HAY, here’s an idea for holiday-seeking animal lovers — a night spent sleeping in a stable next to a horse.
Guests can bed down beside a Friesian breed or a Shetland pony at a family-run equestrian centre from £350 a night.
For that, up to three people get a pad to live and sleep in — separated from their “equine companion” by a see-through room divider.
From a top bunk, they can stroke or chat to their neighbour — while a gate lets them through to groom or feed them.
Experienced riders can also take a mount for a run on the beach at Grange-over-Sands in the Lake District.
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Tracey Alexander launched Stable Stays at her family’s farm in nearby Cartmel after a “light-bulb moment”.
It followed an off-the-cuff remark about their listed barn and being able to sleep beside a horse.
She said: “We have very friendly, people-orientated horses, so we thought we could set up a glamping-type unit in the barn.
“We’ve had some great feedback. Everyone who has stayed has loved it.”
A number of her Friesians — powerful black horses that originate in the Netherlands — and her miniature Shetland Pony, Mr JB, take part.
She said: “The Friesians love people and they love that interaction — it works well for the horses and the people.”
