My Horseback Adventure in Dartmoor

A Wild Ride to Feed the Soul

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.

— Winston S. Churchill

Sometimes you just need to run wild, with the wind in your hair. At the start of this summer, my partner Chad and I knew we needed to get away for a healthy dose of fun and adventure. And a multi-day horseback ride with Liberty Trails in Dartmoor, Devon in the UK fit the bill.

I often get asked what I like to do for fun. Well, since I was a little girl, I’ve always felt happiest and most aligned amongst nature and animals. Particularly, with a horse. 

I learned to ride and jump while my family was stationed on a military base in Japan. When we moved to Northern Nevada in my teenage years, I had several horses.  Later I worked on a cattle ranch throughout high school as a wrangler.

When I moved to Florida after photography school, I trailered my dear horse, Memphis, across the country with me. In between my photography assistant jobs, I worked as an exercise rider on the racetracks.

As the years went on, I got more involved in my wedding photography career. Eventually, I had to sell my horses and rode only when time and circumstance allowed.

Adventure Calls

So when it came to planning this summer’s travels, we decided a little adventure, nature, and—of course—horseback riding, were in order.

One of my favorite places in the entire world to ride is Castle Leslie in Ireland. Some of my most joyous memories are of the days I spent there galloping through the tall green grass and taking cross-country jumps through the fields. So I set my sights on an equally adventurous and historic destination.

While researching locations for riding abroad, I stumbled upon Liberty Trails. I discovered a group ride led by special guest and former equestrian olympian Mary King! The tours would take us through Dartmoor National Park, which was described as wild, open moorlands with a deep river valley, rich history, and rare wildlife (wild ponies!).

Liberty Trails in Dartmoor

We arrived at the Bovey Castle near Dartmoor, which would serve as a lovely place to stay between the day-long adventures. 

Along with other confident riders and beautiful horses, I spent three full, glorious days in the saddle exploring Dartmoor’s valleys, crests, rivers, bogs, open landscapes, and forests. It was beyond words. There’s just something about galloping through the wilderness, away from it all, that feeds my soul. 

One of the most delightful surprises of Liberty Trails came near the end of our rides. Each day, we were met by a Land Rover carrying a beautiful outdoor picnic spread. Dining al fresco amid the rolling green hills was just the refresher we needed after a long ride.

Running Wild

Given my own love and advocacy of wild horses, it was especially meaningful to discover that Dartmoor National Park is teeming with wild ponies. They were everywhere! We were told they have a wonderful history and relationship with the locals of Dartmoor.

And it was such a joy to witness them in their beautiful habitat.

Filling Your (Celebration) Cup

In the evenings, we spent time conversing with the other guests from all over the world. We even celebrated Chad’s birthday at a tiny pub in the little town nearby. 

Ultimately, this was a trip to fill our cups. And filling your cup is easy when you’re surrounded by breathtaking scenery, beautiful horses, and adventure. 

I hope you take this as a sign to get out and live. 

Life is short—and precious! 

Do something that lights you up. 

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