🇬🇧 The Cotswolds Equestrian Escape

A Quintessential English Riding, Hunting & Country Experience

Spend a week immersed in the timeless world of English horse country with Manhattan Riding Club.

Set among the rolling hills, stone villages, historic estates, and expansive countryside of the Cotswolds, this is the quintessential English riding trip; a week designed around horses, country life, and the traditions that have shaped British equestrian culture for centuries.

Ride across beautiful countryside, hunt with traditional English foxhounds, school over cross-country fences, experience side-saddle riding, visit historic country estates, enjoy classic English pubs and afternoon tea, and spend a day at the legendary Cheltenham Festival.

This is an opportunity to experience England the way horsemen have for generations: in the saddle, in the hunt field, and surrounded by the people, landscapes, and traditions that make English horse country so special.

The Riding Experience

This trip offers a wonderfully varied week of riding designed for experienced equestrians who want to experience the best of English country riding.

Throughout the week, riders will have the opportunity to:

• Ride through the beautiful Cotswold countryside
• Participate in a cross-country clinic
• Hunt with two different English hunts
• Experience traditional hunting etiquette and riding in the field
• Try side-saddle riding
• Ride horses suited to each rider's experience and ability

The two hunting days are the centerpiece of the riding experience, offering the chance to ride across open countryside alongside traditional English hunt members and experience the sport as it has been practiced for generations.

Whether you're cantering across open country, following hounds through the countryside, jumping a hedge, or enjoying a quiet hack to a village pub, every day offers something completely different.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are some of the most beautiful and iconic countryside in England, known for their rolling green hills, honey-colored stone villages, historic estates, ancient hedgerows, and winding country lanes.

It is also deeply connected to English equestrian culture. This is a landscape shaped by horses and country sport, where riding, hunting, racing, and farming remain an important part of everyday life.

For an American rider, there is something particularly magical about experiencing this landscape from horseback. Rather than simply sightseeing through the countryside, you become part of it—crossing fields, following old lanes, riding past stone walls and country estates, and stopping into the same village pubs and country establishments that have served generations of riders.

This is English horse country at its best.

🗓️ The Week at a Glance

Thursday, March 11

Arrival & Country Pub Hack

Arrive in London, where our private transfer will collect the group and whisk you away to the elegance and charm of the English countryside.

Settle into our beautiful country house and take some time to relax and unwind before your first taste of Cotswolds riding: a gentle afternoon pub hack through the surrounding countryside.

This first ride is designed as a relaxed introduction to your horse and the landscape, giving you the opportunity to settle into the saddle, become acquainted with your mount, and ease into the adventures that await over the week ahead.

Afterward, enjoy a leisurely meal at a traditional English country pub, savoring delicious local fare and the welcoming atmosphere of a classic village inn.

Return to the house to relax, enjoy the countryside, and prepare for the unforgettable days ahead.

Friday, March 12

Cross-Country Clinic & Country Experience

Start the day with a cross-country clinic designed to build confidence and prepare riders for the open-country riding ahead.

The afternoon will be reserved for another quintessential English country experience: a leisurely country walk followed by a visit to the Defender Deli, a charming pop-up dining experience that perfectly captures the romance of the British countryside. Expect beautiful scenery, delicious food, and the kind of effortlessly chic country hospitality that feels straight out of a dream.

Saturday, March 13

Hunting with the Cotswold Hunt

Experience one of the highlights of the trip with a full day hunting with the Cotswold Hunt.

Ride across beautiful English countryside following the hounds and Field Master, experiencing the pace, tradition, and camaraderie of a day in the English hunt field.

Formal hunt attire is required. 

Sunday, March 14

Clay Shooting & Afternoon Tea

Take a break from the saddle for another perfect English country day.

Enjoy one of Britain’s most beloved country sporting traditions with an afternoon of clay pigeon shooting, surrounded by the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. Afterwards, slow down and indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea, complete with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and sweet treats.

A wonderfully elegant country experience—part sporting tradition, part indulgence, and entirely reminiscent of a day spent in the English countryside straight out of Downton Abbey.

Monday, March 15

Side-Saddle Riding & Optional Spa Experience

Step into another era with a truly unique English equestrian experience: side-saddle riding in proper costume.

Discover the fascinating history, traditions, and technique behind this elegant discipline while experiencing the horse from an entirely different perspective. Our session will introduce you to the fundamentals of riding side-saddle, from position and balance to the distinctive techniques that make this style of riding so captivating.

For those who wish to fully embrace the experience, there will also be an opportunity to dress in traditional side-saddle attire, stepping into the elegance and pageantry of a bygone era and bringing the history of this beautiful discipline to life.

A photoshoot is included while in your costumed sidesaddle with 3 pictures included and more available on request.

After your ride, why not indulge a little further? Guests will have the option to reserve a private spa experience at a nearby luxury wellness retreat—the perfect way to unwind, relax, and recharge after a morning in the saddle.

A day that blends equestrian history, timeless elegance, and a little well-deserved indulgence.

