Stable away days (From Worcester News)

Stable away days

12:48pm Wednesday 7th December 2011 in Equestrian By Sara Pawsey

HAVE horse will travel is the mantra of enterprising equestrian Theresa Simkins.

Together with some friends she has launched a comprehensive website that lists dozens of horse holidays for those who love to travel across Britain on horseback.

Theresa, who lives in Droitwich and works as an office administrator, says it’s her mission to convince riders that it doesn’t cost hundreds of pounds to have a break with their horse and hopes it will inspire owners to keep many riding routes open for everyone to enjoy.

She said: “As the former chairman of the Worcestershire Bridleways and Riders Association I caught the bug of exploring the countryside after riding Shropshire’s Jack Mytton Way in 2008.

“Following that I was hooked on going places and decided to retire from the WBRA and start a new venture helping riders to go away with their horses to new places. And we haven’t looked back.

“Our website is going well and our adventures will entice riders to visit some of the places we have stayed at so far. It’s not as difficult as you think to have a break with your horse.

“The cottage holiday we have just done at Clun, Shropshire, cost £33 for each person for two nights and £5 for horse grazing. It included two fabulous days riding and relaxing.”

The website – equineescapades.co.uk – includes pages dedicated to advice on how to go about organising a trip, as well as printable check lists to ensure you have what you need.

While Theresa doesn’t actually book the holiday, she is only too happy to help over the phone, if she can.

There’s is being helped by her ‘long suffering’ partner Shawn and friends Bev Doherty and John and Barbara Stones.

She said: “We have listed places that we have enjoyed staying and would happily return to. There are accompanying maps to help riders choose routes.”

Equine Escapades is in its first year and will be run alongside its sister website ukhorseholidays.co.uk that will eventually be a complete equine directory of horse holidays in Britain, from bed and breakfast stops to a more comprehensive packages aimed at brushing up competition skills.

Theresa said: “We’re planning to do even more next year and so far we have on our agenda the Cotswolds, the Brecon Beacons, the Forest of Dean, Lambourn Downs, the Pennines and a linear route called the Kerry Ridgeway on the Welsh borders.

“We do it because we are hooked on exploring. We would love holiday providers to come forward and tell us about themselves so we can ride their area and then list them on the website.”

Next year Theresa is planning to organise map reading skill sessions with or without a horse so that riders are confident in the countryside.

These will be held locally and posted on the website.

She said: “Many riders aren’t confident off route in countryside they don’t know and in turn this prevents them adventuring out to new areas but with a little help and encouragement they can plan and go off and discover a whole new riding experience.”