Horse Riding Weekends
Discover the power of ponies with a horse-riding weekend at Calvert Lakes. As an accessible centre that welcome people with disabilities alongside their friends, families and carers, Calvert Lakes provides the perfect base for a break that combines adventure, confidence-building and the unique opportunity to spend time with our horses.
Just a few miles from the centre, our horse-riding experiences take place at Calvert Stables. As a member of the Riding for the Disabled association, our stables offer accessible pony experiences designed to give people of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of spending time with ponies. Spending time with horses can help alleviate stress and anxiety, build independence and develop communication skills, while the bond between rider and horse can be hugely rewarding.
Whether it’s the excitement of getting in the saddle, learning new skills or simply building trust with a pony, every experience can be meaningful. Our horse-riding weekends are ideal for families, friends and groups looking to discover what can be achieved with the right support.
What’s included?
- Arrival at Calvert Lakes from 4pm on Friday
- Depart after lunch on Sunday
- Two morning stable sessions
- One relaxed afternoon bushcraft session
- Two nights’ accommodation in ensuite rooms
- Breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner and refreshments included
- Access to hydrotherapy pool and sensory room
- Lots of fun!
Itinerary
Arrival Day – Arrive at Calvert Lakes any time after 4:00pm. Dinner is served at 6:00pm which is a great opportunity to meet other riders and other guests staying at Calvert Lakes. After dinner, take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool, immerse yourself in the sensory room or socialise in the Games Room over a game of table football and perhaps a drink at the bar.
Day 1 – After a hot breakfast, our instructor will drive you to Calvert Stables for a morning with the horses. Time to get to know the horse that you will ride. Your morning might include grooming, feeding, ‘tacking up’ or giving your horse a smooth massage.
With equine friendships in the bag, the horses will have a restful afternoon while you go back to Calvert Lakes for lunch and then out with an activity instructor to enjoy a friendship-building activity like toasting marshmallows over an open fire.
Day 2 – After breakfast, it’s back to Calvert Stables to ride that horse! Some of your party might prefer to walk alongside (best place for taking photos). Depending on the day, you might ride inside in our accessible arena or outside in the fresh Lake District air. Return to Calvert Lakes for lunch and depart afterwards.
Who are horse riding weekends for?
Horse riding weekend adventures are ideal for families, adults and groups of all ages and abilities. The only requirement is that you should be able to sit unaided. Whether you’ve ridden before, or are completely new to horse riding, our gentle ponies make the ideal companions.
Only one person in your group might have a disability but we welcome friends, families and carers along too so you can enjoy adventures together.
We cater to most requirements, from wheelchair users to those with sensory impairments, people with complex or profound needs to people with autism, neurodiversity, genetic, behavioural or health conditions. No one gets left out here!
Useful information
You will usually be organised into activity groups of 12, or less, with a dedicated instructor for the duration of your stay.
We cater for all sorts of dietary needs including blended diets, allergies and most free-from requirements.
There is a weight limit of 12 stone for horse riding to protect the welfare of our horses.
To ensure everyone has the best possible experience, riding groups are limited to 6 riders, with priority given to our disabled riders.
A discounted rate of £234 applies to all non-riders/carers.
Please note, we may have to cancel riding sessions in the event of poorly ponies or adverse weather. If this happens, we’ll offer a substitute activity in consultation with you.