Rider's Comments
I was very impressed with how well the horses were looked after. The staff were very attentive and structured the ride so that it catered for all of our abilities. The staff were kind, friendly and helpful, even offering to take photos without my having to ask!
My eldest son has been going on at me to take him back having said that his ride at Cholwell was so exciting and the best day of his life!
These riding stables come highly recommended. A hidden gem on the moors - a precious treat not to be missed!!
Cheryl, Paignton, Devon, United Kingdom, May 2017Had a fantastic ride on Dartmoor. Visited while I was on holiday, the views are simply amazing. Amber was a joy to ride - very gentle and laid back. Have visited twwice and it's never failed my expectations. Thanks to all the staff for a great session.
Emma, Derby, United Kingdom, April 2017Dylan really enjoyed his ride. Dartmoor was sunny but cold, grateful for gloves and snood provided. Staff really pleasant and helpful, definitely be coming back.
Pat Eddy, Teignmouth, Devon, United Kingdom, December 2016We arrived as five very nervous beginners (especially me) but left still as beginners but having had an amazing afternoon. Staff were absolutely brilliant. We had a ball, even Noah who is aged 4 had a wonderful time, I can't speak highly enough of the girls who took us out. Excellent value for money, well beats any theme park. Can't wait to go again, only drawback, guess what's on Santa's Christmas present list, only two though, Jake is sticking with an Xbox!
Nicky Isbell, Milton Abbot, Devon, United Kingdom, October 2016Thank you Donna and Tanya for yet another excellent ride out. This is the 4th year we have been to you and the rides and the horses get better every time. See you again next summer.
Alan, Glenys and Paige, Hereford, United Kingdom, August 2016Thank you Cholwell for rekindling my love for riding on Dartmoor! My daughter also thoroughly enjoyed her first ride with you and is now pestering me about when we can come back! We had a ball and definitely will be back soon!
Tracey Smith, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, August 2016Myself and our son have been using Cholwell riding stables for the last 2 years, this summer being our 3rd. Visiting family we enjoyed our 1st morning ride on the moors, mother and son which I will hold as one of my best memories with my son as I can no longer ride. The experience exhilerated our now 10-year old son so much that he continued on his own in a group of adults!. Sure, weather in the South of France is wonderful but nothing, yes nothing, beats riding on the moors with the wind in your hair in as natural environment as you can get for both rider and horse. Donna and Diane run a warm, friendly stables that is relaxed, efficient and ensures not only a safe experience but a memorable one.
Thanks ladies, see you next week!
Story family, South of France, France, August 2016Huge thanks to the wonderful staff and horses at Cholwell for another brilliant hack on Dartmoor with my daughters - it made my birthday very special. I first came to the stables on my daughters' recommendation three years ago and as a disabled rider was greatly encouraged by Donna's 'can do' attitude, patience, understanding and help; the staff are marvellous and do everything possible to ensure that everyone enjoys their riding, regardless of ability; I'll be back as often as I can get down to Devon!
Sue Ball, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, United Kingdom, June 2016A very enjoyable ride. The staff are so friendly and welcoming and the horses are obedient and easy to handle. The scenery is marvellous too with a vast landscape of flat that is perfect for doing fast work on. I highly recommend it and if I had to mark it out of ten, I would definitely give it top marks. A lovely place.
Molly Day, Newton Abbot, Devon, United Kingdom, June 2016AMAZING TIME. We both hadn't been riding for sometime but this was perfect. As promised by Donna just the two of us were taken out by Tash, it was like riding out with a friend. Leo and Toffee were brilliant and very well behaved. All the horses looked very well looked after, a credit to the owner. If you would have us back again we will definitely be booking another ride next time we are in your area and would highly recommend you to anyone thinking about booking a ride-out. Thank you Andrew with the white breeches and Rainy.
Andrew & Rainy, Oxted, Surrey, United Kingdom, March 2016I really enjoyed my horse ride with Tash. She was really nice and friendly. I really enjoyed the experience and can't wait to ride again.
Josh, Liskeard, Cornwall, United Kingdom, November 2015Thank you for a fantastic ride on Wednesday. The staff were as friendly as we remember from our last visit and the organisation superb. Our horses were well behaved and very forgiving of our lack of good technique! Mia especially liked Breezy. A big thank you to Tash our guide, we all think she is awesome. We look forward to our next visit. Highly recommended.
Maureen, Craig and Mia, West Grinstead, West Sussex, United Kingdom, October 2015A great experience today. Two complete novices, one with some older experience and one more recent, but all were well catered for and by the end of the hour we were all trotting with some semblance of co-ordination. The two guides Brittany and Jaz were very knowledgeable and confident which rubbed off onto our novices. A great hours riding and we will definitely be back in the future. Thank you very much.
