Shilstone Rocks
Shilstone Rocks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
76 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
10
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
theroline
Ruislip, UK210 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Riding here is a must if you are anywhere in Devon or near Dartmoor. Nestled in the village of Widecombe in the Moore, a stable is open to take you out onto the Moore for a riding experience like no other. For beginners or experienced riders they will adapt to all your needs. Maria who was so friendly looked after us and showed my 7 year old how to manage her Pony and was led with ease for safety up the lanes and accross the Moore’s . Younger children are led and attached to the main rider. I rode a beautiful horse named Bevan who was calm and perfect for a beginner. They explain everything you need to know with passion and a friendly nature.
Riding sessions start from 1 hour onwards d Riding boots and safety hats are provided For both adults and children. Wear something warm If it’s over cast but most of all enjoy the world famous ponies and wildlife in the Moore’s while you take in the scenery.
We LOVED it!!!!!! Thanks so much
Riding sessions start from 1 hour onwards d Riding boots and safety hats are provided For both adults and children. Wear something warm If it’s over cast but most of all enjoy the world famous ponies and wildlife in the Moore’s while you take in the scenery.
We LOVED it!!!!!! Thanks so much
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
patrick j
Oakville, Canada24 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
The 2 hour hack felt so short. Maria was a wonderful lead, tour guide and was very caring. She was able to tell us about the wildlife and the area around the moors. We always felt safe and comfortable on our horses with Maria's instructions.
Written May 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holidaysawa
Cirencester, UK3 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
I don't usually comment on trip advisor but feel this stable really merits a review. What a lovely yard. I booked an hour hack over dartmoor. I ended up being the only client on the ride so it was just the 2 of us and felt like it used to be when I had my own horse. Excellent service, very well run yard. My leader was called hannah/ hayley I think. I had a great time cantering on the moor. The staff were very friendly and accommodating and I cannot recommend them enough! The horses are very well behaved yet those riders who are experienced can expect horses that have character and 'go' in them. So often as an experienced rider, I find that you can book a hack to find that you are on horses that merely plod along. Finally, you have a quick assessment before you go out, which, I think is a great idea to assess your ability.
Written September 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne Mappley
4 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Having told the stables we could ride our hearts sank when our Highland ponies were brought out; we should have known better. When booking we were told it was a 'canter' ride but this was not so. Tried several canters but the ponies were not up to it. We ride at home with hunters and real canters so major disappointment for £58. Beautiful scenery and years back used to ride at Porlock Vale so know what it's like to ride on the moor. Check the horses before riding.
Written May 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Basil6711
Derby, UK17 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Myself and my wife Went horse riding for the first time this year in my home area of the Peak District, we were hooked straight away so when our summer holiday came in Devon we were straight on Google. Found Shilstone Rocks straight away with the added attraction of Dartmoor.
As soon as we arrived we felt we were really valued as customers, once the paperwork and horses were sorted we had short briefing and then we were off. Rode on various terrains for well over 2 hours, the horses we rode (Winston & Bevan) had real character and were well behaved.
Many thanks to all the girls who made us very welcome and took time to get our tack sorted correctly, so that we and the horses were comfortable.
Will definitely be back next year.
As soon as we arrived we felt we were really valued as customers, once the paperwork and horses were sorted we had short briefing and then we were off. Rode on various terrains for well over 2 hours, the horses we rode (Winston & Bevan) had real character and were well behaved.
Many thanks to all the girls who made us very welcome and took time to get our tack sorted correctly, so that we and the horses were comfortable.
Will definitely be back next year.
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
m N
London, UK26 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
I havnt been trekking for about 20 years! Back in the day you were chucked on a horse and did walk,trot,canter whatever and beginner riders were a nuisance and told to do what the others did reguardless of your fears about falling off!!
