Cumbrian Heavy Horses - the ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Lake District, Cumbria, UK. We are UK's only specialised Heavy Horse Riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent Clydesdale, Shire and Ardennes heavy horse breeds, for riding.
We are situated in the Whicham Valley, within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park, and nestling in the foothills of Black and White Combe. Just a few miles from the Irish Sea coast and with access to some of the UK's most spectacular riding, (on occasion mountaineering on horse-back!).
We are situated in the Whicham Valley, within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park, and nestling in the foothills of Black and White Combe. Just a few miles from the Irish Sea coast and with access to some of the UK's most spectacular riding, (on occasion mountaineering on horse-back!).
Services
Cumbrian Heavy Horses is a new and exciting equine facility for the English Lake District and Cumbria - formerly operating on the Isle of Skye we moved to the Lakes a year ago and are pleased to to be able to cater for the many visitors to the Lake District who share our love and passion for horses and the beautiful area we live in.
We recommend that our riders bring their own approved equipment (hats, boots, gloves, chaps) - although should you forget any item we can often supply either as a loan or in the shop. Information will be given when you book, and dont forget to ask any questions you may have!
We provide saddle bags for you to carry any equipment necessary on our horses on a daily basis, although we recommend bringing additional waterproof bags for items such as phones, cameras etc.Although it never rains (HA!) we suggest you bring some lightweight waterproofs or even better a long trail riding coat - just in case!
We provide saddle bags for you to carry any equipment necessary on our horses on a daily basis, although we recommend bringing additional waterproof bags for items such as phones, cameras etc.Although it never rains (HA!) we suggest you bring some lightweight waterproofs or even better a long trail riding coat - just in case!
Cumbrian Heavy Horses has a past history of riding through open countryside, over difficult and undulating terrain, of being slightly adventurous in our outlook! Whilst based on the Isle of Skye we developed some amazing rides into valleys which were not usually accessed by horse, giving our riders a true wilderness experience!
Many of our clients ride with us as a short break or or as part of their holiday in the Lake District. Below is a list of local accommodation which we have compiled ranging from B&B to self catering and hotels. We have endeavoured to list a variety to cover all tastes and budgets. For our trail rides we pre arrange the accommodation to coinside with your planned route.
How to find us? During the day we are usually out and about on yard so if you need to contact us its best to use a mobile number. Please be aware that the landline number is also our home, so please call after 9am and before 8pm, many thanks for your consideration. We are located in the Whicham Valley, in the South West corner of the Lake District National Park.
Reviews (10)
Caroline Jackson
Jan 25, 2022
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Not worth £90 for a very short 2 hour hack for 2 experienced riders it was disappointing time is wasted standing around we went on top of the hill overlooking the yard and came back more like a photo shoot experience. In winter the hack is all across fields my young horse was smaller than all the rest completely different breed and build to all the others had no shoes on was slipping and tripping up and nothing like the horses pictured and advertised on website struggled to get him moving and I’m experienced he was just almost unresponsive nice place to go for photos on the big shire horses
Denise Dixon
Oct 21, 2021
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Jessica Mannion
Oct 15, 2021
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Shareen Akhtar
Sep 14, 2021
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The MOST INCREDIBLE experience and should be on any equestrians bucket list. To gallop on the beach on these magnificent gentle giants ❤
Annie is nothing short of a bloody legend. She’s knows the terrain inside out, where it’s safe for you and her horses and then if you want you can truly have a blast. Her horses are exceptionally well cared for, polite and amazing to ride. Her staff are friendly and lovely.
Safety is paramount - the tack is in great condition and everything girth’s etc checked regularly. You’re given plenty of support if needed and checked in that you are ok. She really
Annie is nothing short of a bloody legend. She’s knows the terrain inside out, where it’s safe for you and her horses and then if you want you can truly have a blast. Her horses are exceptionally well cared for, polite and amazing to ride. Her staff are friendly and lovely.
Safety is paramount - the tack is in great condition and everything girth’s etc checked regularly. You’re given plenty of support if needed and checked in that you are ok. She really
Sandra Gribben
Sep 12, 2021
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I've not ridden in years and my partner has never even sat on a horse. We did an hour's ride and had a fantastic time.
The horses (Joey and Henry), were so well haved and gentle.
Beautiful horses, beautiful scenery.
Vicky and Becky were really passionate about the horses, gave clear instructions and we're really patient with the riders.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
The horses (Joey and Henry), were so well haved and gentle.
Beautiful horses, beautiful scenery.
Vicky and Becky were really passionate about the horses, gave clear instructions and we're really patient with the riders.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Alison Wilkinson
Aug 23, 2021
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Wow, what a day! Want to do it again tomorrow. Annie is great fun, very knowledgeable too, she matched us all perfectly with our horses....we started with a meeting to talk about our experience and to meet the other riders, I went on my own and didn't feel like a spare part at all. We made our way to the beach and met our horses, I have to say I was quite nervous having been thrown from a horse for the first time ever whilst on a hack at a local riding school in June, I met Henry who was a very big boy but Annie assured me he would look after me and he certainly did! Amazing! We learned lots about
Amy Walpole
Aug 17, 2021
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I had the best time on a 2 hour farm ride on the gorgeous Asti!
The ride was tailored to meet each individuals needs no matter how varied. We had time to ease into the ride, build confidence and get to know the horses and then opportunities to trot and canter in the fields which was a highlight for me.
Our guides were calm and reassuring and also took some amazing pictures whilst we were out.
I will definitely be making the trip back again, hopefully soon!
The ride was tailored to meet each individuals needs no matter how varied. We had time to ease into the ride, build confidence and get to know the horses and then opportunities to trot and canter in the fields which was a highlight for me.
Our guides were calm and reassuring and also took some amazing pictures whilst we were out.
I will definitely be making the trip back again, hopefully soon!
Lee Johnson
Aug 13, 2021
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Amazing day out. Great staff (thanks Laura), incredible horses and amazing views. Facilities are great with toilets and cafe. Would recommend to anyone no matter their riding ability. I am a beginner and I was made to feel confident in my riding. This didn’t hold back my other half, who was able to canter across the fields - they cater for all.
Paul Skelton
Aug 12, 2021
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Sophie Clark
Dec 17, 2019
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Most amazing experience ever! Travelled all the way from London to go on the beach ride and it was most definitely worth the travel. All the staff are extremely friendly. The lady who accompanied me on my ride was so lovely and took loads of amazing photos and videos for me. I was talked through everything before even getting on one of the horses which definitely made me feel much safer. I rode Charlie and he was great fun! It’s great to see how much the horses actually enjoy themselves on these rides! You can just tell how well they are looked after. They’re so confident and despite their
