Louise Booth
Host of Logie Newton Farm, Lodges and Events
I think it is safe to say that it is every horse owner’s dream to wake up, open the curtains and see their four legged equine companion happily grazing in the field in front of them.
I know this was one of my dreams as a child. I also loved the idea of horsey holidays. I wanted to go away with the family for new adventures but I really didn’t want to leave my horse behind.
This desire for a lovely holiday alongside amazing facilities for my horse was influential in designing the Logie Newton Lodges Holiday With Your Horse Experience, here in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire.
Aberdeenshire is an incredible part of Scotland and not only does it have many fantastic horse facilities, it also has lots of exploring potential. Here are our top 11 reasons why you should holiday with your horse in this beautiful part of the world.
1. Scenic riding trails
Aberdeenshire has many picturesque routes from countryside trails and woodland paths to golden coastal beaches. You can expect breathtaking views of Aberdeenshire’s rolling hills, scenic landscapes and majestic coastline.
Logie Newton Farm itself has over 10km of grass tracks either through our enchanted forests or around the perimeter of our arable fields – perfect for exploring on your horse holiday. You are guaranteed spectacular views and to see a variety of wildlife.
For those who wish to venture further afield, you have the choice of
- Grass tracks at the likes of The Southside Ride, near Inverurie.
- The various North East Forestry Commission woodlands such as Bennachie, the majestic 9 peak hill in the centre of Aberdeenshire.
- The golden beaches of the likes of Balmedie Beach where you can enjoy exhilarating horse rides, feeling the salty breeze and splashing through the waves with your equine friend.
The diversity of the terrain which includes forests, moors, farmland, and beaches offers varied and exciting experiences for horse and rider alike.
2. Sunset and sunrise rides
Sunrise is my favourite time of day to be out exploring with my Highland ponies. The golden hues immediately before the sun comes over the horizon are not to be missed.
3. Historic Landmarks
Embark on horseback adventures on your horse riding holiday to visit ancient castles, stone circles, and historic sites, immersing yourself in Aberdeenshire’s rich history and heritage.
Aberdeenshire is home to 263 castles and you can explore some of their grounds, such as Fyvie Castle, Delgatie Castle and Haddo House on horseback.
On the farm here at Logie Newton you can:
- ride up to the top of Kirk Hill for 360 degree views of Aberdeenshire.
- ride past the Kirk Cairns which comprise of three whitequartz stone circles which date back to the Bronze Age.
- take a trek over the farmland that was once home to 10-15,000 soldiers on one of the most northerly Roman Camps in Europe.
4. Local Equestrian Events
We have a vibrant equestrian calendar here in the North East of Scotland with regular affiliated and unaffiliated competitions being held, such as show jumping, dressage, showing, working hunter and trec, to name a few.
The main competition venues are:
- The Cabin Equestrian Centre, Inverurie – approx. 40 minutes drive from Logie Newton.
- Ladyleys Equestrian Centre, Oldmeldrum – approx. 30 minutes drive from Logie Newton.
- Tillyoch Equestrian Centre, Aberdeen – approx. 1 hour drive from the farm.
- Bogenraith Equestrian Centre, Banchory – just over an hour’s drive from the farm.
Maybe your horse is not one to settle at the hustle and bustle of a horse competition venue and instead you would prefer to keep them somewhere local and travel back and fore to the venue on competition days? Logie Newton has been set up with you in mind so you can use us as a base and compete with a happy equine.
Throughout summer we have many local agricultural shows with horse and pony classes. Our local agricultural show is Turriff Show which is held at the start of August. Turriff Show is the largest 2 day agricultural show in Scotland and the second largest Scottish agricultural show, after the 4 day Royal Highland Show at Ingliston.
5. Training Facilities
Take advantage of horse training facilities and arenas available for hire in Aberdeenshire, offering opportunities for schooling, clinics, and workshops with experienced trainers.
In addition to the competition venues mentioned above, who all hold various training events too, there are the following:
- Team Padfield X-Country course at Inverurie is available to hire with an instructor.
- Across the road from Team Padfield is The Southside Ride which also has a x-country area available to hire with an instructor.
- Ardmedden Equestrian and Livery near Oldmeldrum which runs various clinics, has a cross country training area and an 8km farm ride.
6. Wildlife Encounters
Spot wildlife such as deer, swans, birds, and rabbits while riding through Aberdeenshire’s countryside.
