We have been riding our horses for years now, initially just for our own pleasure, but having discovered what fun these big horses are to ride, we took things a stage further! As the Clydesdale is quite a leggy "heavy" it has a lovely flowing, sometimes bouncy, gait which gives it great movement, very graceful for such a large animal!

Many folk seem to think that riding “heavy” horses is a recent fad, but remember that one of the main reasons they were bred to be large in the first place - mainly the Shire in the south - was to carry knights into battle; then although their use reverted to agriculture, the farmers often rode them as well as drove, so what we are doing is certainly not new!

Our older horses came to us as draught horses, unridden: they have taken to riding very well and seem to enjoy the variety of work they do as a result. The younger ones have all been taught to carry people (I don't like the phrase "broken" we say “backed”!) by ourselves, we have found them mellow and pleasant to work with, as long as we go at their pace we get there smoothly! Many of the horses, as a consequence, have never experienced dray or farm work.

We find them a little different in a few respects: conventional saddle fitting is not always appropriate as the Clydesdale has a long, sloping shoulder and although often looks wide has withers, unlike a fat pony, so we have tried a variety of saddles, and are always trying to improve this, to ensure the horses are comfortable in their work; additionally we find shoeing our highest expense, as the weight of the horses and the nature of the work wears the shoe rather rapidly, we did think of studs but this would cause jarring to their limbs on the roads so simply is not an option; another lovely attribute is their very steady behaviour, of course they each have character but in general are affectionate and kind, a pleasure to work with! They also EAT A LOT!!!! All of these factors mean we do charge a little more than conventional pony trekking, but we don't do “pony trekking”, we do “horse riding”, and think you get more – both in size and in quality! - for your money!! !

We are very fortunate to have the stunningly beautiful estate here at Armadale on which to ride, as well as access to the beaches. The scenery is fantastic; this area is known as "The Garden of Skye" for good reason, there are woodlands and hillsides to wander across with amazing views to the Outer Isles and the West Coast of Scotland. Even on a wet and cloudy day (and we have to admit it does rain here on occasion!) the trees and shrubs around the gardens look lovely and a paddle in the sea is still a great experience! We want riders of all abilities to enjoy our horses, so always establish both level of experience and fitness before we start, to match rider to horse, group and suitable length of ride. We teach all our riders to control the horse themselves (young riders excepted) and if time allows will assist beginners to try a trot, so hopefully you feel as if you have really learnt something! We want you to enjoy your time with us, however do not permit anyone to go faster than their level of experience allows, for both your sake and the horses', so please respect our staff's opinion on this!! Incidentally, we only take fit and experienced riders on the longer rides as we like our customers to be able to stand when they get off!!  

We want riders of all abilities to enjoy our horses, so always establish both level of experience and fitness before we start, to match rider to horse, group and suitable length of ride. We teach all our riders to control the horse themselves (young riders excepted) and if time allows will assist beginners to try a trot, so hopefully you feel as if you have really learnt something! We want you to enjoy your time with us, however do not permit anyone to go faster than their level of experience allows, for both your sake and the horses', so please respect our staff's opinion on this!! Incidentally, we only take fit and experienced riders on the longer rides as we like our customers to be able to stand when they get off!!

Our 1 ½ hour ride to Armadale Bay is suitable for beginners and experienced people alike as the rider wishing to have a canter can do so, whilst the novice can amble! As you wend your way down the farm track look for the Castle and original Gardens on your left and the new Museum buildings. A short while later you are on the beach, with great views, to experience a paddle, a trot or canter before wandering uphill through the woods back towards the farm. We do take younger children on this ride. We occasionally go up to the viewpoint, weather dependant, giving fantastic views into Dalavil and the Cuillins, or even onto the hill to the north, both of which routes are not for total beginners!

Our more popular 2 hour ride also takes you to Armadale Bay with opportunity to paddle and try a trot or a canter, then further afield, maybe another beach, maybe into a regenerating woodland where both roe and red deer live in small, controlled numbers, (we change our routes daily, depending on the weather and ability of the riders, so you might end up having quite an adventure!) before returning to the farm through the woods. As you travel back look for the museum, gardens and Castle on your right now, as above!

Our longer rides are for three to three and a half hours which includes various beaches, a wander around the estate with hilltop viewpoints, a trip into the village and through woodland all options. 
  Our full day's Trail Ride takes you into Dalavil , a secluded  area designated an S.S.S.I., where you'll see a variety of wildlife, we've spotted Eagles (Sea and Golden), buzzards, deer (particularly wonderful during the rut) and other flora and fauna specific to the Highlands. There are areas of mature forest here which, riding through them, feel as if you are travelling through fairy-land as you wind through the trees, it's a mystical ride, my personal favourite. This is a long day of about seven technical hours riding over rough terrain at times, it's a fantastic experience taking you into the heart of Scottish wilderness.