Nicola Bennett, Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom, October 2015Had an amazing time, we got to ride Guinness and Amber both of which were brilliant well behaved horses. Kayleigh was an amazing help to us and we would like to thank all the staff for making this such an amazing experience. This was booked as a surprise for my fiance's 30th birthday. Will recommend to everyone who wishes to have a go.
Daniel and Claire, Stoke Gabriel, Devon, United Kingdom, August 2015Thoroughly enjoyed our ride today, even in the pouring rain! Very friendly staff and lovely horses. Views were breathtaking. Hopefully we can get another ride in before heading home.
Sara, Maisie and Ellie, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, August 2015I spent a week with my two daughters Megan and Hannah a couple of weeks ago with the idea of having a few rides at Cholwell as we'd been there a year or so ago and had a great time then and didn't want to go anywhere else. After a year's worth of lessons and just getting to cantering stage, I thought this would be a great thing to do together with no need for lead rein this time.
We had the most blissful 5 days of riding - we didn't expect to go out with just one leader and it was such an enormous treat that we weren't expecting. Tanya took us out 3 times and she was absolutely wonderful with the girls, and totally got what they were wanting to do as they were too shy to ask to canter as much as possible! She was interesting to chat to and just great fun. Thank you also to Britney who took us out on the last day for a final and wonderful ride. For me as mum, I am just so impressed with the way ponies are picked for each individual as it didn't feel like we'd got robots on 4 legs; for us it really worked (I've never ridden a part-thoroughbred and that was amazing!!) and the girls were so carefree and happy, it was wonderful to see and very needed after a big house move from London. They also loved the chance to take the tack off and do a bit of grooming.
I can't thank you enough for the relaxed but professional way with which you deal with all your visitors. We wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Hoping to be back in the October half term!
Emma Porter, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, August 2015Thank you for giving Izzi, Leon, and Tom the most fantastic ride today. Leon was delighted to have the time and freedom to be given a chance to come off the lead rein for the first time, after a long break from riding. Tom has drawn a picture of Mercury, and Izzi was beaming. The staff are so helpful, well organised, and friendly, and the horses are beautifully behaved and kept. Can't wait to come back.
Gail Reid, United Arab Emirates, August 2015Thank you very much for two wonderful rides while we have been on holiday in Devon. Your staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. Very organised and gave confidence that we were in safe hands on the rides. Extremely good with my girls who are 11 and 8 yrs who were treated well and given confidence but not pushed beyond their capabilities. My eldest enjoyed being given the opportunity to canter on a lead rein and my youngest given confidence to trot on her own. Thank you to Donna, Megan, Brittany and Kayleigh for their care and attention. Plus thank you to the horses Amber, Rosy and Lady for giving us a fantastic ride. Would recommend and come again if ever in the area.
Christine, Hannah and Hope, Fair Oak, Hampshire, United Kingdom, August 2015Had a wonderful ride with my daughter, son and wife visiting from the USA. As a bonus we later found that my Great Grandfather worked at Wheal Betsy. Riding over very old family stomping ground.
Eddie Snell, Lancaster, Erie, United States, August 2015My husband and daughter thoroughly enjoyed their ride. Said it was the best 'holiday ride' they had been on. Horses fit and forward going.
Mary Brookes, Hepworth, Suffolk, United Kingdom, July 2015Me and Emma came to do horse riding at Cholwell. Lindsay was great.
Abbie, Devon, Cornwall, United Kingdom, May 2015A superb find. Horses fit and matched to rider size and ability. Very friendly knowledgeable staff who were enthusiastic at the end of the day. Catered well for a very mixed group of riders. Can't rate highly enough and will be looking to ride here regularly from now on.
Nicky Button, Brixham, Devon, United Kingdom, December 2014Went riding this week at Cholwell for the first time in 15yrs it was fab all of instructors very helpful and reassuring I rode MIlly who was lovely I really liked the way we were on a hack across the moors the instructors would move among the group giving individual instruction and reassurance it was just brilliant so amazing I went again in the same week! I rode Milly again the staff and horses are wonderful I want to go everyday!
Naomi, Callington, Cornwall, United Kingdom, May 2014My 11 year old daughter came riding with you at the weekend, she said it was the best ever ride she had ever had. Will be back. Many thanks.
Liane Scrivens, Gunnislake, Cornwall, United Kingdom, May 2014Thank you for a lovely ride. Helen and I both enjoyed it so much. We'll not hesitate to recommend you and will no doubt be back for a repeat!
