Equestrian Holidays Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Old Brook Farm horse holiday?
Stay in our beautiful Grade II listed Dartmoor farmhouse, with your horse stabled just a few steps away. Old Brook Farm offers a relaxed, luxurious and wonderfully homely base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and moorland at your own pace.
After a day in the saddle, settle into the comfort of the farmhouse while your horse enjoys their own stable and turnout. This isn’t a riding-school holiday or an organised riding tour—it’s your own private countryside escape, with your horse, in a very special corner of Dartmoor. And as we live here too, we're always on hand to help you settle in, plan your rides and make the most of your stay.
What time can we arrive?
Check-in is normally from 2pm. We ask you to let us know your expected arrival time, so that we can greet you and help settle your horses in.
What size horsebox can access the farm?
Our driveway is rural, unmade and can be tight for larger vehicles. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes must be discussed with us in advance. There is plenty of parking available in the farmyard.
What accommodation do you provide for the horses?
Stables have rubber matting and straw bedding. Hay and mucking-out equipment are provided.
Is turnout available?
Yes. We have an approximately 1.5-acre turnout paddock available. If your horses need separate turnout, please tell us in advance. We may ask you to bring suitable electric fencing tape/posts where subdivision is required.
What health requirements do visiting horses need to meet?
Every equine visitor must have a passport—available on request—showing a flu vaccine administered within the past 12 months, and be on a worming programme. They must be free from signs of infectious or contagious disease and must not, to the owner's knowledge, have come into contact with any horses showing symptoms.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. We ask guests bringing horses to have appropriate third-party/public liability and personal accident insurance for themselves and the activities they intend to undertake.
Do you provide riding routes?
We can provide helpful local information, guidance and suggested routes plotted on maps, but riders are ultimately responsible for planning and checking their own routes. We recommend using up-to-date mapping such as OS Maps and checking conditions before setting out.
What is the riding terrain like?
This is Dartmoor country, so expect moorland terrain with hills, uneven ground and stony tracks. We are based in the Mardle Valley, with the open moor a short hack away along some picturesque Devon lanes. Horses should be fit and accustomed to this type of going.
Can children come on a horse holiday?
Absolutely. Children are very welcome at Old Brook Farm and we love having families to stay. As this is a working farm with horses and other animals around, children do need to be appropriately supervised by a parent or guardian.
Can we bring a dog?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are very welcome by prior arrangement. As we have our own dogs, horses and free-range chickens and geese, visiting dogs do need to be kept under sensible control around the farm. Dogs sleep downstairs in the farmhouse and we ask that they are crated overnight.
Are there other horses at the farm?
Yes. Old Brook Farm is very much an equestrian home! We have our own horses here as well as a small number of liveries, so there are usually other horses around the yard. Yard staff also come and go during the day to help with the horses.
What happens if my horse goes lame or I become ill just before the holiday?
If you cancel more than 14 days before arrival, payments made to us will be refunded. Within 14 days, bookings are normally non-refundable, but where cancellation is necessary because of illness, injury or horse lameness we will do our best to offer an alternative date, subject to availability.
What should I bring?
Alongside your normal riding and personal equipment, bring your horse's passport, appropriate riding safety equipment, any specialist feed or medication, and anything your horse particularly needs. If separate turnout has been agreed, check with us whether you need to bring electric fencing tape/posts.
What accommodation is there for us?
You’ll stay in our beautiful Grade II listed farmhouse, with comfortable bedrooms and plenty of space to relax after a day in the saddle. The house is very much our home, with private guest areas, rather than a hotel, and we hope guests feel at home here too.
What does a stay cost?
Prices vary depending on the size of your group, the number of rooms required and the length of your stay. We only welcome one group at a time, so you will never share your stay with other guests. Please get in touch with your preferred dates and a little information about your group, and we’ll be very happy to provide a quote.
Which meals do you provide?
Breakfast and afternoon tea are included in your stay. We serve a delicious cooked and continental breakfast, either in the dining room or, when the weather allows, outside on the lawn overlooking the moor. After a day in the saddle, afternoon tea and cake will be waiting for you, either in our oak-panelled drawing room or out on the lawn. Tea and coffee are always available too—and you’ll often find us on drinks duty as well!
Can you provide dinner?
Yes. We love cooking for our guests and can arrange dinner at the farmhouse on one evening of your stay by prior arrangement. Depending on the weather, we may start with fizz and canapés overlooking the moor before heading back to the farmhouse for supper. Please ask us about prices when booking. We are also very happy to recommend local pubs and restaurants, and suggest booking these in advance, particularly at weekends and during busy periods.
Can I camp and bring my horse?
Absolutely. Please check equestrian availability with us in advance and then book your camping pitch separately through Wild With Consent.