Netherlands - Friesian Beach and Forest Ride

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from CW of COCKERMOUTH on 24/10/2024

This destination is very flexible and the daily itinerary depends on the guests wishes. You will be given an outline program on booking. For experienced riders this usually consists of 3 X 2hr trail rides, one 3 hr and one 4 or 5 hr ride. The horses have one rest day each week. Breakfast is served between 8.30-11am. Guests then ride in either the morning or the afternoon. The rest of the time could be spent exploring the island on the many hiking or cycle trails, going mudwalking on the ocean floor (a UNESCO world heritage site), or even oyster tasting. All riding is included, but lunches and dinners are not. This allows guests to choose from one of the many restaurants on the island, or self-cater in their apartments fully equipped kitchen.

Sample Itinerary

The day begins with an extensive buffet breakfast including coffee, fruit, yogurt, cereal, ham, cheese, eggs and so on. After breakfast you'll head to the stables to meet the horses and head out on a ride. This could be through the forest, across a nature reserve or cantering along Europe's widest beach, depending on the day and weather conditions.

During the trip the riders have the chance to try several horses and find their favourite. Guests ride for 13-14 hours in total over the week, enjoying the beautiful landscape through the cranberry fields, woods and endless beaches. Options for bareback riding and swimming with the horses (July/August) are possible for experienced riders. In the evenings guests eat dinner at one the island's restaurants; recommended is the ultra-fresh fish and seafood. Relax in the apartment or head to a local bar for a drink. A hot tub is available for those who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of a relaxing soak.

In June and July the hosts offer swimming with the horses in the North Sea. Riders must have at least 5 years riding experience.

Transfers are not included an it is recommended to rrange these privately through a local company, Van Der Pol.

Non-riders and other activities:
Donkey walks - A donkey is a great companion for young and old while walking through these landscapes. It will happily carry a well-filled picnic basket or a child. Pack a picnic, or have it provided by your hosts. Their donkeys are sweet, affectionate, eager to learn, loyal and strong. There are several beautiful walking routes from 2.5 hours to a full-day trip.
Covered wagon rides - Explore the island from the west, to the Boschplaat nature reserve. Enjoy the changing scenery of forest, dunes, cranberry fields, mudflats, beach. Boschplaat, the coachman, tells his passengers about the history and customs of the island. Wagons are accessible for disabled and wheelchair users (please indicate in advance). There are fleece blankets for when it is a bit chilly and in winter the cart is heated and you sit on warm, soft sheepskins.
Mudwalking - Stroll across the ocean floor, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the mudflats. Suitable for families with children aged 6 and over, this unspoilt natural landscape offers oyster tasting, mussel fishing and crab spotting.
Alternatively, spend a day relaxing on the shores of this beautiful island or soothing any aching muscles in the hot tub available at the stables.

Sightseeing the 55 m high lighthouse Brandaris, the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands, and dates back to 1594. It can be found in the West Terschelling area. 

During the Oerol culture festival, the entire island of Terschelling transforms into a stage - with theatre plays and concerts, and accompanying exhibitions.

In the Boschplaat nature reserve in the east of the island of Terschelling, there are unique plant species, butterflies and an enormous in-house bird colony. The Wrakkenmuseum Terschelling shows various findings that come from over 150 shipwrecks discovered in the waters of the Terschelling coast. Sailing and kite surfing are popular on the island and can be booked.

The Terschelling Bunker Museum, open from April to October, allows a look into four bunkers from the Second World War.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There are 31 horses available for guests, 22 of which are Friesians, with 6 shires and 3 Fell ponies. All are well adapted to the varied terrain, extremely gentle and well-mannered and fit for the trails. The horses live in a herd year-round, making them friendly and reliable riding horses. Riders head out in small groups in a different direction each day which could be through the dunes, forests or along the spectacular long, sandy beach, riding & in small groups of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 horses, alternately in walk, trot and canter (walk and trot only for beginner riders). The guides are local and experienced and all speak Dutch, English and some speak German.

No leather gear is used on the farm due to the effects of wind, water, and salt; all the equipment is made of plastic. Expect English synthetic saddles and bridles.

