Your self-catering cottage at Burnbrae Holidays is a great base for immersing yourself in the Scottish Borders’ rich equestrian culture, which dates back to the days of the Reivers, cross-border raiders who were active from the late 13th Century.
Each Border town has its colourful annual civic festival, with horse ‘rideouts’ forming the central part of the celebrations, as the principals lead cavalcades of riders around the local area, echoing a centuries old tradition of checking the boundaries are safe from raiders.
Kelso Racecourse, just down the road from Burnbrae, is known as ‘Britain’s Friendliest Course’, if you fancy a wee flutter. But if you want to get in the saddle yourself, there’s Nenthorn Equestrian centre right next door to Burnbrae and many others throughout the area.
Every year, in May, the region hosts the Borders Festival of the Horse, with around 40 events over 11 days. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even meet the Reivers in person at Hawick’s Reivers Festival, held every year in March, which brings this turbulent period of equestrian history to life with reenactments and processions around the town.
Useful links to horse events and riding in the Borders
COMMON RIDING FESTIVALS THROUGHOUT THE REGION
KELSO CIVIC WEEK Is an annual event the 2nd week in July and includes a raft race, sports, gymkhana, concerts and common ridings.
KELSO RACES from September to May each year
SOUTH OF SCOTLAND COUNTRYSIDE TRAILS(SOSCT) 350km of routes developed specifically for horse-riders and walkers
HORSE RIDING ROUTES AND TRAILS IN SOUTHERN SCOTLAND
Countryside Trails for you and your horse
NENTHORN EQUESTRIAN CENTER link to riding center next door