How To Find & Prepare For A Riding Holiday
With the incredible scenery, exhilarating canters, fresh air and fantastic cultural experiences, a horse riding holiday is unlike any other trip you’ll take. If you’re thinking about booking one but have no clue how to go about it, here’s my five-step guide to getting started:
Step 1: Choose your location
Ask yourself, where in the world would I love to explore off the beaten track? What cultures or languages am I interested in? And what kind of scenery is most likely to take my breath away? Do I want to see lots of wildlife? You will also need to consider the type of riding on offer in different places. For example, if you choose a beach destination, it would be reasonable to expect long(ish) canters along beautiful shorelines, ocean walks and maybe even swimming with horses. In the mountains, I’d be prepared for rocky terrain, and to ride up and down steep hills for panoramic views, as well as therapeutic hacks through forests (with river crossings and the like). Some areas might have villages, towns and historical sites or bridges. Riding in the desert is likely to be windy and include long, fast canters — not for the faint hearted. In the bush I’d also expect to ride fast and free, with some twisting and turning through trees and plenty of game viewing.
What location might take your breath away?
Step 2: Decide if you’re going alone or with others
A trip with friends or a partner can be wonderful, but bear in mind that for a riding holiday, you’ll normally (though not always) need to be riders. If you have riding friends that want to go with you, an exotic equestrian escape would be a fabulous experience to share, especially if you’ve signed up for some cinematic scenery. However, if you can’t find anyone to join, or if you’re looking to push yourself to do something brave, an all-inclusive riding holiday is also the perfect choice of trip. Not only is it probable you’ll spend your days and evenings in a small group of like-minded travellers, but you should also have your guides (and the horses) to keep you safe and entertained. Subject to you choosing a great location and holiday company, I’d expect to return home happy, revitalised and having made some lovely new horsey friends.
Step 3: Find the right holiday company
Finding the right holiday company is vital for your safety and overall enjoyment of the trip. You’ll want to choose a place with a good reputation — that’s well known for its safety standards, professionalism and attention to detail, and where the horses are loved, well trained and cared for. Also consider if you want mid-range or luxury, as not all riding holidays are five-star. I think the best way to find a good company is to get recommendations from friends or on Facebook groups, or to go through a riding holiday agency who will have tried and tested the rides and be able to match you with your perfect hosts.
Step 4: Get riding fit
I would very much recommend getting riding fit before you go on your equestrian adventure. Not only will you feel more secure and confident on your horse, but you’ll reduce your risk of injury and hopefully feel a little less stiff or sore after those long days in the saddle. You could try yoga or other fitness classes, strength training or cardio — basically anything that will help you to feel more toned, flexible, energetic and mobile. Of course, taking riding lessons or getting out on the trails regularly in the weeks or months leading up to your trip is also super important — nothing can prepare you better for a riding adventure than lots of riding.
Step 5: Plan ahead and pack appropriately
Don’t forget to check the weather before you go so you can pack the right gear.
When preparing for your holiday, it is crucial to think ahead and check the weather, not only of the country you are visiting but of the specific location you are riding in. Mountain weather can be more extreme and vary even throughout the day. Seasons can change abruptly from one week to the next. For milder/colder weather, among other things I would recommend lots of layers, wool socks and a pair of very warm gloves, plus at least two coats and a rain jacket. For hot and sunny climes, I’d suggest two pairs of sunglasses (I have lost/broken many pairs), thin riding leggings or riding tights, and plenty of lightweight shirts or tops that let the air in, with long sleeves to protect your arms. Of course you’ll also need your riding hat, boots and/or chaps and a body protector if that’s what you normally wear. And don’t forget suncream, mosquito repellent and dioralyte or its equivalent. You’ve been warned!
So that’s it, all you need to get started in finding and preparing for your amazing riding adventure! Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter below for more lifestyle and travel tips. And if you’re interested in adding some yoga to your riding holiday, keep an eye out for our upcoming riding and yoga retreats.
