Brief Introduction:

PineLodge Riding Holidays are based at Higher Chilcott Farm, a typical hill farm situated nearly one thousand feet above sea level in the heart of Exmoor. Riders stay as paying guests in the home of Bobbie and husband John Bullman.
Bobbie and John's experience and their facilities - translates into excellent hospitality and forward going horses for their guests. Guests are accommodated in the farm house proper, or in cottage accommodation that adjoins the stable-yard.

Exmoor National Park remains the quintessential England. From the North Devon coast and travelling south across the moors, up through the hills, the river valleys and mixed forests of Somerset, Exmoor National Park provides some of the best horse trails in England's West Country.

From the farm, riders venture out into Exmoor National Park. This is an area of great natural beauty and arguably, of some historical importance. The moors have captured the imagination of man for thousands of years. It is said that the ghosts of England's ancient past, Romans, Celts, Saxons, Vikings and Norman, still share the moors, the forests and the river valleys. Exmoor presents many faces that change seemingly from moment to moment as the light reflects the variety of the landscape.
Exmoor is undeniably beautiful in any light yet is often strangely eerie when the sun goes down. Then, a primeval sense prevails and a sea fog may descend on the moors. Perhaps to the sound of an owl, and in season the stags in rut each add an additional dimension to the drama that is uniquely Exmoor.

As you ride across Exmoor you will see the famous Exmoor Ponies in their natural habitat. Born free, these ponies have thrived on the moors for thousands of years. Also many species of birds of song and prey as well as our smaller mammals share this natural habitat. You will also see small herds of Red Deer. These are our largest native deer, shy and ever alert, these magnificent animals may best be observed from a mounted advantage.

The country lore and culture that is unique to Exmoor is very much associated with its natural assets, long managed to mutual benefit of man and beast. Something of this culture can be experienced when visiting the small nearby village of Dulverton. Established in the Eleventh Century, its first Charter is dated 1270. Typically, the 1400 or so inhabitants are justifiably proud of their natural history and their unspoilt village traditions.

Whilst at Pine Lodge, you will have breakfast at the farm and often lunch on the trail from a picnic meal provided. On other days you will lunch in an inn along the way. Your trail follows ancient paths amid beautiful scenery, the terrain of Exmoor allows for some fast gallops, long canters, and in summer even a relaxing a swim with your horse. You may be spending several hours each day in the saddle so by mealtime you will have developed a healthy appetite. Eating-out is an option, but most evening you will return to Higher Chilcott Farm to enjoy a delicious meal of local produce and the ever generous country-style hospitality of Bobbie and John Bullman.

On retiring to a comfortable bed for a sound night's sleep, you may anticipate the dawn chorus from the myriad birds and animals outside your bedroom window.