Beginner trails include 2 hours of riding through dunes, cranberry fields, the Boschplaats nature reserve, and beach suitable for inexperienced riders all year round. Expect a riding pace of walk and trot and the chance to join an evening ride which includes a campfire, marshmallows and drinks. Advanced riders can choose from several itineraries all of which include riding at a faster pace, from a 2-hour beach and dune ride to a four-hour trip to the iconic Drenkelingenhuisje (shelter for shipwrecked people) on the north-east coast of the island. During July-August, you can also try swimming in the sea on horseback in small groups of 3 people. This is for advanced riders who are happy riding bareback to the beach. A lifejacket and wetsuit is provided.

The horses here can carry between 90kg and the larger horses up to 120 kg. Based on the weight and experience of the rider, your hosts will select a suitable horse for you. All riding levels can be catered for as groups are split according to ability and beginners are paired with suitable horses. Riding hats are mandatory and are available to borrow in a variety of sizes.

Children of all ages can ride depending on ability.

The weight limit for this ride is 264 lb/120 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Stay in self-catering apartments close to the host's farm which is located in the village of Oosterend; a unique location for nature lovers and families. The apartments include comfortable beds, a fully-equipped kitchen with stove, kettle, refrigerator, freezer and microwave. Bathrooms include a toilet, walk-in-shower, and hairdryer. Apartments also have flat screen TVs and radio/CD/DVD player and WIFI. Breakfast is included in the stay and is available in the on-site restaurant each morning.

Meals: Breakfast is available between 8-10am each day. Self-cater lunch and dinner in the apartment, or head to one of the many restaurants and cafes on the island. One of the local specialties is cranberries which grow on the island. Try the cranberry tea or cake with cranberry compote in one of the many restaurants on the island (e.g. in the Bessenschuur, Badweg 1, West Terschelling). Around the famous Brandaris lighthouse (in the West Terschelling area) several restaurants where you can get freshly caught North Sea fish.

This is a great location for families with children who will enjoy the numerous farm animals and the trampoline. A cot and highchair is available if required. Parking is available at the apartment and there is a good bus connection to the bus stop next to the farm. The Boschplaat nature reserve, the polder, the dunes, the Wadden Sea and the North Sea is all within a 5 to 10-minute walk from the apartment. Children may also like to help with bringing the donkeys to and from the stables/pasture.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures

Everyone over the age of 14 is required to show a valid identity document on request Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Netherlands.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/netherlands

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Terschelling has a maritime climate. Because the islands are separate from the mainland, the influence of wind and sea is stronger. Due to the temperature of the sea, in the spring, rainfall is limited. In the autumn, the heat from the sea then provides extra rain. Although the warm months are drier than other areas in the Netherlands, the temperature is also lower. The sea breeze ensures a cool breeze.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the Netherlands and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.


There are no known specific health issues associated with travel to the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Cameras and phones can be charged at the farm, and on each evening. Your accommodation is equipped with Wifi. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of he group to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a small heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Windproof jacket
- Waterproofs
- Rubber boots / waterproof short boots
- Clothes and shoes for wearing while in the stables and on the farm
- Woollen socks
- Swimwear
- Small backpack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities

Provided by hosts
- Riding Helmet

This is a 8 day/7 night programme available all year round with any day arrivals

2025: Available year-round with any day arrivals
Season A: 6 Jan - 10 Feb
Season B: 10 Feb - 20 Mar
Season C: 20 Mar - 13 Jun; 10 Oct - 3 Nov
Season D: 23 Jun - 4 Jul; 25 Aug - 22 Sep
Season E: 4 Jul - 25 Aug
Season F: 22 Sep - 10 Oct

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Terschelling is known for its beautiful and especially varied nature and nature reserves. The island has about 400ha of forest (mainly conifers) and there are more than 600 different plant species. Birds also love it on Terschelling and you will see them all year round. At least seventy different species of birds can be found in the Boschplaat nature reserve. Mammals are slightly less represented although occasionally young seals can be spotted on the beach.

If arriving out of hours the reception will be closed but there will be instructions in the window. There is a spar two villages over as well with restaurants in the next villages.