Heavenly Devon

Not just a holiday hotspot, Devon is also a horsey haven, says Becky Murray, where riders are spoilt for choice with beautiful countryside and equestrian property to suit all budgets. What's not to like?

- Becky Murray

THEY say variety is the spice of life, and that’s just what Devon has to offer with its miles of coastline, medieval villages and wide expanses of open moorland – not to mention the much-loved Dartmoor pony. England’s third-largest county, which is home to the English Riviera, draws tourists from far and wide, and it’s no surprise its vast farmland and open space also makes it a popular area to keep horses.

Nick Henderson, managing director at Mansbridge & Balment, explains that while the coasts tend to attract more buyers compared to other areas in the county, it’s the draw of endless off-road riding that’s the pull for equestrians.

“For many, the driving factor to living in or moving to Devon is the outriding, to get onto that open moorland and away they go. You can appreciate why they’d want that,” he says. “Once you get onto Dartmoor itself, really, you’ve got 368 square miles to enjoy.”

One Devon-based equestrian who makes full use of her surroundings is liberty trainer and award-winning filmmaker Emma Massingale. Emma is based in Torridge, north Devon, and is known for her adventures with her diverse, talented team of equines. Whether she’s out filming in remote locations or taking clients on rides across Dartmoor, Emma says she’s out “adventuring every week”.

“We have the coast, stunning farmlands, woodlands, beaches, and then we have Exmoor and Dartmoor, which are riding paradise,” says Emma.

“Devon is probably one of the most exciting counties there is, it’s never boring.