Anyway got to Shilstone and the yard was neat tidy and horses all tacked up ready. I went on my own as going in two's is an artificial concept made up by the tourism office to charge single supplements. I was greeted by a nice young lady who took me and a pile of Swiss tourists - adults and teenagers to the office where we filled in a disclaimer form and level of ability of riding. I was tense,nervous and do have a fear phobia of horses bolting or rearing or spooking.Then the girls each gave us riding hats and boots in our size. We were then told which horse we would be riding by their name. I was riding Dollar a 14hh chunky whitey/grey cob! At this point I was freaking out inside and told the girl sorting my stirrup lengths out that I did NOT want to go any faster than walk. Anyway I was put in a trek group of 3 others-a swiss mother and two swiss kids aged 7 and 14. Their English was ok but not fluent and didn't really understand our trek leaders instructions. Our trek leader was called Bliss and she was great. Did not push us into going into any faster than walk and was watching us all to see that we were safe and not having any problems with horse behaviours. Dollar although I felt safe on him was strong willed and temperamental at times-head shaking and putting head down to drink out of puddles and pulling me about to eat hedgerow when he got the chance. It does get cold on Dartmoor and we got soaked with 3 downpours of rain so by the time we got back to yard I was very stiff, cold and wet and very tired. My legs got stiff being in the saddle and we had to stop twice to for me to stretch the cramp out. I didn't feel we were rushed or bossed about unless it was for our own safety. Shilstone are very good on safety and if your a novice rider they understand the fears people can have of being out of control on a horse. They wont force you into anything that would frighten or scare you whilst riding out and if walk is all you want then walk is all you do. The route over Dartmoor was ok abit bland and well trodden as they do follow the same route for each trek which the horses knew so well but if you like riding then its only a minor glitch. It costs £55 per person for a 2 hour trek which is pricey but it was worth it as the horses overall are well trained and are pretty dozy creatures. A bird flew up out of the grass and Dollar just jumped in his skin and did not spook by doing anything silly to scare me. I was tired by the end of trek and Bliss was very good and took Dollar off me and led him down the hill in hand as the hill is smooth tarmac and steep and horses would slip with shoes on so we all dismounted and walked for horses and human safety. Dollar was pulling me around a lot in hand so Bliss took him off me and I walked with myself as so tired and stiff. All the girls were friendly and professional and looked after all our needs with good grace and motivation. Shilstone is NOT your typical bog standard riding school with lary teenagers chewing gum and being snobby-the standard is much higher and you don't need to worry about being laughed at by piles of school aged kids messing about in the yard and staring at you. Nothing like that at all! Gold star to all the workers at Shilstone - They know their stuff!!!x
Anyway got to Shilstone and the yard was neat tidy and horses all tacked up ready. I went on my own as going in two's is an artificial concept made up by the tourism office to charge single supplements. I was greeted by a nice young lady who took me and a pile of Swiss tourists - adults and teenagers to the office where we filled in a disclaimer form and level of ability of riding. I was tense,nervous and do have a fear phobia of horses bolting or rearing or spooking.Then the girls each gave us riding hats and boots in our size. We were then told which horse we would be riding by their name. I was riding Dollar a 14hh chunky whitey/grey cob! At this point I was freaking out inside and told the girl sorting my stirrup lengths out that I did NOT want to go any faster than walk. Anyway I was put in a trek group of 3 others-a swiss mother and two swiss kids aged 7 and 14. Their English was ok but not fluent and didn't really understand our trek leaders instructions. Our trek leader was called Bliss and she was great. Did not push us into going into any faster than walk and was watching us all to see that we were safe and not having any problems with horse behaviours. Dollar although I felt safe on him was strong willed and temperamental at times-head shaking and putting head down to drink out of puddles and pulling me about to eat hedgerow when he got the chance. It does get cold on Dartmoor and we got soaked with 3 downpours of rain so by the time we got back to yard I was very stiff, cold and wet and very tired. My legs got stiff being in the saddle and we had to stop twice to for me to stretch the cramp out. I didn't feel we were rushed or bossed about unless it was for our own safety. Shilstone are very good on safety and if your a novice rider they understand the fears