The best in Dartmoor: Advanced level hacking

Come this Spring and see for yourself!
Riding out for the more advanced Adults & Children (Aged 10)

We are incredibly lucky to have hours or even days of amazing riding here at Cheston for small groups of advanced capable canter riders.

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor’s most southern point, Cheston Farm is nestled down amongst farmland, sheltered by rising ground and trees just underneath the Ugborough Beacon but with a short hack up the lane we access the moor but still only a few minutes from the A38 Devon Expressway.

From the top of Ugborough Beacon the views are amazing. The South Hams ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ stretches away with the typical Devon pattern of farmland and villages. On a clear day, the sea is clearly visible from the Moor with Plymouth Sound to the West, Torbay to the East and seemingly endless miles of Dartmoor stretching to the North.  We have routes of 3-4 hours and we can to plot routes further afield to Holne Moor.

Our riding out on Dartmoor is ideal for the well established rider with many years of experience and for those confident cantering and galloping on forward keen horses. We can offer slower and more sedate options with all lesson clients working towards riding on the moor. We never take out complete beginner riders. Our specialism is cantering out with capable riders!

If you are not yet able to ride out with us, you may be best suited to the quiet single-track lanes, or the Indoor or Outdoor Arenas where we can hone your skills in a lesson. The Riding School Page will tell you more about the options and prices. You may find our options will guarantee your enjoyment and give you new skills.  We are happy to discuss the options available.

Riding on the Beach – usually regular locals only

Riding at the local beach is for canter level, pre-assessed teen to adult riders, primarily for our regular riders whose abilities we know well. We need to know the level of your riding is well suited to the environment so you can truly enjoy the experience of cantering through the surf.

We load horses for a short lorry trip to the beach, prepare them there before spending an hour on the beach. Beach riding involves lots of canters across wide open sands, through rivers and shallow waves. The horses love it!  Back at the lorry, we make the horses comfortable with a hay net and we settle down for refreshments or a picnic whilst taking in the stunning views.

NOTE: Beach riding is rare! It is pre-arranged on weekdays only in term-time. It requires substantial forward planning to check tide times suit so is never a last minute option. We avoid peak holiday times. Please phone/email Sophie to discuss any holiday or beach riding ambitions

Cheston may be just what you are after. Ask yourself, do you..
  • Want choices galore: ride for one or more hours, stay the day, the week, bring your horse or enjoy one of ours.
  • Want to canter and gallop out in a small group -just confident adult riders on keen forward but mannered horses?
  • Like a lovely lunch either picnic style or at a Dartmoor Pub?
  • Enjoy views across open moorlands across farmland to the sea?
  • Dare to take on a moorland jump – maybe pop over a gorse bush, a ditch, a stream?
  • Fancy a gallop on a local sandy beach one day, then ride Dartmoor the next?
  • Need to build upon your lessons with individual tuition in controlled private lane and moorland hacks where we can develop your hacking out skills in a safe and suitable manner
Booking with us

Please make all routine enquiries to our office number on 01364 388188 or via email before we may invite you to register online.

We are busy most days, so you may need to leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we can. Leave/repeat your phone number slowly and clearly.

You can also use visit our contact page for alternative methods for getting in touch. We have an active Facebook page with lots to see. Our prices are available on the home page (are subject to change).

HACKING PRICE LISTCONTACT US
Please note:

We cannot cater for: large beginner group hacks or pony trekking on to Dartmoor or large group lessons (e.g. hen parties, school groups, youth clubs etc.).

Reasons to choose Cheston

We pride overselves on having probably the best facility in the area
We offer a full range of opportunities to suit you:
  • High quality and detailed instruction in private, semi-private or group lessons all at a pace to suit you, your fitness and confidence
  • Evening lessons available on weeknights riding indoors or in floodlit outdoor arena
  • Pony Club accredited centre: Children can join in PC activities at weekends and holidays! See our Pony Club page for more information
  • Hacking: Competent riders only. Lanes or gallop hacks on to Dartmoor, at the beach or to the pub. Rides from 1-6 hours. Sorry, not for beginners or large groups.
  • Beginner riders: adults or children learn safely in private or small group lessons;
  • Advanced adult group lessons and competitions: Our lessons are taught in open order, no following the bum in front or waiting for your turn!
  • Residential options: Intense riding course, relaxing holiday, exam, careers or college preparation? We have options for different budgets.  International students also welcome for short or long stays.
Our goal is to deliver a quality & enjoyable experience
  • Our 50×30 indoor arena benefits from training mirrors and a dust free equestrian surface regularly watered and maintained
  • We use ABRS, BHS and UKCC qualified & experienced instructors and staff who train and compete regularly themselves
  • We love our equine team. You will find very happy and spoilt horses at Cheston with full and varied lives.