Finding the Right Horse Riding Holiday for You
Choosing the Right Horse Riding Holiday for Your Riding Level
Finding the right horse riding holiday is about more than choosing a destination. You also want to make sure the riding is suited to your experience, confidence and fitness in the saddle. Whether you have been riding since you could walk or are relatively new to the sport, there are brilliant options for every level. From relaxed centre-based holidays and scenic trail rides to dressage, cross country and faster-paced riding adventures, there is plenty to choose from.
We always like to have a chat with you before recommending a holiday. It gives us the chance to find out a bit more about your riding experience, the type of riding you enjoy and what you kind of riding holiday you’ve been dreaming of. The more honest you are about your ability, the easier it is for us to find the right match.
The important thing is finding a holiday that feels right for you. You want to come home feeling like you have had an adventure, not like you have spent the week trying to keep up or holding everyone else back. Below, we have outlined each riding level to help you work out where you fit. And if you are still not sure, don’t worry. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Not Sure Which Riding Level You Are?
It is common for riders to over or underestimate their own ability, esspecially if it has been some time since their last riding holiday. If you are still unsure where you fit in with these riding levels, don’t worry about getting it exactly right before you get in touch, we’ll help you find the perfect adventure!
Speak to one of our team and we will help you find the horse riding holiday that matches your riding level.
How We Define Riding Levels
We group riders into four riding levels to help match you with the right holiday: Novice, Intermediate, Intermediate Plus and Advanced. Your riding level is not simply about how many years you have been riding. We also look at how regularly you ride, your current riding fitness, how confident and balanced you are in the saddle, and how comfortable you are riding different horses and in different environments.
If you are a novice or intermediate rider, there are plenty of holidays where you can relax, build your confidence and enjoy being in the saddle without feeling out of your depth. This could mean shorter riding days, gentler terrain, smaller groups or the opportunity to have lessons alongside your riding. You might be hacking through vineyards in Tuscany, riding along the coast in Andalusia or enjoying a relaxed stay at a riding centre in the UK.
More experienced riders have a wider range of options, including faster-paced trail rides, challenging terrain, dressage holidays, cross country escapes and long days in the saddle. These holidays often require a good level of riding fitness, balance and confidence, particularly when riding forward-going horses over uneven ground, through water or across open countryside.
Many of our horse riding holidays are also ideal for mixed groups. You might be travelling with riders of different abilities, or with a partner, friend or family member who does not ride at all. Some holidays can cater for different riding levels within the same group, while others combine riding with plenty of other activities, so everyone can enjoy the trip in their own way.
