Cumbrian Heavy Horses

Cumbrian Heavy Horses: Heavy Horse Riding in the Lake District

Cumbrian Heavy Horses is a specialist riding centre based on a rural fell farm in the south-west of the Lake District National Park. It was founded in 1997 as West Highland Heavy Horses on the Isle of Skye, relocated in 2006 and became Cumbrian Heavy Horses. The business is run by Annie Rose, whose interest in these animals dates from its conception. It describes itself as the only British Horse Society (BHS) Approved Ridden Heavy Horse Riding Centre in the world and holds a 5* Riding School Licence. In 2023/4 it received a 'Riding School of the Year' award, and one of its senior ride leaders, Peter, won a Cumbria Tourism Award for 'Unsung Hero'.

Heavy Horse Breeds and Breeding Programme

The centre rides on what it describes as the largest breeds of horses in the UK. Its ridden team consists of pure heavy horses and draft horses: Suffolk Punch, Shire and Clydesdale, with two Belgian drafts (Brabants) joining the ridden team as they progress their training. The Suffolk Punch is described as critically endangered.

A breeding programme operates alongside the riding activities, supported by the rides. At Baystone Bank Farm, Clydesdale and Suffolk Punch mares and youngstock can be seen. In 2024 the centre bred three Suffolk Punch foals (two fillies and a gelding) and a Clydesdale filly; in 2025, one Suffolk Punch colt and one Suffolk Punch filly foal. To date it has bred eight Suffolk Punch foals, with the aim of increasing genetic diversity within the critically endangered breed, as well as seven Clydesdales and one Shire, Conker, which works within the business. For 2026, it hopes to have another four foals: three Suffolk Punches and one Clydesdale.

Riding Experiences and Booking

The centre introduces riders of a wide variety of abilities and experience levels to riding a heavy horse breed in the National Park. Its riding experiences include Farm, Fell and Beaches, Hands On Experiences, Meet the Horses Days and Wild Weekends. The horses are described as 16 to 18.2 hands high, strong and responsive; some are older and calmer and suitable for beginners and novices, while others suit experienced riders.

Booking is currently handled exclusively by telephone on 07769 588565. The centre asks prospective riders to provide details of height, weight, age, riding experience and confidence when booking, so that the right horse and experience can be matched to each person. A strict weight limit applies, measured fully dressed and ready to ride, and the centre reserves the right to hold weigh days. Riders may be removed from a ride if it proves more advanced than they stated, without refund or recompense. Vouchers are available for riding experiences, Hands On Experiences, Meet the Horses Days and Wild Weekends; they are emailed after telephone arrangement, are subject to the usual experience levels and weight limits, and cannot be accepted past their expiry date.

Location and Terrain

The base is a rural fell farm with access to the sweeping beaches of the West Coast, the surrounding hills and fells, and the Lake District pathways of Eskdale, Wasdale, Dunnerdale and the Duddon Valley. The centre describes opportunities to paddle in the sea, gallop on the sand, ride into the hills and watch Red Kites and Buzzards.

Onsite Accommodation

Baystone Bank Farm, the centre's base, has a small family-feel campsite with sheep, horses and Belted Galloway cattle, and a small cafe. It offers electric pitches for family camping, hard standings for motorhomes and caravans, and glamping options, and welcomes cyclists and motorbikers. Also on site are 'The Roundhouse' on Airbnb and lodges with hot tubs. The site is described as quiet with good facilities and is within the Lake District National Park, about 25 minutes from Coniston and 40 minutes from Kendal, with access to the Western Fells and Buttermere.

2026 Anniversary and Future Plans

The centre notes that 2026 marks 20 years since it rode from Skye in Scotland, and that Annie, Jonny and the team are planning different weekends and longer rides. It also refers to behind-the-scenes activities including its CIC, sponsorships, merchandise, courses, First Aid Outdoors, specialist Heavy Horse days and the BHS Changing Lives through Horses Scheme, with more information to be added to the website.