Great hacking (trail riding) in beautiful scenery within easy reach of London.

Looking around you it is hard to believe that Brook Farm is only 25 miles from the centre of London. Located in a valley, the centre adjoins the racing stables of trainer Buck Jones. Surrounded by fields, heather clad heathland and the spectacular North Downs, it is one of those rare places in the UK that offers almost unlimited off road riding. The light sandy soil of the heathland of Albury and Black Heath in particular provide ideal underfoot conditions the year round.

Surrey Hacking provides an informal atmosphere for the "social" rider. There are usually eleven horses available for hire, mostly Welsh Cob types, but also a couple of Thoroughbreds. The accent is on horses that provide safe, sensible rides - ideal for novices but there are horses that can also give a more experienced rider a really "good" ride. Complete beginners are not catered for however, and all riders new to the establishment are required to sign a declaration of competence giving an honest appraisal of their riding abilities - which is beneficial to all concerned.

Rides leave the yard by means of a path alongside the farms' fields, which leads directly onto a network of bridlepaths over Albury and Black Heath. Weekly "regulars" tend to book hacks at the weekends and evidently enjoy the social aspect of their riding as much as being on horseback.

A view of Albury Heath

The regular hacks at the weekends are a mixture of one or two hour rides, whereas during the week the rides are by appointment and are more flexible. Evening rides are available between May and September as are the very popular pub and picnic rides. The pub rides usually involve a hack of approximately one and a half hours with a stop at "The Villagers" in Black Heath, where the proprietors have thoughtfully provided a hitching rail.!

Picnic rides are longer - approximately 3 hours with the picnic sites varying in one of the local beauty spots - of which there is ample choice. Events such as gymkhanas and clear round jumping competitions are occasionally held for regular riders but there is no tuition available.

Surrey Hacking provides the perfect tonic for the city dweller or jaded commuter at the end of a long week. Alternatively visitors to the area will almost certainly enjoy it far more from horseback than on more standard tourist trips!

Special concession to The Joy of Horses readers

Claim your 10% discount when making your first booking at Surrey Hacking by mentioning The Joy of Horses.

For further details or to make a booking:

Contact:	Buck Jones	Tel: 01483 202604
	Email	buck@brookfarmalbury.freeserve.co.uk
		www.brookfarmracing.com

We would like to hear from you (from anywhere in the world) if there is somewhere 'special' to ride which you can recommend to others. Please contact us at wheretoride@thejoyofhorses.com

© Sue Wingate - The Joy of Horses 2004