At Crooked Birch we pride ourselves on our Horses. As anyone that has ever been close to Horses knows, they all have a character, and boy have we met some characters in our time. From memories of our first ride, our first pony, the first of the seven times you are supposed to fall off before you become a rider to the time our Horse embarrassed us in front of all our friends by stopping at the first fence, we know that Horses affect our lives forever. Our Horses are like family, each with their own charcter and story to tell and in the making of this website and its pictures and the Brochure for Crooked Birch they have given their all and been very patient at times while the right picture is captured! Our experiences with Horses have enriched our lives and it is part of this feeling that drives us to extend a warm welcome to you to come to Crooked Birch and experience The Ride of Your Life.....

We do everything to ensure that the friend you bring for the duration of your stay or just for one Ride gives you memories that you will never forget. Through our experiences with Horses we have combined all our knowledge to select the right Horses for you to Ride. All are tried and tested because on many occassions you will have to put your trust in them to truly experience the stunning views that the surrounding fells have to offer.

We would like to introduce you to some of our lead Horses that you will see during your stay. Each have a story to tell, just like all of us do, and without them this wouldnt be possible.

Many horse owners and riders talk about ‘the bug’ that you catch once you start to ride Horses. I began riding at the, some would say, late age of 12 years old, when, one day out of the blue I asked my mother to teach me to ride on our old 18.1 hands high Chestnut gelding ‘Spider’. Ever since that day, and the ensuing gallops down stubble fields, I was bitten by a bug that would lead me into leaving school the following year to begin training at Arena UK, and to competing across Europe, and eventually, to accomplishing my dream of competing in the Young Riders Championship at The Horse of The Year Show at its true home, Wembley arena in London. With support and training from my parents, both life long Horse lovers with considerable experience, I continued to compete nationwide and internationally at junior and senior level.

My relationship with horses has influenced my life in ways in which some people may never imagine. I left school at 13 and went on the travel across the country weekend after weekend and to Belgium, France and Ireland. When ‘normal’ teenagers where studying for GCSE’s I was riding a string of 5 horses and helping to manage 20 others. In 2001 I took the step of returning to college where I obtained a GNVQ and 3 A Levels.

At times, when competing at a high level, my relationship with horses became more a business affair and it has to be said, the enjoyment and fun gave way to considerable pressure. Of course, with hindsight I realise that everyday was the best moment of my life, because of the horses which it revolved around.

In 2004 my family and I relocated to Cumbria where I rediscovered the ‘bug’ In a way that I could never have imagined. I remember the first time that I set eyes on Beacon Tarn and the breathtaking view. In a moment I realised that this is what riding horses is all about, just you, your horse, and the open bridleway; Truly a ride of discovery across some of the most beautiful terrain a horses hoof has set foot on. I cannot describe what I see through my Horses ears. The feeling of riding in this countryside cannot be put into words, and so, I wont even try, instead, I will extend a warm invitation to you to come to Crooked Birch and experience, what I and my family consider to be, the most beautiful riding country in England.

Whether you are coming for a magnificent riding holiday or just for a weekend break to enjoy the walks and surrounding attractions, my family and I truly look forward to seeing you at Crooked Birch

Gareth Da’Bell

The Ride of My Life