Cherry -the consummate hacking Pro!
Llwynon Saddlery
Relaxed happy horses and riders setting off
Panoramic view of Pen-y-Fan from Gilfach
Tesoro & Rosie enjoying the freedom of one of the many commons
The "Great" Weekend Hacking Break
What...
Enjoy riding our fabulous, fit and highly professional horses through the special countryside that the Brecon Beacons provides, on a one day ride that encompasses varied terrain and pace, breath-taking views, a break mid-ride to rest the horses and yourselves, a fantastic professionally-cooked meal, and a chance to relax at the end of the day at Gilfach - a small retreat nestled in a beautiful valley.
Schedule
Friday
Arrive at Gilfach in the late afternoon/evening. A well-appointed, stylish Log Cabin awaits you. If available, and preferred, our very cosy Cottage is an option for this package. Both provide homely self catering accommodation for up to four people.
Spend your first evening unwinding in the peace and tranquility of Gilfach Farm in preparation for your ride the next day. You may wish to treat yourselves to an evening out at one of the many hostelleries and restaurants that are local to Gilfach.
Saturday
An early start (9am) for H&S essentials, horse and rider matching, preparation of your mounts, an assessment of your riding skill, and some tuition on how our lovely horses would like to be ridden.
The ride leaves Gilfach at around 11am. The ride is predominantly off-road and offers stunning vistas throughout. The route and rate of speed will be determined by the ability of the riders and the weather!
Mid-ride stop for lunch and a rest at around 1pm at Llwynon - yet another horse-paradise. As well as being a superb saddlery (Master Saddler incumbent), a charming small cafe on-site awaits to provide a wholesome lunch. Whilst you are getting a good break and feed, so are our horses in Llywnon's stables!
After a chance to feed, refresh and browse the saddlery, we tack up and head on for the loop back to Gilfach. More spectacular scenery and riding country, although the pace may have to be reined in given the lunchtime culinary indulgence!
Arrival back at Gilfach mid afternoon, giving us time to tend to our diligent mounts before their bedtime.
The evening is then yours to spend relaxing in front of the fire; on the patio; or a visit to one of the many local pub/restaurants. Retire for a restful night's sleep in the Cottage or Log Cabins' famously comfortable beds.
Sunday
A non-riding day. Enjoy a lie in, perhaps a hearty breakfast and a leisurely departure back to reality...
Who are these holidays suitable for?
Our Hacking Breaks only available for intermediate (plus) riders, who wish to enjoy a relaxing break in a very peaceful environment in combination with the exhilaration of "real riding" in fabulous countryside.
Available to Intermediate + riders only - Our definition of an 'Intermediate' rider is - one who has ridden for at least three to five years on a regular basis and can comfortably ride most horses at all gaits.
Our horses are well educated, responsive rides, and definitely not follow-the-leader trekkers! Riders will need to be able to ride forward going horses, have sufficient confidence, skill and riding 'tact' whilst riding out in open countryside and over varied terrain.
These holidays are not available for novice riders, those under the age of 12 years, or for those who consider themselves as "nervous riders". Minimum booking - two riders. Maximum booking - four riders.
The safety of our clients, and or our horses is of paramount importance. If, during your assessment session prior to the hack, we consider that you (and therefore our horses) would be put at undue risk during the hack, we will offer tuition in the school as an alternative. The amount of riding you get under these circumstances will be reduced. If you are unsure as to whether your riding standard is sufficient for this package, please contact us for further clarification or ask an experienced instructor to assess you before booking with us.
Price
To include two night's self catering accommodation at Gilfach, riding assessment within the school, the hack, lunch.
Four riders £200 per person
Three riders £220 per person
Two riders £250 per person