The Riding
The riding is all western, most of our horses are Quarter horse geldings.
We are a genuine working farm, there’s no head to tail riding, all our horses are very well mannered, forward going, fit and used to the Dartmoor terrain
Riders need to be reasonably fit and at least a intermediate standard or better.
The terrain involves crossing streams, shallow rivers, undulating ground and up and down steep inclines and would not be suitable for novice or inexperienced riders.
After riding tea/cakes etc are provided outside under the ‘gum’ tree or inside if the weather is not at it’s best!
Your Riding ability
‘If you climb in the saddle, be ready for the ride!’
Our style of riding is very much akin to ‘Natural Horsemanship’. We like riders to be relaxed and ride with soft hands.
We are not a riding school, and we do not give tuition, our horses are fit, forward going and sure footed. For our rides you need to be an intermediate or better. Our programs are not suitable for novice or inexperienced riders.
Age range is 18 to 70. Age limits are discretionary depending on rider fitness and experience, contact us for more details. Maximum weight 15 Stone (95kg)
Non-riding partners
We often take a non-riding partner sharing a room with their riding partner, The non-rider does their own sight-seeing etc during the day. The rider pays the shared room rate, whilst the non-rider pays a room rate per night. Contact us for more information.
Quarter Horses
Our fabulous Quarter horses
We have a selection of fantastic Quarter Horse geldings, they have a calm attitude and an appetite for work. All are western trained, very sure footed, a pleasure to ride and cross the terrain with ease. Heights range from 14:2 to 15:3hh.
We often start and back our own horses to suit our type of work, all must be sensible with good manners.
Your Horse
Your horse will be matched to you as far as possible, we have a good selection, but it is important for us to know your ability. A rider profile form is sent to all guests to complete prior to their arrival.
What to bring
For the rider (We are very casual): ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!’
Meldon Farm sits at 800 ft, we rise to 2,000ft where it can be quite a bit cooler than at the farm, we strongly recommend warm riding wear and good riding waterproofs, a long slicker type is usually the most practical
- Riding hat, mandatory;
- Boots with heels are also mandatory;
- Comfortable warm riding wear, jeans, polo shirts, jumpers, fleece shower-proof coat etc.
- Chaps full or half. (optional)
- Waterproof coat, ‘Drizabone’ slicker type is recommended
- Lip balm and sun cream
- Casual evening wear
Facilities & Amenities
What is included
- Accommodation in en-suite room with colour TV and wi-fi
- Breakfast, lunch and after ride tea & cakes.
What is not included
- Transfers to and from airport/station etc (available at nominal charge)
- Evening meals (where you stay has a restaurant)
- Protective wear, i.e. boots, hard hats (mandatory), back protectors (optional).
- Chaps, waterproof coats. (slicker type recommended)
The Intermediate Rider
INTERMEDIATE: A rider who is confident and in control in all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
The intermediate rider has ridden several different types of horses and can independently manage a horse at walk, trot, canter & gallop. Their seat is secure, balanced and remains in the correct position. They are able to control a horse at walk, trot and canter and do not apply unintentional aids to the horse when they lose balance or become unseated.