Bring Your Own Horse on Holiday
What a cottage has to have before you can bring your own horse, what to check before you book, and what actually changes for a horse that travels.
What do you need to take your horse on holiday?
Safe stabling or secure turnout, grazing or hay included, and an access track a lorry can get down. After that it is paperwork and cover: a passport for every horse, vaccinations in date, and insurance that covers riding away from home. We keep two stables at Noonvares Farm in west Cornwall.
What to ask before you book
We keep horses ourselves, so this is the list we would work through before sending a horse anywhere. Most of it is never on a listing, and all of it is decided before you arrive rather than after.
- Stabling, or a field shelter. A stable and a shelter are not the same thing, and a horse that has always come in at night will tell you which it wanted. Ask which it is, and how many boxes there actually are.
- Turnout you can trust. Fencing a strange horse has not met is the thing that goes wrong. Ask what the fencing is, whether the field is grazed by anything else that week, and whether your horse goes out alone or with company.
- The lane, and where the lorry sits. Ask what the access is like for a lorry or a trailer, where it parks for the week, and whether you have to turn it round.
- Hay, or your own. Grazing in February is not grazing in July. Ask whether forage is included, what it is, and how much of your own you should bring.
- Water, and how far it is. A trough in the field and a tap at the stable are two different jobs at six in the morning.
- Where the muck goes. There is a heap somewhere, and whether you barrow to it or drive to it changes the shape of a morning.
- Riding from the door, or boxing up. This decides the whole week. Ask whether you can ride out from the yard, and what the first mile is - lane, bridleway or road.
- Your insurance, away from home. Riding cover often stops at your own yard. Check the wording rather than the summary before you travel.
Cottages on a Farm • Cornwall Our own cottage, with stabling for two
Gwel-an-Derowen Boutique Escape
There is no better way to explore the British countryside than on horseback. At Gwel-an-Derowen, we provide the ultimate opportunity to bring your own horse on holiday, combining high-end boutique accommodation with professional stabling and grazing.
Our holiday cottage with stables offers the perfect infrastructure for horse riders to explore together. From the thrill of a cross-country trail to a relaxing beach ride, our eco-friendly retreat ensures both horse and rider enjoy an exceptional journey.
Stabling & Grazing Amenities
- Horse Capacity 2 Horses
- Stabling Premium Stalls
- Grazing Private Paddock
- Trailer Parking On-Site Secured
Curation for Horse and Rider
Finding the perfect destination where both you and your horse feel pampered should not be a challenge. Whether you dream of a horse riding weekend UK or a month-long training escape, we bridge the gap between luxury hospitality and professional equestrian facilities.
Holiday cottages near Beach Riding
Experience the exhilaration of cantering along miles of golden sand or exploring ancient trails along the coast. If you bring your own horse on holiday to the shore, our collection of cottages with stables right by the coast provides the perfect base for adventure.
Find out more
Luxury holiday cottages with horse stables
Would you like to take your horse on holiday somewhere you both feel pampered? Whether you are looking to give your horse’s nose a rub while you relax in the hot tub or seek a professional massage after an exhilarating day's riding, we find the ideal luxury retreat for you both.
Contact UsTaking your horse to the beach
Riding your own horse on sand is the reason a lot of people bring one to Cornwall, and it is the part that most often goes wrong, because a horse that has never seen the sea is not the horse you ride at home.
What changes on sand
Footing first. Deep dry sand is hard work and wet firm sand is not, and the difference between them is a few metres. Then the water, which moves, makes noise and comes at your horse sideways. A horse meeting that for the first time needs a walk, in company, well inside the tide, and not a canter because the photograph would be good.
Before you go
Check the beach takes horses at all, and in which months, because access is set locally and changes with the season. Work the tide, not your diary. Tell somebody where you are going. And rinse the salt and sand off legs and tack afterwards, because sand in a boot or under a girth is what causes the rub you find two days later.
Bringing your own horse to the beach
- Is the beach open to horses this month? Local, seasonal, and not published in one place.
- Is there parking a trailer or lorry can actually use? The commonest reason a plan collapses.
- Where is the safe entrance? Steps and soft dunes are not it.
- Who is with you? A first beach ride is not a solo ride.
- What is the tide doing when you want to be there? Not when you set off.
Our own judgement, from keeping horses in west Cornwall.
Holiday horse care: what changes when your horse travels
A horse on holiday is a horse away from its routine, its field mates and its water. Most problems on a trip come from one of those three rather than from the riding.
