Medieval castle ride in Italy – Castello di Santa Cristina
Live La Dolce Vita at a unique riding holiday based at a medieval castle, exploring ancient trails, vineyards, medieval villages and the beautiful Italian countryside
Horse Riding Holidays for Intermediate Riders
We consider riders to be intermediate if they have been riding for a while, have a good understanding of the basic aids and are balanced in the saddle. You are confident controlling a sensible, responsive horse at walk, trot and canter, including outdoors, but may not yet be used to riding for several hours at a time or at faster paces.
Intermediate riders are ideally suited to many of our horse riding holidays, from scenic trail rides and lodge-based stays to more adventurous riding experiences. If you are a novice or intermediate rider, we don’t recommend choosing a ride that is too challenging. You might become anxious, lose your confidence or hold up the rest of the group. But if you trust our team of experts to guide you to the right ride for your riding level, you’ll be able to gain so much confidence in the saddle during your horse riding holiday! If you have any doubts, then our lodge based rides are often the best place for your first horse safari, and we can guarantee you that it’s addictive!
Remember that riding outdoors can feel very different from riding in an arena or on familiar trails at home. You may encounter uneven ground, hills, water crossings and other natural obstacles, so being balanced and able to adapt to changing terrain is important. This is all part of the adventure, and riding somewhere completely different is one of the great joys of a riding holiday.
It is also important to be realistic about your current ability, whether you are newer to riding, or if you have not ridden regularly. We will always recommend a ride that matches your current ability. This means you can relax, enjoy the adventure and make the most of your time in the saddle.
If you are a fit and confident intermediate rider who is comfortable spending several hours in the saddle, there are also longer trail rides and more adventurous holidays to consider. With the right ride, you will not only discover incredible landscapes and horses, but return home with even more confidence and unforgettable memories.
Explore rides for intermediate riders
Loire Castle – France on Horseback
Explore the Loire Valley on horseback, passing magnificent châteaux and beautiful French countryside.
Short riding holiday in Italy – Castello di Santa Cristina
Spend four nights in a medieval castle, riding ancient trails through the Italian countryside and soaking up the magic of rural Lazio.
FAQs for Intermediate Horse Riders
An intermediate rider is comfortable walking, trotting and cantering on a sensible, responsive horse and has a good understanding of the basic aids. You should be reasonably balanced in the saddle and confident riding outdoors.
Yes, but it depends on your fitness and experience. If you are used to riding for several hours and are comfortable in varied terrain, you may be ready for longer trails. Otherwise, a shorter or more flexible riding programme is usually a better choice.
Some intermediate riders are comfortable cantering in open spaces, while others are still developing their confidence. Faster-paced rides require a good level of balance, control and riding fitness, so we will always match you to a holiday that suits your current ability.
It can be. Natural terrain may include uneven ground, hills, water crossings and obstacles such as branches or loose footing. You need to be able to adapt your balance and riding to the environment rather than relying on a predictable arena surface.
Often, yes. Some holidays can accommodate different riding abilities within the same group, while others may split riders according to experience. We can help you find a trip where everyone in your group gets the most from their time in the saddle.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WORLDWIDE HORSE SAFARIS
HORSE RIDING HOLIDAYS FOR INTERMEDIATE RIDERS