Hacking can be glamorous — as 20 horses and riders proved when lining up for a luxury fun ride around the grounds of a countryside hotel in Essex.
Riders were encouraged to ‘dress for the occasion’ in their finest and most fashionable attire for the Glow Well Ladies and Gentlemen’s Hack, which took place at Down Hall Hotel and Estate for the third time. Riders also had the opportunity to partake in a photoshoot in their finery in front of the hotel ahead of the ride.
The best turned out prize was awarded to Ami Clarke in her elegant wine-red concours d’elegance outfit with her coloured gelding Puzzle (pictured above with Tilly Lee on Peaches). Ami received a signature Mini Windsor handbag, courtesy of the CEO of Fairfax & Favour.
Participants rode in pairs or trios and were encouraged to ride at a leisurely pace as they followed a 5.5 mile marked trail through parts of the hotel’s 110-acres of woodland and open fields. There were opportunities to trot and canter as well as optional cross-country jumps.
Food and music
Riders were treated to brunch before setting off and enjoyed afternoon tea and live jazz on the terrace on their return while the horses received carrots from the Down Hall Kitchen Garden.
The Down Hall Hotel Ladies and Gentlemen’s Hack is the brainchild of Camilla Sheeley of Glowments Wellness Events who partnered with Down Hall to create the ride which ran for the first time in 2023.
The event was sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds, British Horse Feeds, Cavvalure, Hunt & Hall and Animall, and riders received a goodie bag before they headed home. Baileys Horse Feeds provided a weighbridge which was well-received and also offered nutritional advice.
“I’ve attended multiple years, I always stay for afternoon tea and I’ve booked again for next year. I didn’t think it could get any better, but somehow it does,” said participant Terri Lord.
Next year’s event will take place on Monday 31 August 2026.
Images © Elizabeth Ebsworth, Sekhar Abraham & Olivia Rose.
