TRANS WALES TRAILS

                     Welcome to the world of horse-back travel
                      35 Years of the Best Trail Riding  

OUR TEAM    RIDING SKILL    HORSES    PETS    INSTRUCTION    ACCOMMODATION    JACUZZI    MEALS    CLOTHING

The Turner family has run Cwmfforest Riding Centre since 1970 and has developed a range of fully inclusive quality riding holidays for capable adult riders.  We offer a friendly greeting,  log fires, comfortable bed, wholesome traditional fare and a trustworthy Welsh Cob to carry you to the back of beyond. 

Our Team:  The Cwmfforest team consists of Paul and Julie, Michael and Maria and Rowena Jenkins when she is not busy with her real job in Cardiff!

Paul Turner (photographed with Magic) took the business over from his dad, Michael, several years ago.  He takes the majority of the TWT rides throughout the summer on his darling, Blondie (the one in all the pictures!!).  Paul lives year round for the Team Chasing season, and is always on the lookout for a speedy Thoroughbred.  When not trail riding you may find him jumping Magic or Murphy, usually behind a video camera; breaking in young-stock or in the office.   He can be reached at  paul@transwales.com

Julie Black (The Scottish one) has been at Cwmfforest since November 2003 and now only works part time.  Julz turns her hand to whatever needs doing, be it taking rides, driving the tractor or cooking for guests (in Maria's absence).  When not riding her Precious you can find her in the office tinkering with the website and doing general officey things.  You can reach her at julie@transwales.com or trixntwelv@yahoo.co.uk

Maria Turner (originally from Bavaria, Germany) is the mother of the house and keeps the place ship shape.  She is nearly always be found in the kitchen preparing something delicious for dinner, whilst listening to the Radio.  Maria is Michael's wife and has run the Cwmfforest guest house since it was opened in the 70's. 

Michael Turner set up Trans Wales Trails in 1970 and has been busy keeping things perfectly organised ever since.  He now leaves the running of the business to Paul, but is always on hand to make sure everything is just how he likes it.  Mike does not ride much these days although keeps busy with maintenance projects and renovations!  You are likely to find him in his very own pub, "the rams head", or the cow shed as Maria likes to call it.

Rowena Jenkins has been helping at Cwmfforest for many years throughout the summer season.  She now has a full time job in Cardiff, although occasionally you will see her at weekends to take out rides when Paul or Julie are away.  She has a soft spot for Cardi (Jiggly Puff), Blondie's wee brother!

Riding Skill:  It is not necessary to have a high technical knowledge but we expect guests to be able to ride in a balanced manner as this is helpful to the horse and safer for the rider. In general, rider fitness and the key to comfort and the thrill of adventure will always justify the effort.  We do not cater for complete beginners.   Outdoor riding is very different from that of a riding arena.  The terrain is not flat so we use several techniques that riding schools will not cover in regular lessons.  We will of course fill you in on the best way to ride in the mountains, helping you to ride in a more balanced manner.

The Horses:  We have a herd of about 60 Welsh Cobs and crosses, most have lived on the farm since foals. They are selected for temperament and character.  Size ranges from 14 to 16 hands.  We breed our own replacement stock and every year there are new arrivals on the farm.  Our horses are very reliable, friendly and sure footed, guaranteed to give you an excellent ride.  Our saddles are the very comfortable endurance type.

Pets:  We have 2 friendly Jack Russells, Ellevis (who is female just to confuse everyone) and Eltrix.  We have 2 cats, Tippy and Winston.

            Ellevis                                      Eltrix

Instruction:  This will include an introduction into the management of your own horse for the duration of your holiday, grooming, tacking up and general horsemanship.  Having ensured you’re safely mounted and well suited to your equine partner, we head for the hills!  You will quickly learn to trust your horse and the experienced guide.  Scrambling up and down hills, cantering along narrow rails, jumping small logs and streams (optional), your balance improves to the point where you forget you are in the saddle.

Accommodation:  All of our trails spends some time at our comfortable farmhouse.  The TWT an NPT spends nights away from the farm staying at quaint guest houses and hotels located along the route of the trail.  Rooms are booked on a shared twin basis, unless doubles or singles are  specified at time of  booking.  Single room supplement may be payable.

Jacuzzi:  We have a Jacuzzi at the farmhouse for you to ease off your well worked muscles in after a long days riding.  So don't forget your costume!!

Meals:  We have a superb reputation for some of the finest food to be found anywhere on a horse riding holiday.  All meals are fully inclusive in your holiday and, if staying at the farmhouse, are cooked by Maria or Julie.  Please notify us when booking if you are Vegetarian or Allergic to any food. 

Clothing:  Warm comfortable and windproof clothing  is vital for mountain riding. Unless you are ‘calf-hardened’ it is wiser to bring long riding boots or half chaps. Jodphurs, Breeches or tight fitting jogging trousers (tights/long-johns in cold weather) are a must.  Jeans are not to be worn whilst riding.  We advise everyone to come equipped with a long coat as this will keep you dry and also our saddles too!!   Hard hats are essential and must fit properly.  Gloves and neck towel are a useful addition to normal riding gear.  Don’t forget casual wear for the evenings and house shoes/slippers for indoors!

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Last modified: 08-01-08

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