Liz Gliddon, Bude, Cornwall, United Kingdom, April 2014Wow! Outstanding riding stables - gorgeous horses, lovely staff and stunning scenery. My mum and I came up for a hack one Sunday and had the best time, Mum has only ridden a few times but Alice was very patient and took time to teach her the basics, whereas I was able to go and enjoy some fab canters over the moors - the staff did everything they could to ensure we had a great ride. Thank you - I will be back!
Emma Burden, Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom, February 2014I came to Cholwell in August 2013 while holidaying nearby. I had a fantastic time, the staff were helpful and friendly as were the other members of the group I went hacking with. Cholwell caters for all abilities and I would highly recommend this place to anyone that has a love of horses and riding. My daughters were even able to have a short ride as they have never ridden before and they both have said they would go on a small ride again. I had a fantastic time I had not ridden for over 15 years and getting back in the saddle was made even more rewarding by the friendly group of riders and staff at Cholwell. The ride was amazing with some great views of the countryside not always visible by car. I would highly recommend to anyone that has a love of riding and at any ability A* rating for me.
Lisa Patrick, Wigston, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, January 2014My daughter has been introduced to your stables by a work colleague and as my granddaughter has an affinity with animals a ride across the beautiful moors was the perfect birthday treat. At three years she has only sat on a pony and donkey before so to take her out on a ride was a lovely way to mark the occasion for us all. On arrival at the yard I was very impressed, the stalls, stables and tack room are very well maintained and the quality and condition of the horses/ponies superb, I gave up on hacking stables many years ago being constantly disappointed with the standards. Your yard has changed this outlook and I look forward to returning next year when I will at long last be able to introduce my husband to the best way to view Dartmoor. Many thanks to Lindsay for the experience.
Sue Johns, Yambol, Bulgaria, December 2013Have been riding here now on several occasions.....always had a fab time. The staff are really friendly, helpful and NEVER condescending....the horses are ALL of a superb nature/temperament which suits all riders and all capabilities.....just wish 2 hours lasted longer....
Clare Butler, St Stephen, Cornwall, United Kingdom, November 2013My friend and I went out on a hack on the last day of our holiday and it was a fantastic way to end it! We were in a small group that also cantered quite a lot, which was huge fun. I'm an experienced rider and had no problems at all with my horse Harry, who was great. My friend hadn't been on a horse for a long while, but she also felt very safe on her horse Rocky. It's great how you encouraged us at the beginning and made sure that we were all okay and getting along with the horses before trying for the first canter. :) You did very well in matching each rider to the right horse. We could relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery during the few rain-less hours on that day (we were so lucky!). A big thank you to Donna and Kaylee (apologies if the spelling's wrong, but hey, I've looked the Dutch porcelain up - it's from Delft *g*), who were lovely guides and managed to pay attention to every single rider in the group. I'm sure I'll visit Dartmoor again in the future (whenever that may be) and I'll surely come back to Cholwell!
Sabrina, near Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, October 2013Have just come back from my first ever ride (age 47!!!!) - was persuaded by my 14 year old daughter. Was very nervous but was looked after extremely well by everyone at the stables. They are kind patient and extremely reassuring. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone regardless of their experience. Special thanks to Lyndsay who looked after me on the ride.
Sarah, Callington, Cornwall, United Kingdom, September 2013I try to get a couple of hacks out here whenever I visit family in Plymouth. Always a friendly welcome and how they remember what type of ride I like going on is great. Donna and her team are fantastic at matching ability with the right horse and ride out. If you have never ridden before, a novice or very experienced you will have a great time out on the moors. They even have a selection of boots and waterproofs if the weather does change. They all try their best to make your visit enjoyable and I can't wait to go again in November. Yes they do ride all year round unless the weather is too bad.
Robert Pettifer, Derbyshire, United Kingdom, September 2013What a great place to ride. Fantastic horses and helpers. The scenery is good too. Usually do the one hour rides but treated myself to a 2 hour ride this year. It was wonderful. The atmosphere in the yard is always friendly and calm despite all the horses and riders around. Also my husband is always looked after while I ride. Heaven on horseback.
Jean Philp, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, September 2013My wife and I had 2 hacks with this stable. Both of 2 hours duration on consecutive days, in August 2013. I rode Major. My wife rode Gypsy. We were escorted by Alice. Quite simply we had 2 of the best hacks ever! Lots of cantering on ground which was very easy to ride on. The horses were very responsive, but obedient. Alice was very good too!! Both of us feel we have advanced as riders and will definitely be going back for more riding. The place is run with military precision, which is great. Donna and her staff are very friendly and helpful. A superb riding establishment in our opinion, and we've been to quite a few places!!
