Horse Riding Holidays

The main formats are: single-base trail riding (you return to the same accommodation each night and ride out into the surrounding landscape each day), point-to-point or hut-to-hut trips (you move between locations on horseback, carrying kit or with luggage transferred), riding tuition holidays (structured lessons in an arena or on the trail, focused on improving technique), ranch holidays (working ranch life, often in North America or South America, with cattle work and wide open terrain), and riding safaris (East or Southern Africa, on horseback through wildlife areas). Most beginner and intermediate holidays are single-base as it’s the most manageable format when you’re building confidence.

A hack (also called a trail ride in North America) is a ride out from a stable, usually for an hour or two. A trek implies longer days in the saddle across more remote terrain, typically over multiple days and potentially with overnight stays either camping or staying in trail huts. On a riding holiday, you’ll usually do a mix, with shorter hacks earlier in the week while you find your feet and longer rides as your confidence builds.

For beginner trips, no. You’ll spend time getting comfortable with the horse before you ride, learn the basics such as how to control your horse, how to sit properly in the saddle and build from there. For intermediate trips, some experience is expected so check the individual trip description for what’s required. Ability requirements vary more on riding holidays than almost any other activity.

Most riding holidays use three or four tiers: beginner (little or no experience, walk only), novice (walk and trot, building confidence), intermediate (comfortable at all paces including canter) and experienced (confident in open country, capable of handling a forward-going horse). Definitions vary between operators, so if you’re unsure where you sit, it’s worth contacting the company before booking — they’ll ask the right questions to place you correctly. You’ll have more fun being the strongest rider in the group than the one who’s out of their depth.

Riding uses muscles most people don’t train specifically such as your inner thighs, core and lower back, so even reasonably fit people find the first day or two tiring. For beginner trips, general fitness is enough. For intermediate trips, reasonable cardiovascular fitness helps if you’re covering several hours daily. If you want to prepare specifically, core and glute work in the weeks before will make a noticeable difference to how quickly you find your seat. If your trip involves stable work too, you’ll need to ensure you also do some strength work too. Expect some saddle soreness early in the week regardless, it passes quickly.

On a single-base trip, days follow a similar rhythm: time with the horses in the morning, a ride out lasting anywhere from two to five hours depending on the trip and your ability level, and an afternoon to recover, explore or do another activity. Evenings are sociable: groups are small and the shared experience generates good conversation. Shorter rides at the start of the week give way to longer, more ambitious ones once everyone’s settled in.

Long fitted trousers are essential, jodhpurs are ideal but anything with stretchy fabric works. Avoid jeans or anything with a hard seam if you can as it will dig in. Footwear needs a small heel to stop your foot sliding through the stirrup – ankle boots or short riding boots are best. Layers on top, since you’ll warm up once moving but cool down during breaks. A riding helmet is provided, but some riders prefer to bring their own for fit. Gloves are also essential, reins rub easily, especially when you’re learning or when your hands get cold or wet.

It’s more common than you’d think, and good guides expect it. Say so upfront and the guides will match you with a calmer horse. They’ll also give you time on the ground with the animal before you ride. Horses are sensitive to tension, so the goal is to help you relax before you get in the saddle.

Most people who arrive nervous leave wondering why they waited so long. If it’s a real concern, look for trips that include ground time and horsemanship alongside the riding, rather than heading straight out on the trail.

Yes – riding holidays suit solo travellers well. Groups are usually small, the shared experience creates easy conversation, and there’s something about spending time with horses that brings people out of themselves fairly quickly. Single-base trips also mean you’re not navigating logistics, and a guide manages the ride so you can focus on enjoying it.

English riding, the style used across Europe, uses a smaller saddle, lighter contact with the reins and a more upright position. Western riding, developed for working cowboys in North America, uses a larger saddle with a horn, a looser rein style and a more relaxed seat. Neither is harder than the other, just different. If you’re booking a European riding holiday, you’ll be riding English. Ranch holidays in the Americas will almost always be Western.

It depends what you’re after. Ireland, Scotland and Wales are well established for pony trekking – they’re accessible, with good infrastructure, dramatic landscapes and options for all abilities. Spain and Portugal offer drier conditions, long riding seasons and strong equestrian traditions. Iceland is in a category of its own, riding Icelandic horses across volcanic terrain and through rivers is unlike anywhere else in Europe. Further afield, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Patagonia suit more experienced riders looking for genuine expedition riding. Most destinations work well for beginners as long as you choose the right trip format.

In Europe, late spring and early autumn are generally the best windows. The temperatures are comfortable, the ground conditions are good and there are fewer crowds. Summer works well for higher altitude destinations and northern Europe, where long daylight hours make for exceptional riding. Iceland is best from June to October. Destinations in Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean can get very hot in July and August, which is hard on both riders and horses. For year-round riding, look to the Canary Islands or further afield – southern Africa and South America have distinct seasons that flip from the northern hemisphere, making them a solid option in European winter.