whitehorsegirl]

I am looking to do either a UK or Ireland riding holiday and wonder if anyone could recommend where I could do this?

I started riding as an adult two years ago and I am finding myself with a bit of free time this summer and I really want to do something where I could spend a week focusing solely on improving my riding, doing a hike and being with horses and helping with their daily care.

Can anyone recommend a location/agency/provider? I would be a solo traveller and I don't really want to go abroad at this stage. Although France might be an option at a stretch.

The alternative would be maybe if anyone knows of any riding schools in London (where I live) or the South East that does ''summer courses'', if there are such things, where you can get a structured programme to improve your riding as a beginner over a week.

I saw a previous threads about holidays but it seemed more about experienced riders and going abroad :)

In the SE, wellington
In Northern Ireland; Shanes Horse Farm
Or if you’re happy to travel very north, Glen Tanar in Scotland, they don’t do riding holidays per se but you can stay on site and there is some of the best hacking and instruction I’ve come across for a long while there

Thank you so much of your suggestions!

Murthwaite Green in Cumbria offer riding holidays but I think they're pretty full for the summer already.

Free Rein riding holidays are good - they used to do a 'Back to the trail/trail beginners ride' that was fun. You spent a lot of time with your horse over the 3 days.

I've ridden at Murthwaite Green - good team on the site, and the chance for a beach ride, and handy for the hills. Not too far away from there is Cumbrian Heavy Horses, who are maybe not quite so organised, but do give you the chance to ride shires and clydesdales.

If Cheshire appeals then Equestrian-Escapes.com used to package up riding holidays at Willington Hall Riding centre near Tarporley. It's been years since I was there, but it was quite a dressage focussed yard, though there was some good hacking nearby.

In Ireland, the Slieve Aughty centre and Annaharvey Farm do riding holidays that are suitable for beginners or novices.

Glen Tanar is great too; we stayed there recently and they have lovely Fjord horses and amazing hacking.

I’ve been to Willington Hall - the hacking is great and I had an amazing instructor - I made so much progress! I wouldn’t stay at the hotel though as it’s not great for the money - the B&B option is much better value

Ingestre near Stafford is an amazing riding school, they can put together a week of lessons and you can stay onsite or locally. Some incredible coaches, I'd love to be closer. I've been twice and came on in leaps and bounds.

www.scottishequestrianhotel.com/

I did similar about 15 years ago, met my now husband there... Also went as a child. Adam adult it worked out cheaper than getting similar lessons in London!

Thank you so much for all the replies everyone!! I really appreciate this and I am going to look at all the suggestions now.

If you go to Ingestre you could combine it with the Cannock Chase Trekking Centre which is excellent.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. A little update: I made a booking to go for a week riding holiday in Scotland this August! :)

I will be a combination of daily lessons and hacks. Really looking forward to it!

Great, hope you enjoy every minute of it.

How did the holiday go @Whitehorsegirl ? Looking at options for some hacks in Scotland so would love to hear!