Spend a holiday day with the herd at Quarry Farm, run by the people who look after these horses every day.

Everyone is paired with a pony for the day and learns to look after it properly — catching, grooming, picking out feet, tacking up. There's a ride with a coach, in the school or out on the hill depending on the group and the weather. Beginners are led; confident riders do more. And there's a liberty session — working with a horse loose, no rope, no saddle, learning to be someone a horse wants to follow. It's the bit they talk about on the way home.

Full-day riders have lunch together (outside if it's dry, in the yurt if it isn't), ride a second time in the afternoon, and help with the last of the yard jobs before going home muddy and happy.

Groups are arranged by age and experience, so a five-year-old and a teenager each get a day that fits. No experience needed. Riding hats provided.

Dates and times

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 13 to 30 October: 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30 October.

Short day 10.30am–1.30pm · £50 — one ride, liberty session, grooming and care
Full day 10.30am–3.30pm · £65 — two rides, liberty session, lunch and yard jobs

Accessibility

Quarry Farm is an off-grid working farm on a hillside, with uneven ground, gravel paths and steps in places. We have an accessible toilet on site. We welcome children and young people with additional support needs and neurodivergent young people, and we adapt each day to the group — if your child needs a quieter start, a familiar routine or one-to-one support, tell us when you book and we'll plan for it. We can also talk through the day in advance, or arrange a short visit beforehand so it isn't a first time on the day.

Subsidised places

We keep places for families who would otherwise struggle to come. If cost is a barrier, please just ask — we'd rather you did than stayed away.

What to bring

Waterproof jacket, long trousers, boots or wellies with a small heel if you have them, a packed lunch if staying all day, and a drink. Gloves and layers — it's a hill in October.

How to book

Email admin@eatsleeprides.org with your child's name, age and the dates you'd like. Places are limited.

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