DofE GOLD HORSE RIDING EXPEDITION
Into the hills for a real adventure
TRAINING & PRACTICE
5 Days
QUALIFYING
5 Days
FOR AGES
16+
LOCATION
UK
PRICE
Available for groups of 7 only
“Congratulations to the Sam Sykes for putting together a fantastic Gold Duke of Edinburgh horseback expedition.”
Parent of Participant
“Cara, Iona and the rest of the group had a great time and were really appreciative of the preparation they received in training, the support and just how friendly and helpful you all were.”
Parent of Participant
Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on horseback
A unique set of challenges
Choosing to complete a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on horseback presents participants with a unique set of challenges, but it also provides a tremendous sense of adventure and achievement.
Travel by horse requires careful planning to ensure success and to overcome the challenges that participants will encounter.
Training and Practice
Sam Sykes™ Ltd and Bigland Hall Equine group will provide training and practice to ensure participants are well prepared and possess the necessary skills to successfully complete the expedition phase.
During the training and practice week and alongside the expedition skills set out in the DofE expedition training framework, you will learn how to:
Prepare your horse for an expedition with the correct tack and equipment.
Care for your horse during an expedition.
Ride safely in a group in open countryside.
Plan and navigate a safe route.
Ride safely on a public road.
Know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Part of your training and practice week will be spent at the centre and part will be spent on a three day practice expedition with overnight camps surrounded by wild country and beautiful scenery.
Participants will be expected to plan a route between each camping location, maximising use of open country, bridleways and tracks. Travelling time on horseback each day will take approximately 6 hours. The route will be ridden at a mix of paces, mainly trotting with some cantering. Overnight grazing for the horses will be pre-arranged at a location close to each campsite.
Participants
Age & Riding Experience
The minimum age for the DofE Gold Award Horseback Expedition is 16 years and the maximum age is 24 years.
To participate, you will need to be a competent horse rider who can walk, trot and canter, be experienced at hacking out in open countryside and riding on public roads. You should be fit and capable of riding for up to six hours each day. Prior to the course, participants will be required to complete a Participant Riding Questionnaire.
You will need to provide your own riding hat (approved to current standards), short whip, riding boots, gloves and appropriate waterproof clothing. A hi-vis jacket or waistcoat can be provided, although you are welcome to bring your own. Saddle bags and map holders are provided by Bigland.
The Horses
Horse back expeditions require horses that have been specifically trained and prepared for the challenge of riding in open, remote countryside. Bigland Hall Equine group will provide your horses for the training and practice and qualifying expedition. These top quality horses have many years of experience taking part multi-day riding expeditions and are proven in some of the most remote and exposed terrain England. The horses are forward thinking, sure footed and offer a fantastic ride. Bigland Hall Equine Group will provide all tack and specific expedition kit for the horses. Throughout the expedition, the support vehicle and Sam Sykes™ staff will be following the route by road transporting feed and supplies required each night for the horses.
Safety, care, and welfare of the horses and participants
Supervision
Sam Sykes™ and Bigland Hall Equine Group will be responsible for the safety, care and welfare of the horses and young people during the expedition.
Horseback expeditions are supervised and assessed in the same way as all other land based DofE expeditions. In addition to normal remote supervision methods, riders will also be more closely supervised by a qualified member of staff for parts of the journey where there are specific hazards, such as water crossings or road crossings. In addition, the support vehicle will be positioned at strategic locations to provide assistance if necessary.
About Bigland Hall Equine Group
Bigland Hall Equine Group offers premier horse riding in Cumbria and the Lake District. A family run business offering over 35 years experience Bigland Hall Equine Group are passionate about their horses and the wide range of opportunities they can offer.
They hold a range of qualifications including BHS UKCC L2 coaching, BET Ride Leaders and Mike Myers once represented England in the BHS Le TREC competitions. Bigland Hall is a stunning venue with panoramic views of the Lakeland hills that simply take your breath away.
Your expedition will take you straight out into the hills and will offer a real sense of true adventure.
Itinerary…
You will receive comprehensive training in order to prepare you for your qualifying expedition. This itinerary is to give you an idea of the topics covered rather than a strict schedule. The timings may vary due to the requirements of the expedition and the impact of factors such as the weather.
Training and practice expedition.
Day 1
Thorough introduction to the site and detailed ride assessment. This is your opportunity to ensure that the horse you are paired with suits you.
Walk on foot aimed at transitioning navigation from on foot to on horseback.
Campcraft skills.
Day 2 & 3
Focus on riding skills and working as a team
Progressing navigation on horseback skills
Route planning
Sessions on kit requirements, expedition planning, first aid
Day 4 & 5
Practice expedition, over night camp
Finalise qualifying route plan and decide on expedition aim
Expedition debrief and action plan discussed
Qualifying expedition
Day 1-acclimatisation day
Reacquaint yourself with your horse.
Review expedition plan and start packing supplies
Day 2-5
Undertake qualifying expedition
Final debrief and aim presentation
Enquiries
If you are unsure of anything or have any queries, please do get in touch.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you already know you want to come on our horse riding expedition, please book your dates towards the top of the page.