This three-day adventure across the ancient kingdom of Wessex promises all the English charm, juicy history, storied landscapes and fine horseflesh you could ask for.
Your journey begins at the historic Acorn Inn, a 16th-century establishment in the quaint village of Evershot. Here, old-world charm meets modern luxury, with cosy rooms, fabulous cuisine, a well-stocked bar and heartfelt hospitality. The Inn has strong ties to author Thomas Hardy, who gave it a nod in his best-known story, Tess of the d’Urbervilles.
From this novel base (pardon the pun), you’ll set out each day to explore landscapes where the traces of Roman roads, Neolithic earthworks, and Iron Age hill forts await discovery amidst today’s hedgerows, hilltops, patchworked fields, sweeping valleys and tranquil forests.
Although short, this itinerary packs a real punch. With 4 to 7 hours’ riding per day, the thrilling pace, extraordinary scope of scenery and solid, athletic hunters will have you seeing the whole world through rose-coloured glasses.
**If you are considering a UK or a European sojourn, have you seen some of the other UK rides we now offer? You could extend your trip to 10 days or a fortnight and sample a second or even a third ride to deepen or enhance the flavour of your trip to a full ‘Best of British Isles’ menu. We have designed the UK summer season to help you do exactly this, with one or two days between ‘complementary’ departures.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Irish Sport Horses, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods and Cobs.
- Pace:The pace varies from a walk right through to a canter when the terrain permits. Due to the distances covered, there is plenty of cantering. There are even chances to pop over a few jumps.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles and bridles.
- Time in Saddle:From 4 to 7 hours per day.
- Ride Length:4 days, 3 nights, (3 riding days).
- Seasons:May to September.
- Group size:A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 guests.
- Riding Ability:Strong intermediate to advanced. You must be confident and capable riding English-style, with English tack, and fit enough to ride an athletic horse over varied terrain, often at speed. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Weight Limit:This itinerary 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:You’ll be staying at the delightful Acorn Inn in the quintessential Dorset village of Evershot. Dating back to the 16th century, the Inn is featured in Thomas Hardy’s most popular novel, Tess of the d’Urbervilles. There are neat twin rooms, snug single/double rooms, and premium single four-poster rooms, all uniquely charming, with ensuite bathrooms and tea and coffee facilities. The restaurant and breakfast room serve fresh, seasonal, lovingly prepared cuisine; the two on-site bars are well-stocked and tended; and there’s an inviting beer garden for sunny days. The staff are a character study in ‘Best of British’: warm, funny, welcoming, understated, and eager to share their world with their treasured guests. You’ll want to move in rather than check out when the time comes!
- Inclusions:
The price includes accommodation, guided riding, all meals, and some alcohol (picnic refreshments, gin and tonic pre-dinner, and wine with dinner).
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcoholic drinks not listed above, and transfers throughout the itinerary.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!PLEASE NOTE: There are 2x twin share rooms, 4x standard singles/doubles and 2x premium single rooms (four-poster beds), assigned on a first come, first served basis. Being a house of a certain age, all the rooms are different sizes, and again assigned on a first come, first served basis.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes accommodation, guided riding, all meals, and some alcohol (picnic refreshments, gin and tonic pre-dinner, and wine with dinner).
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcoholic drinks not listed above, and transfers throughout the itinerary.
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, this is a sample itinerary only. It is subject to change at your guides’ discretion due to weather conditions and other influencing factors.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Transfer Information
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Keen for another ride while in the UK?