The stable
Riding in the area
Falster's large forests with marked routes, jumping tracks and carriage tracks, coastal forest by the Baltic Sea and country tracks right around the farm.
Falster is a good place to keep a horse. Here is a selection of the rides, from the short round on a weekday evening to a whole day out with the trailer and a packed lunch.
Hannenov Forest from Festpladsen
Hannenov and Ovstrup forests are Falster's large state forest and the obvious ride. The forests lie about 6.5 km from Eskilstrup, and at Festpladsen (the festival ground) in Hannenov Forest there is parking for horse trailers and a toilet. From here the marked bridle routes of about 7, 8 and 15 km begin. They are marked with a post with a pictogram at the start and numbered posts along the way.
The routes were made in cooperation with Hannenovskovens Hestelaug (the Hannenov Forest horse guild). Everyone may ride in the forest for free, but a membership of the horse guild supports the upkeep of the paths, and the guild organises group rides. According to legend, the ellefolk - elf folk - live in Hannenov: if you lose your way, turn your jumper inside out.
The jumping track
If you want to train, Hannenov has a jumping track and bridle routes with natural obstacles. Here you can practise for a hunt ride or an endurance ride, or just pick up a bit of speed. Only jump where you know the ground on the landing side.
Virketvoldene and the old oaks
A ride through history: Virketvoldene (the Virket ramparts) in the forests are a rampart complex from the late Iron Age, about 400-800 AD, enclosing roughly one square kilometre. Saxo mentions it in 1158. At Slentevej there are three ramparts, almost 40 metres wide. In Ovstrup Forest there is a stand of oaks planted in 1836. Riding is not allowed on the ramparts, burial mounds and other ancient monuments, so enjoy them from the track.
Carriage driving
If you drive rather than ride, Hannenov and Ovstrup have driving tracks for four-wheeled carriages and trotting routes for two-wheeled carts. The forest roads are also a workplace for large machinery, so be ready to give way or turn around.
Corselitze and Hesnæs by the Baltic Sea
A day trip with the trailer: in eastern Falster the Corselitze forests run down to the Baltic Sea at Hesnæs and Tromnæs. There are marked bridle routes, and from 1 September to 30 May you may ride on the open beach. The same riding permit is valid in Hamborgskoven and Toreby Skov.
A riding permit is required, either a day pass or an annual pass. Prices and purchase are on corselitze.dk. Riding is allowed from 7 a.m. until sunset. During the buck hunt in summer the hours are shorter, and during driven hunts from October to January riding is forbidden where signed.
From the farm
The short ride on a weekday evening follows farm tracks and small roads around Byskov. As a rule you may ride on private shared roads in the open countryside, unless the owner has put up a sign forbidding it. You must never ride across fields or along field edges without permission. Ask in the stable - the others know where the good routes go.
Good manners on the ride
- Ride in single file on the middle strip of the gravel roads, not in the wheel ruts, and never at a gallop on the roads.
- Come down to a walk in good time when you meet walkers, cyclists and other riders, and say hello.
- Keep away from footpaths, paths for people with disabilities, fenced plantations and ancient monuments.
- Do not ride into water or bog. Soft ground can cause serious tendon injuries.
- Bring a headcollar and lead rope if the horse is to be tied up. Never tie up by the reins.
Indoor arena and lessons
If you want to train indoors in winter, Nykøbing Falster Rideklub has an indoor arena and offers facility cards to outside riders. There are also riding clubs in Stubbekøbing and Sakskøbing.
Vet and farrier
You choose your own vet and farrier. We are happy to share experiences with the local ones - just ask in the stable.
Sources: Naturstyrelsen, Ridning og kørsel i Hannenov og Ovstrup skovene, and the nature guide to Hannenov and Ovstrupskovene · Det Classenske Fideicommis, corselitze.dk. Routes, prices and rules may change - always follow the signs on site.