Closeburn
Thornhill
Dumfries & Galloway
Scotland
DG3 5HL
(01848) 331346
We offer children's riding holidays, lessons, hacks and pony days in the beautiful surrounding areas.
The stables were built and licensed in the summer of 1983 and we have been running children's riding holidays ever since, with the emphasis on fun and safety. Over half of our customers return year after year.
The riding school generally keeps varied amount of horses and ponies throughout the year of all shapes and sizes ranging from 12hh - 16hh, most of them living out in the summer months.
We promise you a minimum of two hours riding every day except Saturdays, which is the ponies day off. We do a combination of flat work and jumping lessons with our friendly resident B.H.S.A.I.(there is a separate group for beginners and nervous riders). The rides are excellent; we are fortunate to be able to ride over the large family farm on fields and tracks as well as exploring the local villages and forestry. There are some fantastic opportuinities to gallop over open spaces.
The holiday makers are naturally expected to help in the stables, learning and improving their skills in such duties as grooming, catching ponies, mucking out,tack cleaning, leading beginners etc.
The comfortable accomodation is in a traditional Scottish stone cottage adjacent to the stables (the stableyard is literally outside the back door).
You will live as family, sleeping on bunk beds (4-6 people to a dormitory). We have a communual lounge with colour TV and video. All meals are provided - please remember to state any special diet when you fill in the booking form.
Parents please be assured there is always a member of staff/family "on duty" to supervise the children on and off the premises. Someone always stays in the childrens cottage at night.
~Swimming at Dumfries pool.
~Skating at Dumfries Ice Bowl.
~Drumlanrig Castle and adventure playground, crafts and falconry display.
~Moffat with shops/pitch and putt/boating park.
~Lead mining museum and tour down Loch Nell mine.
~Cinema.
~Shopping in Thornhill or occasionally Dumfries.
~Videos and teams games.
~Treasure hunt.
We try to alternate the activities for those who stay longer than one week and if possible let the children vote on their activity/destination.
N.B. Choice is restricted in the low season when fewer attractions are open.
Thursday is usually the only day we stay at home! It's competition day with rosettes all round!
In the morning we have a "best turned out" pony competition, try your hand at plaiting manes and tails, it's all part of the fun.
In the afternoon it's gymkhana time, into teams for pony games then the fun really begins.
Please note that this is an all inclusive holiday, we pay all admission fees and equipment hire; the only money you will need is for sweets, postcards, souvenirs, etc., most people bring about £10-£20 pocket money.
We also offer three-five days breaks as pony days with free accommadation. This includes riding and stable management.
Contact us at: ettrickstables@lineone.net