Horse Riding in Somerset with Rachel & Sally

 Horse Riding in Somerset

We were filled with excitement at the prospect of 3 sessions spent with our four legged friends and we were soon kitted out in our riding gear and introduced to our sweet ponies. 

We led them into the arena, which had special sand for their exercises. Our riders mounted their ponies professionally, and we all entered the ring, following the leader in a zigzag pattern and crossing diagonal lines. 

One of the day’s highlights was leading the ponies to the field and watching them munch on the fresh grass, taking a well-deserved rest. We brushed their shiny coats, fed them treats and just loved making a fuss of them. 

We were tasked with leading our ponies back to the yard and putting the tack away. Holly took the opportunity to teach them the names of the various parts of the saddle and tack. 

A must visit was at Shepton Mallet embarking on a fascinating visit to the prison. Once the oldest functioning prison in the UK, it housed its first inmates in 1625 and closed its doors in 2013. Now, it serves as a world-class heritage tourist attraction. The prison even detained the famous Kray brothers after they deserted the British army. 

A fabulous afternoon was spent at ‘Noah’s Ark Zoo,’ located near Bristol. Before we knew it, we were greeted by the exotic sights and sounds of the zoo. The elephants, with their majestic trunks and graceful movements, were a sight to behold. We stood in awe as tall giraffes munched on leaves from the trees, and we couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to have a sore throat if you were a giraffe, with that long neck and towering height! We had the chance to interact with some of the friendlier animals too, like rabbits and guinea pigs. Their soft fur was irresistible, and we enjoyed petting them gently. As we walked through the zoo, we spotted lionesses lounging in the afternoon sun, looking regal and relaxed. 

We made our way to Wookey Hole, just a short drive away. This picturesque village is famous for its caves, one of which is said to have once been home to a local witch. The temperature inside was a refreshing 11°C, a stark contrast to the warmth outside. Our guide led us through the twisting passages, recounting the tale of the witch who, according to legend, caused trouble in the village. A monk from Glastonbury was said to have turned her to stone, and there she still stands today in the cave. 

We marvelled at the dramatic rock formations—stalactites hanging down from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the ground—as we made our way deeper into the cave. Along the way, we heard stories about Iron Age people who once lived here, as well as Roman burial practices. We squeezed through narrow gaps, crossed bridges over underground streams, and felt incredibly brave as we navigated the cave’s eerie interior.