Previous riders in Exmoor
If you've ridden in Exmoor with Bridle Rides, send us your photos and stories and we'll put them up here for you.
Anne Colquhoun & Friends - Easter 2004
"We throughly enjoyed the spectacular scenery, from the wooded valleys with fast flowing rivers by Tarr Steps to the vast open spaces and far reaching views to the sea on the Dunkery Beacon ride. We will particularly remember the friendliness of everyone we met - cars and lorries always slowed down for us, and the whole area is very much geared towards horses. All the gates (and there were plenty!) were easily opened from horseback. Both rides were very memorable, and we will definitely return".
The photo above right is of Anne on her horse, Kiwi, a thoroughbred ex-racehorse from New Zealand fording the River Barle on the way to Tarr Steps. (Easter 2004 was unseasonably dry and sunny - note how low the water level is compared with the picture on the previous page of Bobbie and Herbie from Bridle Rides at the same ford in May 2002).
The shot on the right is of Anne's three friends Susie, Tessa and Sarah at another of the River Barle fords - and the one below is a rear view of Sarah on Duke with Tessa in the background gazing at the gorgeous view from the top of Dunkery Beacon.
Bobbie from Bridle Rides advises "Easter fell in mid-April in 2004, and Anne and her friends were very lucky to get several days of unbroken sunshine and fine, warm weather this early in the year. Unless you are used to being out in all weathers on moorland terrain, you might prefer to visit Exmoor a bit later in the season!"
Jenny Hutchison and Sue Houghton - June 2004
Jenny sent us a note with some lovely photos "Just to say that Sue and I had a great time on Exmoor with the horses staying at Exford. Mike and Myra (their hosts) were very kind and helpful. There was another party of riders staying ... and Myra did a big dinner for us all, which was fun! My horse, Peter, also loved being part of a 'yard'!"
Sue took the unusual "between the ears" shot above of Jenny and her horse, Peter, at the trig point on Dunkery Beacon 1704 feet above sea level. We really love the one of Sue and Indie on the right because it shows how green the valleys in Exmoor are, a total contrast with the bleak beauty of the moors.
"We were very lucky with the weather - just right the first day and a bit too hot the second day, but difficult to complain about 'too hot' this year. PS - Thank you so much for all your care and attention - we felt very safe with your directions and map".