29th September to 3rd October 2011, Jane Vaughan, Janet Bayley, Jane Roberts-Lewis, Diana Younger and myself went down to Exmoor and were lucky enough to have the most glorious weather, in fact at times it was a little too hot for riding!!

We stayed at Stockleigh Lodge in Exford where Mike and Myra looked after us very well. Mike even took us on to the moor one evening to watch for stags – and we did see quite a few. We all decided to hire horses rather than travel our own down there. In fact this works out well as it is more of a holiday for us – no getting up early to muck out stables, you arrive at the yard and your horse is tacked up for you and, even better, at the end of a hot sweaty ride you hand your horse back and someone else has to wash it down and clean the tack whilst you head for the pub!!

We had 3 fantastic guided rides in different areas of Exmoor. The first was across the moor to the Doone Valley, a lovely mix of moorland and valleys with a cool off in the river for the horses. The second ride was on Putsborough beach – Putsborough adjoins Woolacombe beach, a stretch of approx 3 miles of beautiful sandy beach. Apart from the fact that we had to dodge sunbathers in bikinis, surfers and swimmers, there was plenty of room for everyone. I don’t think I have ever cantered for as long in one go! Our third ride was from near Dulverton.

The horses were beautifully looked after and the owner, Bobbie, was a real character. She was quite old school and to our amusement had fully made up her face, including bright orange lipstick, to escort us out riding. She took us right down a very steep valley to the river – it was a scorching hot day so we were glad to be under the trees and we had a very close encounter with a huge stag

!As well as the riding we had a few cream teas, visited Dunster, Selworthy, Lynmouth and Porlock, did some walking at Tarr Steps and had some lovely meals out. We also visited NRC member Michelle Binks and family who had moved down to Exford only a couple of days before us. They have bought a beautiful farmhouse with self-catering cottages, stables and land which we will consider using next time we visit Exmoor. Michelle is offering a discount to NRC members who want to rent their cottages, please see their website for details www.courtfarm.co.uk.

All in all a lovely holiday; with some great company. --- Kathy Bristow