There’s such unique opportunities for wildlife watching from horseback. You just never know what you might see around the corner and we highly recommend you take the time out hacking to absorb and enjoy the beauty around you.
For those visiting Logie Newton, the tracks through our 65 acres of native woodland on Kirk Hill are a hotspot for catching a glimpse of the wild roe deer. You may even be lucky to experience them grazing in the fields in front of your lodge.
At Logie Newton you are guaranteed to see multiple pheasants on your adventures but can you spot the rare white pheasant? Next to our pond is a popular spot for not just catching a glimpse of a white pheasant but one which has a red head too!
7. Relaxing Retreats
Unwind and relax in peaceful rural surroundings, enjoying the tranquility of the countryside and the soothing rhythm of horseback riding.
Then once you finish your ride for the day and your horse is happily grazing in the field, you can:
- relax on the decking of your lodge with our favourite local tipple in hand and take a moment to appreciate where you are
- have a soak in the hot tub under the evening skies
- Fire up the barbeque and sample some if the local quality produce
- Book a massage with Karen from the Therapy Barn for you or your equine companion
- Organise a relaxation session with our onsite Wellbeing Guru Gillian for some reiki, EMMETT or EFT/tapping
Holidays with your horse can be luxurious!
8. Local Cuisine
It is a must while visiting Aberdeenshire that riders sample the delicious local cuisine and traditional dishes, whether at your accommodation or local pubs and restaurants, savouring the flavours of Aberdeenshire’s farm-to-table fare.
It may not be the healthiest of options but we do recommend starting your day with a North East butterie (also known as a rowie or Aberdeen rolls). They have the fat content of a croissant but are flatter, less flaky and more salty. Here at Logie Newton we love to get ours from Thorneybank Farm Shop. When we get home, we pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm through and then serve them with local jam or honey.
We have an array of fabulous farm shops in Aberdeenshire which enable members of the public to support the local farmers directly and to be guaranteed produce which has been produced locally to a very high standard. We truly believe these are the best places to grab some of the local cuisine to enjoy on your holiday and chances are you can grab some locally grown carrots for your horse too!
9. Connecting with your horse
Taking your horse on holiday is the perfect opportunity to be able to spend relaxing quality time together. Whether you are out on adventures, grooming in the stables or chilling in the fields together, this quality time can help strengthen the bond you have.
You may even wish to take this further by booking in treatments for you and your horse. This could be a massage with the likes of Karen from the Therapy Barn or a session of Reiki, EMMETT or EFT/Tapping with our onsite Wellbeing Guru Gillian.
10. Memorable Experiences
Create lifelong memories with your horse in Aberdeenshire, bonding over shared adventures and unforgettable moments in this beautiful corner of Scotland.
As well as the memories you will both have, you can help prolong these by organising a photo shoot for your stay with Sian Lyon of JUMPAPhotography.
11. Horse Friendly Accommodation
There are various places in Aberdeenshire where you can take your horse on holiday with you:
- If you are looking for somewhere next door to the beach there is Butterywells Farm, near Balmedie.
- For onsite training facilities you have Ardmedden, near Oldmeldrum.
- Cushiestons Shepherds Hut, near Inverurie, offer holidays with our horse where you can either stay in their Shepherd’s Hut (sleeps 2) or you can stay in your horsebox as hook up is available.
We know that when it comes to owners and their equine friends, that it is the horse accommodation that always comes first. Here at Logie Newton, we are therefore creating a home-from-home experience so that it is a holiday for you and your horse.
Each horse who visits Logie Newton Lodges will have it’s own 20mx40m individual post and rail fenced paddock situated in front of the lodges and it’s own 12’x12’ stable. Biosecurity is a main focus for us so we will be working a strict clear stable policy between guests.
For safety and security, you will also have your own individual lockable tack locker to store your treasured tack and horse belongings as well as onsite parking for your horse transport.
As you can see, Aberdeenshire has a vibrant equestrian community with lots of options available for the equestrian enthusiast looking to holiday with their horse. The variety on offer means that you can bring your horse on holiday to Aberdeenshire safe in the knowledge that both horse and rider can be entertained for the duration of their stay and can create memories that will stay with them for life.
Plan your unforgettable equine adventure in Aberdeenshire today! Book your stay at Logie Newton Lodges and experience the perfect holiday for you and your horse.
