Horse Riding

Devon is the most horsey county in the UK according to Horse & Hound Magazine, and it's easy to see why - the landscape here is perfect for horse riding, with miles of bridlepaths, open moorland, heathland, and beaches to ride across. Whether you have your own horse or are just learning to ride, there are many stables throughout the county which will take you out for a leisurely hack, or breathtaking gallop!

Head to Pebblebed Heaths in East Devon, wide areas of heathland stretching from East Budleigh to Aylesbeare Common, with around 10 miles of permissive paths and 1,100 acres of forestry, perfect for horse riding. 

Haldon Forest Park has dedicated riding trails waymarked with blue signs with a quarter mile stretch for galloping. The Harcombe Riding Trails and the ridge trails are connected so that you and your horse can enjoy a total of 10 miles of trail in one ride.

Dartmoor National Park is absolute heaven for horse riders, with 368 square miles of open moorland, forest and traffic-free bridlepaths. Visit the Dartmoor National Park Authority website to find out more.

Take a relaxing trip on a barge pulled by a beautiful heavy horse in colourful harness at the Tiverton Canal, home to the last drawn barge in the west country. If you prefer your horses to be a little on the smaller side, visit the Miniature Pony Centre on Dartmoor to meet miniature Shetland ponies and Mediterranean donkeys. There are over 400 friendly donkeys to meet at the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth.

Download Devon County Council's guide to horse riding in Devon below.