Straddling the boundary between Devon and Somerset, Exmoor is a high plateau taking its name from the River Exe, which rises there. Exmoor has been described as a seemingly soft and gentle place where the elements have combined to create a beautiful, fragile landscape. It is for beauty, peace and being at one with nature, and for exploring - a place with many secrets.
Along the coast are England's highest sea cliffs, revealing hazy views of Welsh mountains. From the plateau run rivelets, which seem benign but can burst into torrents, etching the landscape with steep little combes. These separate the rounded hillsides and heath-topped ridges and in them nestle ancient woodlands and equally ancient farmsteads. Exmoor is an area of great variety and, despite its small size, always has something new to offer.
Once visitors have begun to explore on horse they tend to return time and time again.
Our equestrian center is set in a most unique position within the Exmoor National Park, enjoying direct access onto open heather moorland as well as spectacular views over the surrounding countryside to the rugged coastline and across to the sea to the wild Black Mountains of Wales.
The farm, placed as it is between the moorland and the north coast of Exmoor, is a perfect setting from which to explore this breathtaking part of the country, particularly so on horseback. Being truly ‘tucked away’, the riding center is guaranteed to be quiet and secluded even in the height of the holiday season. We take only a small number of guests at any one time and concentrate on adults only, thus ensuring your holiday is as enjoyable as possible. The holidays have a homely and laid-back atmosphere and we make every effort to put you at your ease from the moment you arrive.
Exmoor is one of the most beautiful areas in England. The moor is still wild and untouched, giving rider and non-rider alike the chance to admire its seclusion and beauty. From the bluebells, violets and delicate primrose in the woods in spring, the purple heather on the moors in summer and the beautiful colors of autumn, Exmoor has something special to offer for every season. With its spectacular skies and its dazzling display of stars in the evening there is always something to marvel at. Exmoor is home to some of Britain’s rarest wild life including its famous red deer and wild Exmoor ponies. If you are lucky you might see some of the shyer wild folk of the moor including foxes, hares, badgers, buzzards, herons, kingfishers, larks, reptiles and amphibians to name a few.

THE RIDING
(The gate opens straight onto the moor)

For your pleasure we take small groups of up to six riders and riders of different abilities are taken separately unless otherwise requested. All our rides are escorted in order to make your time in the saddle as diverse and fun as possible, maximizing the opportunities to cater and gallop and helping riders to get the best from their horses.
Taking a different route each day, your ride will take you out of the stable yard and straight into dramatic open moorland, exploring deep into enchanting woodlands, along beautiful Exmoor streams and atop the magnificent coastline with views as far-reaching as the Black Mountains of Wales. The rides include pub and picnic stops for lunch, weather permitting. The terrain of Exmoor is hilly and can be challenging for those not used to open spaces. No matter what standard most of our guests have found that their riding ability and confidence have improved greatly throughout their time with us, our escorts are always happy to give informal guidance whilst on the rides. Natural horsemanship and riding lessons are also available.

THE HORSES

We are proud of our unusual breeds of horses giving our guests the chance to ride something new and different. As well as the normal thoroughbred types and cobs, we also have the noble and beautiful Spanish horse, Quarter horse crosses, Lipizzaner/Arab and a friendly Icelandic, who gives our riders a chance to try the exotic gait of tolt.
All of our horses are real characters, we practice natural horsemanship and our horses are trained to be responsive and delightful rides. From the more forwards going, to the quieter horses suitable for the novice rider, we hope you will find our horses well-mannered and sure-footed. We are not a trekking centre or a riding school and the horses are corn fed every day to ensure they are fit and keen. Although our horses are well-schooled and responsive long as they are correctly ridden, they are living beings and some may occasionally put in a high-spirited buck or shy. We expect our guests to understand that riding is a high-risk sport and that horses can sometimes be unpredictable.

THE ACCOMMODATION

The accommodations are in a 17th century farmhouse, which has has central heating and wood burning stoves, a comfortable lounge, a dining room and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from every window. The house facilities include a Victorian bathroom, a shower room with toilet, separate hot and cold vanity units in every bedroom. When taking a break from the hard hours in the saddle, guests may wish to enjoy the comfortable lounge with an extensive video collection, although most prefer to sit round the dining table exchanging horsey yarns over a drink or two. Alternatively, guests may wish to have their own lodge situated close to the main house and enjoying all the facilities of the house including full board but with the added benefit of their own bathroom and private TV lounge. (Lounge accommodation subject to a small surcharge; see book form).
Single guests are most welcome to come and enjoy our relaxed atmosphere and meet like-minded people. We do not require you to share a room, nor do we charge a supplement. We like to feel High Bullen is your home away from home, giving you the run of the house, farm and gardens.

 

THE FOOD

 

All our holidays are full board (excluding alcohol). Tea, coffee, cake, biscuits and fruit are included in the price and are available at any time. Our guests are most welcome to make themselves hot or cold drinks whenever they wish.
Your day begins with a choice of full English Breakfast, followed by a delicious hot or cold lunch, or your own choice of picnic lunch. After the ride we provide afternoon tea with one of our scrumptious homemade cakes and Devonshire cream tea on Fridays.
Within the farmhouse and for the exclusive benefit of our visitors, we have a licensed trust bar, offering a selection of fine wines to enhance you meal, chilled lagers after a hot summer ride, or a nip of the ‘good stuff’ to warm the bones!
The meals are tasty, varied and plentiful. Our chef’s traditional farmhouse fayre is all homemade, using home-reared meat, sausage, bacon, egg, and fresh local produce wherever possible.
We are happy to cater to vegetarians and special diets.
Eggs, homemade jams, chutneys and pickles are available for sale.

“…a paradise for horse lovers…”
Horse and Rider Magazine