THEY say variety is the spice of life, and that’s just what Devon has to offer with its miles of coastline, medieval villages and wide expanses of open moorland – not to mention the much-loved Dartmoor pony. England’s third-largest county, which is home to the English Riviera, draws tourists from far and wide, and it’s no surprise its vast farmland and open space also makes it a popular area to keep horses.
Nick Henderson, managing director at Mansbridge & Balment, explains that while the coasts tend to attract more buyers compared to other areas in the county, it’s the draw of endless off-road riding that’s the pull for equestrians.
“For many, the driving factor to living in or moving to Devon is the outriding, to get onto that open moorland and away they go. You can appreciate why they’d want that,” he says. “Once you get onto Dartmoor itself, really, you’ve got 368 square miles to enjoy.”
One Devon-based equestrian who makes full use of her surroundings is liberty trainer and award-winning filmmaker Emma Massingale. Emma is based in Torridge, north Devon, and is known for her adventures with her diverse, talented team of equines. Whether she’s out filming in remote locations or taking clients on rides across Dartmoor, Emma says she’s out “adventuring every week”.
“We have the coast, stunning farmlands, woodlands, beaches, and then we have Exmoor and Dartmoor, which are riding paradise,” says Emma.
“Devon is probably one of the most exciting counties there is, it’s never boring.
Denne historien er fra May 25, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra May 25, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
