A Fine Horse in New Country

On this page is a collection of websites which I have found useful, informative or entertaining. Most of them are directly related to long distance riding, although some have a broader appeal. I've tried to give a brief indication of why I think you might enjoy clicking that mouse!

Some (not all) of the links are also to be found on other pages of this website - I make no apology for gathering them together in one easily accessible place.

GENERAL

thelongridersguild.com "Part museum, book store, tack room and Guild Hall, this website contains the world's largest collection of equestrian travel information. A visit inside will introduce you to the amazing men and women who have ridden horses in search of mounted adventure in every conceivable country and climate, ranging from Africa to Antarctica."
This (huge) website is simply the best, when it comes to worldwide equestrian travel.

bhs.org.uk and bhsscotland.org.uk offers advice and information about access and rights of way, as well as providing free leaflets that you can download on all aspects of off-road riding.

ride-uk.org.uk - (also run by the BHS and under construction at the time of writing) which aims eventually to give information on a national network of bridleways, including where you and your horse can stay overnight.

nationaltrail.co.uk gives details of Britain’s national long distance trails (currently 15). Sadly, only two of them are rideable end to end at the moment, but they all offer some long distance riding opportunities. At the time of writing, you can ride along the entire length of the South Downs Way and the Pennine Bridleway and along significant stretches of both the Ridgeway and Peddar’s Way National Trails. Some other Trails have shorter lengths of bridleway so you should check on individual Trail pages on the website.

With the exception of the northernmost section of the Pennine Way, the national long distance trails are south of the border. Scotland has its own long distance trails too, and you can ride on stretches of all of them. Check with the relevant websites for details. Their websites are:

The West Highland Way - from Milngavie to Fort William;
The Great Glen Way 73 miles from Fort William to Inverness - most of it rideable;
The Speyside Way Buckie to Aviemore (with other spurs). Not all rideable but alternative sections for horses.
The Southern Upland Way Coast to coast in southern Scotland - large sections rideable.
The Dava Way 23-mile route in Morayshire - mostly old railway. All rideable (use cycling diversions where signed).

South of Scotland Countryside Trails Details of 350 km of off-road riding which also link in with lots of other routes like the Pennine Bridleway and Border Country Ride.


forestry.gov.uk The Forestry Commission is the largest land manager in Britain and the biggest provider of outdoor recreation. Generally they are horse-friendly and helpful, although be aware that due to ongoing forestry operations there may be areas you are not allowed to go.

equineramblersuk.co.uk privately-run friendly site for trail riders with information, trail stories, trail partners and forum.

bridleways.co.uk another privately-run site which is attempting to develop and maintain information about routes - mostly south of the border, but an active forum.





GEAR

Horse and Harmony offer an extensive range of Treeless Saddles, Natural Horsemanship Equipment, Horsey Gifts, Horse Care Products, Bitless Bridles, Bareback Pads, English & Western Tack, Equestrian Books and many other Equestrian Products!


Performance Equestrian specialise in equipment for long distance and endurance riders - and are now sponsors of our forthcoming Hoofprints Over Scotland ride. Good kit, helpful advice and speedy service.


EQUINE SAFETY

SARA4H 'Safety And Risk Assessments for Horses'
www.sara4h.co.uk
Rural Safety Signs
www.ruralsafetysigns.co.uk

Sarah Houston is an International Coach, Registered British Horse Society Instructor and Expert Witness.

Blogs

Run for the Roses
Scottish endurance rider John Tytler Thomson's amazing story of how a near-death experience inspired him to start riding. 'Hippotherapy' at its most extreme - including his tale of riding 200 miles across Scotland on the noble Prince Omar.

Fugly Horse of the Day
Addictive, snarky and widely-read blog criticising breeding poor quality horses, silly training techniques and other lunacies in the equine world. Also contains lots of first class information on conformation and rehabbing horses which have been abused. Pulls no punches, and hence, probably not suitable for the under-12s. Contains moderately strong language (and may contain nuts).

The Mugwump Chronicles
No, really? Cutting, western reining and roping horses? What's all that about then?
A different discipline, but lots of tips from a lifelong trainer on how to get your horses soft, mannerly, responsive and obedient. No special halters, sticks or equipment, just good sense and experience. This lady writes really well: her training stories (generally with difficult horses which had been heading for a tin) are full of thoughtful insight.