Is there anything that symbolises freedom more than a herd of wild horses galloping across the landscape? We can’t think of anything so evocative of escapism and adventure - but this isn’t just the stuff of fantasy. Dartmoor, a large rugged area in Devon, is one of the few places in England where you can see wild horses and ponies in their natural surroundings, with a population close to 1,500 making their home here. Don’t be tempted to get too close though - most of them aren’t used to people. If you want to do more than just see a horse in this majestic landscape, you’ll need a domesticated steed from a Devonshire stable.

Between the North and South coasts of Devon there are over 3,000 miles of public right of way routes through the countryside, which connect towns, villages and, of course, stables to one another. It’s a fantastic place for everyone to have an experience with horses: young or old, first time rider or veteran jockey, and even people with disabilities can get into the saddle and go for a ride. From trekking over the hills of Dartmoor, to galloping through the surf at Woolacombe Bay, or playing with ponies in a stables, there are equestrian adventures to suit everyone's tastes and budgets here.

Where are the best places to go horse riding in Devon?

• Exeter: The regional Capital, Exeter is within easy reach of some great horseback riding experiences. Rolling countryside, woodland and hills make excellent riding and hacking and there are routes suitable for all abilities. Even toddlers who might just be learning to walk can get involved on a short ride on countryside paths, and you can organise group rides for adults which are great for a stag or hen do. If riding isn’t enough for your children, you can send them to the stables for a full day, where they’ll spend time with the ponies and take part in the horses’ daily routine.

• Dartmoor: For the best chance of seeing the wild horses in their element, you have to brave the uplands of Dartmoor. There’s a reason that horses, when given free reign, choose to live here: it’s a natural paradise or hills, valleys and woodlands with plenty of grass for grazing and bubbling streams to drink from - and best of all, no noise from traffic. All of these make it a wonderful place to explore on horseback as well, and there’s so much to see that you could spend days exploring. In fact, you can spend a couple of days or week on Dartmoor on an equestrian holidays.

• Plymouth: the coast to the Southeast of Plymouth is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with cliffs, bays and coastal woodland. There are several stables here that welcome visitors to meet their animals and go out for a ride or a hack by the sea - or in the waves! They also put on pony parties for youngsters, so your child can have a birthday to remember where horses are the guests of honour.

• Central Devon: between the coasts you can also find great places for woodland trekking by Whiteleigh Water and countryside hacks. Near Chulmleigh there’s a stables who put the emphasis on the therapeutic quality of horse riding. These are naturally gentle and sensitive animals, and, even though they can’t talk things over with you, they’re amazing company for anyone who needs a soothing presence and listening ear.

• Exmoor: not quite as rugged as Dartmoor, and with the advantage of a stunning coastline, Exmoor is a dream come true for horse riding enthusiasts. Up to the hilltops or down to the sea - you decide where your horseback trek or hack takes you. And it’s not just for experienced riders. Though some routes are tricky, there are gentler paths which don’t compromise on spectacular scenery.

• Ilfracombe: also on the North coast, Ilfracombe’s beaches are popular with holidaymakers. They’re also popular with horses who love to go for a ride across the sand and into the surf with the sea breeze in their flowing manes. The sandy expanse of Woolacombe Bay is an especially good spot, but if you want to escape the crowds you can stay on the stable property where you won’t be distracted by cars, beachgoers, or waves.

What kind of experiences can you find?

- Getting on a horse and going on an adventure is the simplest way to enjoy the company of these wonderful animals, and there are a couple of different ways of doing it. A horse ride usually refers to a calm walk for just 30 minutes or up to an hour and a half into the countryside around the stables. They’re suitable for all kinds of people as they don’t involve any advanced riding techniques, and the horse can even be guided by a person on foot (this is called a lead rein ride). The difference between a ride and a trek is the duration - treks are longer, usually at least a couple of hours and sometimes a full day, and might involve stopping for lunch or a break at some point. A horseback trek is a wonderful way to explore some of Devon’s natural beauty. Hacking can refer to a short ride of 1 or 2 hours, but the more traditional sense of the word means exercising the horse by going faster, further, and over more challenging terrain.

- For the horses, going for a ride is only one part of their daily routine. They also need to eat, sleep, take care of their hygiene and socialise with one another, and if you’ve got a son or daughter who’s interested in the more “behind the scenes” aspects of the equestrian life, you can’t do better than sending them on a stable day or own a pony course. They’ll get involved with feeding, grooming, mucking out and have a chance to do some riding. But if the focus is on fun, organise a pony party for your little one and their friends at a stables, in which riding will be combined with arts, crafts and games.

Requirements to do this activity

The formative years of a child’s life are the perfect time for them to be introduced to the friendliness and companionship of horses, and in Devon they can have their first experiences from as young as 3 years old in some stables. In other locations cater to children from a little older, but in general there are short pony rides available for children under 7 around the county. An own a pony day means taking a bit more responsibility so these are for kids and teens who are over seven years old.

Adult riders with some experience in the saddle will be greatly rewarded by stunning scenery and fantastic horses if they come to the region, but you don’t need to be a seasoned jockey to enjoy these. There are opportunities for people of all abilities - and abilities too. Several stables in the south welcome people with disabilities to go on a ride especially designed for their needs, and some work in partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Partnership (RDA).

One thing to mention when it comes to horseback riding is that each horse has a maximum weight that it can carry safely. This varies from animal to animal and stable to stable and, while children should be fine, adults who weigh more than 13.5 stone or 85 kilograms will be too heavy for some of them, so It’s important to get in touch with the stables before arriving check that there’ll be a suitable horse if you weigh more than this.

Wild and domestic animals are waiting for you here, it’s time to organise your visit!