Dartmoor is one of the last true wildernesses in the UK, with distinctive, dramatic, rugged hills and moors that defy all attempts to tame them. Enter the mighty horse: the ultimate all-terrain vehicle that allows skillful farmers to tend their livestock and YOU, lucky globetrotters, to tag along!
Your hosts, the Heard family, have been raising cattle in Dartmoor for generations. Their handsome, easygoing, superbly trained Quarter Horses are ridden in traditional cowpony gear: Western saddles and split-rein snaffle bridles – by far the most practical and comfortable kit for the job at hand, and a BIG plus for globetrotters who aren’t accustomed to the English riding style. As for the itineraries, you can choose between genuine cattle work and fabulous point-to-point rides.
On the cattle drives, there is real work to be done and you get to join the team! This is an excellent way for a mixed ability group to enjoy globetrotting together, as there are both slow and steady roles and plenty of challenges for more advanced riders.
The week-long Dartmoor Crossing sees you travel across Dartmoor National Park along ancient bridle paths and livestock tracks, discovering a new side of this stunning region each day. Without the cattle, you can really get some speed up, and BOY can these horses move!
With your days marked by passing clouds, not ticking clocks, and soundtracked by local tales as old as the hills, the most well-rounded and in-depth view of Dartmoor is undoubtedly found between two pricked ears.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Quarter Horses - and an honorary Welsh Cob.
- Pace:Cattle Drive: the fastest way to herd cattle is slowly! The majority of the ride will be at a walk, with occasional chances to trot, canter, and chase cows, depending on the livestock and the terrain.
Dartmoor Crossing: the pace varies depending on the terrain, with frequent trots and canters. - Type of tack:Western saddles and split-rein snaffle bridles.
- Time in Saddle:Around 4 to 5 hours per day.
- Ride Length:Cattle Drive: 7 days, 6 nights (5 riding days). *A 4-day, 3-night option is also available.
Dartmoor Crossing: 8 days, 7 nights (May & June: 6 riding days; August & September: 5 riding days. See itinerary for details). - Seasons:May to September.
- Group size:A maximum of 8 guests.
- Riding Ability:Intermediate to advanced. You must be able to control your horse at a walk, trot and canter over varying terrain, and be fit enough to handle long hours in the saddle. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Weight Limit:These itineraries can accommodate 2 riders up to 95kg / 210lbs; all other riders must not weigh more than 85kg / 187lbs. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Accommodation:Cattle Drive: you will stay at the delightful Castle Inn in Lydford, about 10 minutes’ drive from your hosts’ farm. Dating back to the 16th century, this award-winning establishment oozes quaint English charm. There’s a bar, restaurant, expansive gardens and clean, cosy ensuite bedrooms.
Dartmoor Crossing: you will be accommodated at a series of 5 delightful inns and B&Bs in cute-as-a-button villages, including Chagford, the ‘Jewel of Dartmoor’. Please note, on 2 nights of the Dartmoor Crossing, private rooms for single riders cannot be guaranteed. - Inclusions:
The price includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch, guided riding, and transfers outlined in the itinerary.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international and domestic flights, travel insurance (compulsory), evening meals, alcohol, or transfers to and from the ride.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
Please note: a 4-day, 3-night option is available for the Dartmoor Cattle Drive, from day 1 to day 4 of each departure date. Please contact us to book.
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch, guided riding, and transfers outlined in the itinerary.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international and domestic flights, travel insurance (compulsory), evening meals, alcohol, or transfers to and from the ride.
Please note: on the Dartmoor Crossing itinerary, guests spend 2 nights at a farm B&B, where some or all guests booked with the single supplement may have to share a twin room with another guest of the same gender. In this case, affected guests will be refunded the value of the single supplement for these nights.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse AllPlease note, these are sample itineraries only, and subject to change at your guides’ discretion due to weather conditions and other influencing factors.

-
Dartmoor Cattle Drive
-
Dartmoor Crossing - Day 1
-
Dartmoor Crossing - Day 2
-
Dartmoor Crossing - Day 3
-
Dartmoor Crossing - Day 4
-
Dartmoor Crossing - Day 5
-
Dartmoor Crossing - Day 6
-
Dartmoor Crossing - Day 7
-
Dartmoor Crossing - Day 8
-
Transfer Information