The New Forest National Park has long been one of the most sought-after destinations for riders, with its extensive bridleway network, open heathland, and ancient woodland offering some of the finest hacking in the country. For horse owners, though, finding holiday accommodation that caters for both guests and their horses can be a real challenge.
Short Stay Homes offers a solution, with selected properties featuring equestrian facilities, grazing paddocks, and direct access to New Forest riding routes. A recent guest review highlights just how well this works in practice.
What Did Guests Think of Their Equestrian Weekend?
In May 2026, three friends booked one of our New Forest properties for a riding weekend with their horses. The experience exceeded their expectations. The property offered a comfortable bedroom and bathroom layout that worked perfectly for their group, with enough space for everyone to spread out and relax after a day in the saddle.
One detail the guests particularly loved was being able to watch their horses grazing from the property itself, a lovely touch that gave real peace of mind throughout their stay. Before arrival, the Short Stay Homes team arranged a site visit so the guests could check the equestrian facilities and feel confident everything would be suitable for their horses. That level of personalised support made the whole process straightforward and stress-free.
Which Properties Offer Horse Friendly Accommodation in the New Forest?
Two of our New Forest properties are particularly well suited to guests travelling with horses, each offering paddock space, stabling, and direct access to the National Park’s bridleway network.
Arniss Farmhouse, Godshill
Arniss Farmhouse is a 19th century farmhouse in the quiet hamlet of Godshill, accessed down a private lane and sharing its enviable position with a working riding and livery stables. The property boasts a superb location with direct access to the New Forest and breathtaking views of open countryside.
For riders, there is a one-acre paddock with a single stable available at £150 per horse, with direct rides out into the New Forest from the property. The adjoining equestrian facility means your horses are in excellent company, and the surrounding countryside provides a beautiful setting for hacking. The farmhouse itself accommodates up to 12 guests, with an additional en-suite bedroom annexe and a Shepherd’s hut bringing capacity to 16.
The open plan layout, with its wood burning stove, dining area seating 12, conservatory, and large well-equipped kitchen, makes it a wonderful base for groups of riding friends or extended families. Five bedrooms across three floors offer flexibility, and there are plenty of en-suite bathrooms to go around. Outside, you will find a BBQ and patio, private gardens, a fully enclosed dog-proof paddock, and ample parking for vehicles and trailers alike.
Mews Hill, Fordingbridge
Mews Hill is a modern chalet-style property sitting within its own extensive grounds in the New Forest National Park, accommodating up to 11 guests. For horse owners, there is an adjoining two-acre paddock with stables for up to two horses, available on a DIY basis at £100 per horse per week.
The paddock adjoins a bridleway which gives access to an extensive network of bridleways throughout the National Park, making it ideal for New Forest riding holidays. The property itself has been constantly updated and improved to provide five-star accommodation. Five bedrooms are spread across two floors, including ground floor options with en-suite facilities.
The lounge features a wood burner perfect for cosy evenings after a long ride, and patio doors lead to a conservatory that captures the sun all day. Outside, there is parking for up to five cars with space for trailers, a substantial double games garage with table tennis and table football, and enclosed gardens with seating for 11.
How Does Short Stay Homes Support Equestrian Guests?
Finding horse friendly accommodation is one thing, but feeling confident that the facilities will work for your horses is another. Our team understands that bringing horses on holiday involves careful planning, and we are happy to help guests ensure everything is suitable before they arrive.
Whether that means arranging a pre-arrival site visit, answering detailed questions about paddock fencing and stable setup, or simply talking through the logistics of getting horses settled in, we are here to make the process as smooth as possible. The May 2026 guest review is a lovely example of this in practice, with the guests praising the team’s proactive approach and willingness to go the extra mile.
Why Choose Short Stay Homes for Your New Forest Riding Holiday?
Short Stay Homes owns all of its properties directly, which means you will not pay a booking fee on our website, with best rates guaranteed. Both Arniss Farmhouse and Mews Hill welcome dogs, so you can bring your four-legged friends along too. Every stay includes a wonderful welcome pack with Prosecco, locally produced treats, and a Go New Forest discount card for use with participating local businesses.
If you are planning a riding break and would like to know more about our equestrian facilities, please get in touch. Contact us today – we would love to help you plan the perfect stay.
