An Internet search will show that there are many places in Wales and in particular in the area close to Builth Wells and The Owls B&B in Mid Wales where you can ride for anything from a few hours to a few days or even a week. Pony Trekking as a name can be misleading as ponies and horses of all sizes can be found to ride. We needed a mount for a six-foot three, twelve stone man and a five-foot four, eight stone lady and this was no problem at Ellesmere Riding Centre where we choose to ride for our first foray into riding the Welsh Hills.
This is tough terrain. Narrow leafy lanes lead to steep and stony mountain paths and flat heather and bracken clad canter friendly uplands. Since we had opted for a hack for experienced riders (treks for beginners were also and option) and neither of us was particularly riding fit, our fantastic three hour ride did leave us with tired bones and aching muscles, so you need to be riding fit when taking these rides on. These aren’t quiet hacks through the countryside but seriously fun and exhilarating rides. The horses know their job and have a strength and natural balance well suited to the terrain. Add to these the views of The Black Mountains, The Brecon Beacons and towards the Welsh-English Borders. We rode up the Mynydd Llangorse and from the triangulation point looked over Llangorse Lake, with Pan y Fan beyond.
This for us is just the start of a journey of discovery of the Welsh landscape on horseback and we intend to try other areas near Builth when we have time off from the B&B. In the meantime we welcome walkers, cyclists and horse riders to stay with us and share this wonderful part of not only Wales but Great Britain.
http://www.ellesmereridingcentre.co.uk/
https://horseridingholidaysgb.co.uk/
https://www.free-rein.co.uk/
http://www.visitwales.com/things-to-do/activities/horse-riding/pony-trekking-locations