people can have of being out of control on a horse. They wont force you into anything that would frighten or scare you whilst riding out and if walk is all you want then walk is all you do. The route over Dartmoor was ok abit bland and well trodden as they do follow the same route for each trek which the horses knew so well but if you like riding then its only a minor glitch. It costs £55 per person for a 2 hour trek which is pricey but it was worth it as the horses overall are well trained and are pretty dozy creatures. A bird flew up out of the grass and Dollar just jumped in his skin and did not spook by doing anything silly to scare me. I was tired by the end of trek and Bliss was very good and took Dollar off me and led him down the hill in hand as the hill is smooth tarmac and steep and horses would slip with shoes on so we all dismounted and walked for horses and human safety. Dollar was pulling me around a lot in hand so Bliss took him off me and I walked with myself as so tired and stiff. All the girls were friendly and professional and looked after all our needs with good grace and motivation. Shilstone is NOT your typical bog standard riding school with lary teenagers chewing gum and being snobby-the standard is much higher and you don't need to worry about being laughed at by piles of school aged kids messing about in the yard and staring at you. Nothing like that at all! Gold star to all the workers at Shilstone - They know their stuff!!!x
Written August 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oklahoma8888
44 contributions
Oct 2020
I hadn't ridden for eighteen months and was worried about being rusty and unfit! Had a lovely ride - just the right pace. Thanks Winston
And very goo Covid management too
And very goo Covid management too
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sara
Brighton, UK5 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Went with my 13 year old daughter on a Good Friday hack across the moor, both of us are complete beginners - best experience of our lives! Staff were really welcoming and very informative and immediately put all of our nerves at ease. We were given a short introduction to horse riding in the yard before our trek. There was one other woman with us (plus the instructor). The hack across the moor was delightful, the horses were very gentle and were chosen to be tailored to our abilities (Tia and Ewan). As we made our way out over the moor the instructor told us some interesting facts about local wildlife and landmarks. We would definitely recommend these stables and will certainly be returning when we are next in Devon :) Thank you Shilstone Rocks
Written May 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Smiler996
North Yorkshire50 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Shilstone Rocks riding school and horse adventures, I booked a 2hr riding session as a early birthday surprise for my wife, she had ridden before and I had only very rudimentary understanding of riding - the team at Shilstone Rock where fantastic, took time to understand our requirements and abilities - matching us with the right horses.
Friendly and helpful staff my our day, looking after our welfare and providing clear instructions & information, the riding on the moor was as expected - just brilliant - we where lucky with the weather and had clear blue sky’s (but very cold) & a great guide showing us the sights.
Highly recommend - top tip go for the morning ride to catch the moor at its best (ie people free).
Friendly and helpful staff my our day, looking after our welfare and providing clear instructions & information, the riding on the moor was as expected - just brilliant - we where lucky with the weather and had clear blue sky’s (but very cold) & a great guide showing us the sights.
Highly recommend - top tip go for the morning ride to catch the moor at its best (ie people free).
Written October 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sydney A
Manchester, UK25 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Went for a 1 hour journey over Dartmoor with guide Maria. Myself and my husband are beginners and we’re given the appropriate horses for our levels. Maria was exceptionally lovely, and made the experience even better. Highly Recommend for beginners.
Keith and Angela
Keith and Angela
Written September 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Shilstone Rocks (Widecombe in the Moor) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Shilstone Rocks
- Hotels near Shilstone Rocks:
- (0.23 mi) Higher Venton Farm
- (0.24 mi) Widecombe Cottage - cosy one-bedroom cottage in the heart of Dartmoor
- (0.24 mi) The Oak Barn - Luxury two-bedroom barn conversion in the heart of Dartmoor
- (0.23 mi) Luxury Romantic Holiday Cottage for Two in the Heart of Dartmoor
- (0.24 mi) The Oak Barn - Luxury in the Countryside
- Restaurants near Shilstone Rocks:
- (0.51 mi) Rugglestone Inn
- (0.74 mi) Cafe On The Green
- (0.72 mi) The Old Inn Widdecombe
- (5.21 mi) Primrose Tea Rooms
- (4.13 mi) The Old Library