Features
Horse riding at Studland
FROM atop my trusty steed and looking down on the vast beauty of Studland Heath and the sparkling waters of Poole Harbour I can truly say it was a good day to be alive...
The relaxed walk and trot from Studland Stables lived up to all my expectations and the scenery was simply breathtaking.
On arrival at the stables I was a little nervous and unsure what to expect but the efficient, relaxed and welcoming manner of the owners Stuart and Helen Spreadborough soon put me at ease.
Within minutes I was kittted out with a hat and introduced to my four-legged partner on this little excursion...the ominously named Zorro.
With visions of him rearing up on his hind legs and galloping off into the distance I was assured he was perfect for riders of all abilities - and they were right.
Zorro was a dream horse who followed most of my clumsy instructions with the good-natured acceptance of a true
riding school veteran.
I was part of a group of five and with our leader Lana in the lead we moved out. One of the best reasons to choose Studland Stables is that you never venture near a road and with access to the Studland Heath out of the paddock within moments you are riding the range, (well walking sedately along the bridlepath).
As the incredible views come into sight you begin to lose all sense of where you are and I for one was beginning to think I was in the movies - Brokeback Mountain eat your heart out!
Lana proved an extremely capable leader who dealt with any problems either with the horses or the riders with ease and efficiency.
We also benefited from a local lady on our outing who was a font of knowledge about the area and its many interesting features.
The hour flew by and as we headed back to the stables I just wanted to turn tail and head back out again but my legs were reminding me that I was a little rusty in the saddle and a break would be welcome.
I felt a real sense of triumph and glow of achievement after my ride, accompanied by a slight sense of amazement at the sight of a sprightly 70-year-old mounting his horse for the next ride-out with his young granddaughter.
But it was proof that horse riding is something everyone can try and enjoy.
At Studland Stables there are horses to suit everyone and a
variety of rides for different abilities. So why not have a go and see the world from a different perspective?
TESSA WEBBER
3:37pm Friday 28th March 2008
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