Alan JM Armstrong, Nottingham, Nottingham, August 2013Just returned home after our Devon holiday 2013. We went to Cholwell Riding School for an hours hack with myself and my husband and our two boys aged 5 and 7. They were a little apprehensive at first as they'd not really ridden before but they were on lead reins with Donna and within 5 minutes they had a trot and they had big smiles on their faces and spent the rest of the ride yelling faster faster! The perfect ending for them was that they were allowed to groom their horses and put them to bed. We were very impressed at how well mannered the horses were and the friendliness of the staff (Donna and Bex). Can't rate them highly enough! Thank you so much.
Sharon Hubbard, Blackrod, Lancashire, United Kingdom, August 2013My 2nd ride for 33yrs! A big thank you to everyone both rides exceeded my expectations. I will be booking lessons in September.
Jackie Cleaver, Tavistock, Devon, United Kingdom, August 2013Thank you for such a good ride today. We all thoroughly enjoyed our ride accoss the moors and the scenery was amazing. The horses were all perfectly behaved and suited our mixed abilities. Lucy enjoyed cantering whilst we enjoyed a much slower pace. If we are visiting Dartmoor again in the future, Cholwell Riding Stables will definitely be on our list.
Ruth, Ian and Lucy, Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, August 2013Another fantastic ride on Dartmoor. We have been coming here for 4 years now and base our holidays on coming here. Donna and staff helped me get my confidence back after a road accident and my 8 yr old has now joined the pony club after hacking unled on Bridey. Beautifully horses and scenery. Please can I bring Major home???
Dawn and Ceira, Bromley, Kent, United Kingdom, August 2013First time with you guys from recommendations! Your location is stunning, we had the sun, and had a lovely ride! Donna was brill, lovely sense of humour and looked after my better half so well on the moor. Very professional school.
Thanks very much....
We plan to retuurn!
Dan and Val
Dan and Val Donovan, Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom, July 2013What a fantastic place and even better staff! We booked for our daughters (aged 10 & 12) based on others feedback and could not have been happier. After their first ride, we had to join a queue of others who were booking up to return which I think sums it up perfectly.
Thank you Donna and team.
Keith Flashman, Twickenham, London, United Kingdom, June 2013Lovely family run stables - friendly team, well mannered, well cared for horses - genuinely catering for all abilities. You could not wish to find a better riding experience - highly recommended.
Dr Kate Clayton, Cambridge, United Kingdom, April 2013I had a lovely time when I came with my school. :)
Matilda, Okehampton, Devon, United Kingdom, February 2013I have been here 3 times the staff are really good and very polite I would recommend this to anyone.
Emma, Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom, January 2013Being a nervous, novice rider who is also on the large side, I have found it difficult to find somewhere to ride that understands my fears and can cater to my ability (or lack of) and weight. After trying quite a few yards across the country, I found Cholwell, and quite simply, it is the best. The horses are well looked after, patient, well mannered and well suited to the riders abilities. The staff are all, without exception, kind, knowledgable and make me feel safe whilst encouraging me to improve. Donna and Di are both fabulous, lovely people, and I cannot recommend their stables enough. These are the stables I entrust my children to, and there is no greater recommendation than that.
Susanne, Crediton, Devon, United Kingdom, January 2013I stayed for one week in September in Lydford and after the first ride I came back every day... Your horses are exeptionally well trained and behaved, every single one of them! I had a great time and will definitely be coming back!
Sonja, Nottingham, United Kingdom, December 2012I would recommend this stables highly to anyone wanting to ride on Dartmoor. I'm a competent rider, and rode out with others who could canter - this is not a stables where you find you are stuck pony-trekking even when you've told them you can ride. You can have a decent hack (with extraordinary, stunning views, if you are lucky enough to have sun, as I did). But they also seemed really nice with kids, beginners and novices - not at all snooty that people are learners, just wanting them to enjoy the sport. Horses all looked very well cared for.
Vicki, London, United Kingdom, November 2012I would like to say a big thank you to Donna and the team for a most enjoyable ride-out today over Dartmoor. Myself and a few military friends of very mixed riding abilities, from zero to some, were catered for individually and with great enthusiasm. We were encouraged to be as adventurous as we wanted and praised at every effort we made. Donna and her team made us all very comfortable, teaching and encouraging all the time. We had a very pleasant and positive experience.
