How My Life Changed After I Discovered Riding Holidays

I started riding when I was about 8 years old, by the footsteps of the pyramids of Egypt, as my family and I had moved there for a few years back in the 90’s. Growing up in this environment gave me an early taste for adventure, and little did I know, it would shape my outlook on life for many years to come. During my childhood, we moved to many different countries, and I would very often take riding classes in each city that we lived in. Every summer, I would beg my parents to send me to horse camp in Normandy, in the North of France. I always loved going to horse camp, despite being a very quiet kid who had a hard time making new friends, but it was my escape, my happy place, where I could connect with horses at a deeper level than simply the occasional lesson during the weekdays.

As I grew up, and I moved to London for work, I wanted to continue riding, often squeezing in a lesson on weekends after a long week at work. However, I felt that those lessons were too short, and they often left me wanting more.

Riding in Wales: UK; My very first riding holiday!

A Revelation:

At the time, I enjoyed disconnecting from the city life and going away on solo trips during my weekends to discover small towns around England. I would also try to research equestrian centers on my itinerary so that I could incorporate some riding into my trips. One day, while researching places to visit for the weekend, it came to my realization that it was possible to plan a holiday around a specific activity. The day I discovered riding holidays changed my life forever. I changed my outlook on things and decided to plan my travels around specific destinations including riding holiday packages, where horseback riding, accommodation and food were included, rather than trying to incorporate a riding activity in an otherwise planned vacation. Planning trips and itineraries around equestrian adventures became my favorite past time, as I started to incorporate equestrian experience in all of my travels. I decided to research different destinations and tried different disciplines: From galloping in the Welsh mountains with wild ponies, to trekking around the desert in Morocco, I was hooked. My vacations would never be the same, as I chose to spend every single day I could afford riding on these holidays.

It came to my realization that riding holidays can suit all types of riders. From the aspiring showjumper, to the equestrian enthusiast who recently picked up riding, these holidays are an amazing opportunity to disconnect from your daily routine, discover new cultures, and improve your riding skills while having fun and making new friends!

For anyone who is considering booking a riding holiday in the future, I wanted to share my two cents:

Tips To Consider Before Booking your Next Riding Holiday:

• Treat it like a project: What is your budget? What do you want to achieve during this time (relaxation, skills development, discovering a country on horseback?). Don’t forget to research your destination and learn as much as you can about its customs before you get on that flight!

• Bring your own riding gear: I recommend at least bringing your own helmet, breeches and boots. While most riding centers will provide basic safety equipment, it is always more comfortable and convenient to have your own!

• Get fit! If you have booked a holiday which includes a few hours in the saddle, this can be quite physically demanding. You want to make sure you to get fit in advance by doing exercises before your riding holiday, including biking, running, swimming, etc.

• Bring appropriate clothing: If you are planning on going on a trek, make sure you bring enough warm clothing, as well as sunscreen and mosquito repellent depending on your destination and the season you intend on traveling.

• During Covid times specially: Make sure to book a travel insurance! Most travel insurances will provide coverage for riding activities, however there are a few specific ones depending on your country. Be sure to check the cancelation policy with the riding center. Most will now agree to a flexible booking and reimbursement in case of travel restrictions given the current state of uncertainty.