Tuesday, March 16

Second Hunt Day with Cotswolds or Bicester Hunts

Return to the hunt field for a second day of hunting, we will know closer to the date which pack we will be joining for another alluring day in the saddle. 

Each hunt offers a different landscape and experience, making this a wonderful opportunity to see another side of English country riding.

Formal hunt attire is required.

Wednesday, March 17

Cheltenham Festival — Ladies Day

Experience one of Britain's most famous racing events at the Cheltenham Festival.

Dress up for Ladies Day and spend the day watching world-class National Hunt racing surrounded by the excitement and tradition of British racing culture. 

Thursday, March 18

Morning kennel tour and departure day

Enjoy a final breakfast together before heading over for an early kennel tour and departing for home.

Accommodations

Guests will have private rooms in our beautiful private country house in the Cotswolds, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere throughout the week.

The house will serve as our home base, where guests can enjoy breakfast together each morning and unwind after days spent riding and exploring the countryside.

Food & Country Life

Food is an important part of the experience, and we want the week to feel as much like English country life as possible.

Breakfast will be served at the house each morning, while packed lunches will be prepared for days spent hunting or riding.

Throughout the week, we'll also enjoy a combination of meals at the house and visits to traditional country pubs and local restaurants.

Expect hearty breakfasts, country lunches, afternoon tea, pub dinners, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the social side of English country life.

Hunting

Foxhunting in the English Countryside

Hunting is at the heart of the English sporting tradition and a highlight of our Cotswolds experience. The trip includes two full days in the hunt field, offering riders the rare opportunity to experience this centuries-old equestrian tradition firsthand.

We are delighted to offer two distinct ways to experience the hunt, allowing each rider to choose the adventure that feels right for them.

For those looking to embrace the full sporting experience, our jumping field offers the opportunity to ride forward across the countryside and jump traditional English hunt fences, including the iconic hedges that make hunting in England so distinctive.

For riders who prefer a more relaxed introduction to the English hunt field, our non-jumping field provides the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, tradition, and camaraderie of the day without jumping any obstacles. It is a wonderful way to experience the atmosphere and spectacle of the hunt while taking a more leisurely approach.

Whether you choose to jump the traditional hedges or follow the field at a quieter pace, both experiences offer a memorable glimpse into one of England’s most enduring equestrian traditions.

The English Equestrian Experience

This trip is about more than riding.

It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions and culture surrounding English horses—from hunting and racing to country pubs, afternoon tea, tweed, historic estates, and village life.

There will be plenty of time to relax together, explore the countryside, enjoy long dinners, and experience the social side of the English equestrian community.

Social Guests

Bring a Guest Along

We have a limited number of spaces available for our riding guests to bring along a spouse, partner, friend, or family member to share in this unforgettable week in the Cotswolds.

While social guests won't participate in the riding activities, they are welcome to join in the many other experiences that make this trip so special. Guests can enjoy the beautiful countryside, country activities, meals, afternoon tea, pub visits, Cheltenham Festival, and the social side of the trip alongside our riding guests.

Social guests may also have the opportunity to follow along on hunting days by car, experience the atmosphere of the hunt, and meet the riders at designated locations throughout the day.

It's a wonderful option for those who would love to share the experience of an unforgettable week in English horse country—even if they don't ride.

Social Guest Availability & Pricing
Social guest participation is available on a case-by-case basis and is subject to availability. Please inquire with us regarding availability and pricing for social guests, as the cost will depend on the activities and itinerary included.

What's Included

• 7 nights accommodation
• All meals
• 5 days of riding
• Pub hack
• Cross-country clinic
• 2 days of hunting and cap fees
• Side-saddle lesson
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Afternoon tea
• Kennel tour
• Cheltenham Festival Ladies Day
• Packed lunches on riding and hunting days
• House dinners and pub meals
• Transportation to scheduled activities
• Horse hire and riding arrangements
• Hunt arrangements and support
• MRC trip coordination and guest support

The Experience

This trip is designed for riders who want more than a traditional riding vacation.

It is a chance to live the English equestrian lifestyle for a week—to ride across the Cotswolds, hunt with hounds, visit country estates, drink wine in village pubs, dress for the races, learn something completely new, and spend a week surrounded by horses and fellow riders.

From the first pub hack to the final day at Cheltenham, this is an unforgettable introduction to the traditions, landscapes, and culture of English horse country.

Rider Level- Minimum 3a with advanced open space experience

This trip is designed for experienced riders comfortable riding in open country and at varied gaits and with jumping experience. 

Riders should be confident at the canter and capable of riding independently in a group in open space.

MRC will work with each rider in advance to ensure they are appropriately matched with a horse for the week's activities.

Travel

Guests will fly into London, with group transportation arranged to the Cotswolds. Transport to all activities is included as well as return transfer to London on departure day.

Detailed arrival and departure instructions will be provided before the trip.

Come Experience English Horse Country

Beautiful horses. Historic countryside. Hunting. Side Saddle. Racing. Shooting. Country pubs. Afternoon tea. And a week spent immersed in the traditions of English equestrian life.

Join MRC for the quintessential English riding trip.