Sandra, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom, September 2012FANTASTIC STABLE! 5 STAR! 3 generations of my family (my mum, daughter and me) all enjoyed a ride together with Cholwell. We were in a small group and the 2 guides catered for our different abilities - ensuring the less confident riders were OK, getting them trotting, and the more confident had opportunities for cantering. The ponies and horses were in beautiful condition, responsive and very well behaved. All of the staff were friendly, efficient, professional and did their utmost to make the experience positive and enjoyable. As mentioned in other posts the stable is right on the moor so you are straight out there from the yard.
My daughter and I immediately booked another ride for the next day, my mum (in her 70s!) decided to save her legs for another time but has expressed her gratitude for a fabulous experience in safe hands.
We're going again next year, for as many rides as we can manage. £19 for an hour is a bargain, especially compared to Surrey prices! Thanks so much to all of you at Cholwell.
Clare, Epsom, Surrey, United Kingdom, September 2012I really can't say thank you enough for bringing me from a nervous wreck to where I am now to a braver rider who can now canter. All your staff are truly wonderful and always have patience and understanding with nervous riders like me! :-)) so thank u all so much!! Xxxxxxx
Katie, Okehampton, United Kingdom, August 2012I cannot praise you all enough. Friendly and professional. My 6 year old grand daughter and 14 year old niece have never ridden before and you took great care of them. Many thanks.
Bridget, Bristol, United Kingdom, August 2012Thank you!! My three children had fantastic rides today!!! My second daughter Niamh was particularly nervous but thanks to her wonderful leader Sarah she came back with a huge beaming smile and is desperate to do it!! Thank you to all the staff who were helpful and reassuring. We will be back next year!!
Maria, Essex, United Kingdom, August 2012Today I went out horse riding for the first time in my life with Exmouth Community College. I was extremely impressed with all the staff; all were kind, helpful and intelligent and obviously enjoyed their job. My horse was called Jester and he was gentle and forgiving. I was led by Donna and she taught me all I needed to know.
So a big round of applause to all the staff and horses at Cholwell Farm Riding Stables.
Charlie, Exmouth, Devon, United Kingdom, July 2012Just wanted to thank everyone at the stables, especially Donna, for a fantastic ride last Sunday. This was the second time my friend and I have ridden at Cholwell after discovering the stables on our holiday last year and it was just as great as we remembered it. The staff are friendly and the horses are great - not your average slow plods you'd expect but we both felt safe and in good hands both times. The hacks go straight onto the moor and there's hardly any roadwork involved.
I can't rate the stables highly enough and can't wait to return again next year.
Rosie, Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom, July 2012Thank you all for a fabulous ride on Saturday. It was a real trip down memory lane and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone was really friendly and helpful and the horses were happy and well looked after and Sunny was a joy to ride. I would recommend you to anyone without hesitation! With warm wishes, Jill.
Jill, Keighley, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, July 2012Had a great hack out today across gorgeous Dartmoor. Great horses especially Wally! A wonderful ride full of fun despite the rain. I'd recommend Cholwell to anyone.
Hannah, Tavistock, Devon, United Kingdom, July 2012Thank you all so much for looking after us today. Derek hadn't ridden for a long time and was looked after so well. Sam is ten and had given up on his lessons as he didn't think he liked riding any more but after an hour with you, he really wants to start again.
I would recommend Cholwell to any one, whether you can ride or not, they are so friendly and take such good care of you. The horses are lovely and really well behaved.
Sharon, Derek and Sam, Birmingham and Glasgow, United Kingdom, July 2012I started riding at Cholwell with my daughter - I actually have (or did have) a fear of riding and horses. Not anymore, thanks to Donna, Di and all the girls at Cholwell. They have boosted my confidence and I am now learning to canter. I go a least once a week and absolutely love it. All the horses are lovely and the girls are very friendly and patient and teach you how to ride properly.
Thank you Donna and girls for making me enjoy horses and horse riding. I would never have believed I could un-tack or stable a horse, let alone trot and canter. I really cannot thank you enough. I recommend you to all I meet.
Denise, Calstock, Cornwall, United Kingdom, April 2012Just to say what a lovely ride we had yesterday up Gibbet Hill. Both Alice and the second escort were friendly, chatty, helpful and a credit to the yard. Major was a forward going and fit ride, and the horses were well matched to the group. The scenery was amazing and the ride was active enough to keep us entertained - as more experienced riders we can sometimes find stables cater more towards novice riders, but this wasn't the case at all with Cholwell. The horses are all obviously well looked after and happy in their work - thanks very much.
Tanya, Redruth, Cornwall, United Kingdom, February 2012Web site contact: web@cholwellridingstables.co.uk.