Hyde sheep and beef farmers Stephen and Michelle Holland have added horse trekking as a new income stream on their property, motivated by the desire to share the breathtaking views with the public. Their adult children’s positive feedback after a ride on the property led Mrs. Holland to launch the sideline business, which has generated interest from horse owners looking to ride in a safe and scenic environment.
The Hollands have installed a marked track on their farm, upgraded a stone hut, and built facilities for horse owners to stay and ride on their property. Despite the added admin work of opening their farm gates to the public, the couple finds satisfaction in seeing people enjoy their land. They welcomed about 13 riding groups over the summer season, with riders seeking a slow-paced trek to enjoy the views and each other’s company.
Mrs. Holland, who has fond memories of riding on farmland as a youngster, aims to improve the business for the next season by focusing on social media and marketing. The couple plans to continue offering a unique experience for horse owners, catering to different levels of riders and fitness of horses on their diverse property.