Water and feed
Horses drink less when the water tastes different, and a horse that drinks less after a long journey is the one you watch. Bring your own feed and change nothing on the trip. Take hay from home if you can.
Rest before work
Give a day before you ride anywhere demanding. It is the single most useful thing you can do and it is the thing holiday schedules squeeze first.
Paperwork and cover
Travel with the passport. Check your insurance covers the horse away from its usual yard, and check what the property expects of you: most stabling on a holiday let is self-care, which means you are the one doing the night check.
We are not vets. If something is wrong with your horse on holiday, the answer is a local vet, and the time to find out who that is happens to be before you need one.
The Equestrian Compendium
The questions people actually ask us before they box a horse up and drive it somewhere new.
What Facilities Should I Look for When I Bring My Horse on Holiday?
Is There Adequate Grazing and Stable Space Available?
When planning a holiday where you bring your horse, one of the primary considerations is ensuring that there are adequate grazing and stable facilities. The stables should provide comfortable bedding and secure enclosures to keep your horse safe and relaxed. Facilities that offer well-maintained arenas or exercise areas can significantly enhance the overall experience, allowing for varied and enjoyable riding opportunities.
Are There Specialized Riding Facilities on Site?
Having access to specialized riding facilities can significantly enhance your equestrian holiday experience. Look for places that offer an arena for practice sessions or a cross-country course for more adventurous riders. These facilities provide a safe and controlled environment to hone your skills or simply enjoy some leisure riding. Additionally, on-site bridleways and trails can offer exciting opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside without the need to trailer your horse to a different location.
What is the Difference Between a Farm Stay and a Cottage Stay?
A farm stay typically involves staying on a working farm, where you and your horse can enjoy the rustic charm and daily farm activities. This option is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in rural life. Conversely, a cottage stay offers a more private and self-contained option, perfect for those who prefer a more secluded and independent holiday experience. Both types of accommodation often provide excellent facilities for your horse, ensuring they are well cared for during your stay.
Choosing the right accommodation involves considering your personal preferences and your horse’s needs. If you enjoy socializing and participating in farm activities, a farm stay might be more suitable. However, if you value privacy and tranquility, a self-catering cottage may be the better choice.
Where Are the Best Places in the UK for a Riding Holiday?
What Are the Top Beach Riding Locations?
Beach riding is a magical experience that offers a sense of freedom and exhilaration. Areas like the Gower Peninsula in Wales and Holkham Beach in Norfolk provide vast stretches of sand where you can gallop along the shoreline. These beach riding locations are perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.
Which Cross Country Trails Should You Explore?
For those seeking more challenging terrain, the UK boasts an array of cross-country trails that cater to all levels of riders. The Pennine Bridleway, for instance, offers a long-distance trail that traverses scenic hills and valleys. Other notable routes include the South Downs Way and the Ridgeway, which offer varied landscapes and historical landmarks to explore.
Are There Recommended Routes for Beginners and Experienced Riders?
Whether you are a novice or an experienced rider, there are numerous routes designed to suit varying skill levels. Beginners might enjoy the gentle paths of the New Forest, where they can ride at a comfortable pace while taking in the tranquil surroundings. For the more experienced, trails like the Pennine Bridleway offer a more rigorous experience, with challenging terrain that tests both horse and rider.
How to Prepare Your Horse for a Holiday Away from Home?
What Essentials Should You Pack for Your Horse?
Essential items to pack include a well-fitted saddle and bridle, grooming tools, and adequate feed supply. Any medications or supplements your horse is already on travel with it. A first-aid kit that covers both horse and rider lives in the lorry rather than the house.
How Can You Ensure Your Horse’s Comfort During Travel?
When transporting your horse by trailer or lorry, ensure the vehicle is well-ventilated and spacious. It is crucial to make regular stops during long journeys to allow your horse to rest and graze. Keeping your horse hydrated and calm during travel will help minimize stress and ensure they arrive in good spirits.
What Are the Best Practices for Horse Care While on Holiday?
Maintaining your horse’s well-being while on holiday involves adhering to best practices for equine care. Upon arrival, allow your horse some time to acclimate to their new surroundings before embarking on any rides. Regularly check their hooves and overall health. Establishing a routine similar to their home environment can help reduce stress and promote a sense of stability.
Are There Pet-Friendly Options for Other Animals?
Many holiday accommodations that cater to horse owners also offer pet-friendly options for other animals. If you have dogs or cats, confirm that the accommodation welcomes them as well. Dog friendly cottages typically provide suitable facilities and services to ensure all your animals have a comfortable stay, creating a truly inclusive family experience.