Come and live horses at Hayfield!

One of the great things about a holiday at Hayfield is that you are immersed in a hive of equestrian activity from the day you arrive till the day you leave. You will be able to look out of your bedroom and see the horses grazing and the odd one may even come to your bedroom window.

John with Darren riding Brett

We can arrange just about anything you want! No two holiday weeks are exactly the same at Hayfield but one thing is for sure, if there is anything you ever fancied doing we can probably arrange it for you. Darren and John working together are able to split any group to allow some riders to pursue exciting things while others enjoy quieter activities. In 35 years of riding and teaching John has gathered a wealth of experience and there are few things that with his horses he cannot teach or do. John is a great believer that riders learn mostly from riding an educated horse which can be trusted to do its job which is why he and Darren ride all of the horses used regularly.

A typical week can include Dressage, Jumping, Riding out, Side saddle, Western, Horse care, Cross country Long reining, Polo and exciting gallops along a beautiful beach.

Depending on riders standards the beach can offer anything from "Crack of Dawn" beach rides where (tide allowing) we hit the beach before 6.30 am and after an exhilarating gallop nip in to the White Horse Inn for a full English breakfast while the horses eat theirs. If the tides don't allow an early morning ride then we go at the time of low tide. There is a full 16 miles of wide flat deserted beach and the sand dunes will make you think that you are Lawrence of Arabia. Not much more is done on a beach ride day for it can be taxing and to some quite exhausting. Usually everyone collapses in the lounge with a drink and fall asleep, but if you want we can arrange for you to have a good massage to ease the aching muscles. If you are not that experienced or brave and a gallop along the beach makes you freeze with fear then you may enjoy a Bar-B-Q and a trot along the sand on a well behaved pony.

If the beach is out because of tide times or you would just prefer something less adventurous in land we simply load up the two lorries and its off to one of six local haunts to ride in some of the most beautiful places in the valley of Royal Deeside. In most cases after the ride we turn the horses loose to graze in fields while we all pop into a local tavern or hotel for a good meal.

A group of riders can book a week to specialise in any particular aspect of riding to whatever level or degree they choose. John and Darren will sit down with everyone at the beginning of the week and work out a sensible programme which will be worked on throughout the week often ending with a competition.

The Best Of Horses.

We carefully select for you the right horses or ponies from our stable of 45 .

Amanie. A small seven year old Bavarian Warmblood about 15.2 hands high. A consistent winner in the show ring as a youngster with several championship to his name. In his first year with John and Darren he has hunted and done a few small hunter trial events. He is comfortable, very friendly, has good paces and goes in outline quite naturally. He has done some early lateral work and is a really sensible ride. Macey (pictured left). Show name is Hayfield Lass. A handsome Irish Sports horse mare of 17 hands. Ridden by John, Darren and Karen she hunts and show jumps with regular success up to a height of 1 meter twenty (about 4 feet). OK on basic lateral work and demi-pirouette with an adjustable stride and the beginnings of a reasonable medium trot. Best of all this is a mare who will be happy with a novice rider but can also perform if you ride well.

Frodo on the cross country course

Lucky (pictured left) . Everybody's favourite, he is a 13.2 Chestnut Gelding of mature years. Lucky does everything asked of him and more! From disabled riding through to horseball, polo, cross country, dressage and pony club games - you name it he does it and no one seems to ever fall off him. Frodo. A very attractive 12.2 Grey Gelding who does everything from pony club games to jumping dressage and polo. Frodo can be ridden by any standard of rider with absolute safety and loves to go to the beach or on river rides. Many more all different yet similar - you will just have to come to meet them and then keep coming back until you have ridden them all! Please click here to meet more of our equine team

A week living horses!
" Live at the stables-look out at the horses every morning non riders too
Or hire a car and stay in 3 star or 5 star hotels just minutes away.
No putting up with Hobson's choice - We spoil you for choice.
"
Great Nightlife!
Hayfield offers Country quiet and City Nightlife - Riding in beautiful Hazlehead Country Park - Yet just ten minutes from City nightlife!
No trotting for miles on roads or idle evenings with nothing to do.

Loads to do!
" Scotland just doesn't come better than Royal Deeside and Hayfield. Its just a short drive to castles, whiskey distilleries and other activities.
No wondering what else to do and its great for a non horsey friend - further details here
"
It's easy to get to.
" From London or Dublin by air is no more than one hour to Hayfield.
From the airport to Hayfield or your hotel only fifteen minutes more.
No more expensive tiring flights or journeys - Its door to door!

We run great corporate courses!

" Corporate group booking - From social fun events to serious Team building.
We will discuss your needs and objectives and can even come to you.
No need to go for the same old boring stuff - Try something different!

John Crawford definitely helps makes the holidays. He is full of enthusiasm and enjoys his job immensely.
You can find out all about him atwww.Gallop.to/John
If you want to ask him anything at all, phone him on 44 07768 161 006 or send an email to john@equiworld.net

Summer Holiday Programme 2003