HORSERIDING
‘ Bramble, my new
best friend’
Nicola was the guest of Llanthony Riding
and Trekking Centre; her horse was
Bramble and her instructor was Bryony.
N
icola
{Q} What exactly is it? {Q} What’s good about it? Llanthony Riding and Trekking,
{A} It’s travelling on a horse through the {A} It’s a great introduction to horseriding Llanthony (map ref A3)
countryside in small groups, led by an and the area. Instructors know their llanthony.co.uk
instructor who is also on horseback. surroundings and horses intimately, many
Severnvale Equestrian Centre,
It generally lasts no longer than two hours of which were bred on the farm. Choose a
Chepstow (map ref D6)
and is very laid-back. Experienced riders clear day and there are magnificent views.
severnvale-equestrian.com
go on ‘hacks’ which tend to go faster and From the top of the Black Mountains you
cover more varied terrain, and longer rides can see no fewer than seven counties in two Trevelog Pony Trekking, Llanthony (map ref A3)
lasting a few days are called ‘trails’. countries. There’s a relaxed feel around the llanthony.org.uk
{Q}
stables: horses coming and going, riders
What were your expectations? Werngochlyn Farm, Abergavenny (map B4)
{A}
getting ready, family members taking
I was actually a bit nervous. But my werngochlynfarm.org
photos, walkers stopping to watch.
worries disappeared once I’d met Bryony
(28, friendly and reassuring), the trek {Q} What’s not?
leader, and had been introduced to {A} You must be under 14 stones in weight
Rather Spectate?
Bramble (15 hands high, 5 years old and a and at least 8 years of age (some stables
Chepstow Racecourse hosts a mixture
sweet-natured piebald cob). After getting accept younger children by arrangement).
of Jump and Flat race meetings
kitted out with a riding hat, and listening You need to be flexible enough to get on
throughout the year
to some basic rules, I was up in the saddle. and off a horse and you should be prepared
chepstow-racecourse.co.uk
I think pony-trekking suffers from an image for some country smells!
Abergavenny Cycling Festival includes
problem; it’s seen as a bit passé because
a town centre race on 9–11July
{Q} What’s the typical cost?
it’s been around on many farms, to varying
abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk
{A} Pony trekking for a beginner starts at
standards, since the 1960s. But nowadays
Welsh Open Snooker
about £16 per hour. Most stables offer rides
it’s very much a licensed business with strict
Championship is at the
from April to October and advance booking
safety standards. Each horse is registered
Newport Centre 25 –31 January
is recommended.
and undergoes an annual veterinary check.
worldsnooker.com
{Q}
{Q} Where can you do it?
The regional rugby team is Newport
What’s needed?
{A}
{A} Grange Trekking, Capel Y Ffin
Gwent Dragons but rugby is played in
Each stable provides a hard hat.
(map ref A2) grangetrekking.co.uk
all towns, at varying levels
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear
newportgwentdragons.com
and take warm layers and waterproof
clothing, just in case.
visitwyevalley.com 15
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60