2016 Goal – Try a Holiday on Horseback

 

There’s no better way to shake off a gloomy winter than by booking a holiday. From North Africa to Europe, it’s easy for anyone who loves anything and everything equestrian to add some horseback riding into almost any trip.

Would you like to experience something more than a beach holiday? Enjoy a trip that offers something more for horse lovers who seek a memorable experience with a new four-legged friend. Of course, if your travelling companions aren’t such horse-fanatics, there’s still plenty of reasons for them to visit these particular places, many offer opportunities for non-riders too.

Morocco

 

 

WhereZouina Cheval, Ouarzazate, Essaouira or Agadir.

Morocco is such an incredible introduction to the freedom of riding. You’ll discover beautiful sandy beaches, gorgeous countryside and be sure that wherever you trek you’re guaranteed beautiful scenery.

Activities – providing treks ranging from one hour to a full day with a picnic, or if you want to include horse riding into your entire holiday, you can do a seven night itinerary.

Recommended trek – discovery of Sidi Kaouki. This ride lasts two days including one night camping and offers sensational trekking opportunities, touring some of the most spectacular countryside in North Africa. You’ll continue through villages en route to Sidi Kaouki where you’ll stay overnight. During the trip you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and your evening meal will be served freshly cooked in a traditional berber tent.

The horses – all the horses here are Arab Barbs and they’re all stabled in individual spacious stalls allowing them to relax in between rides.

France

 

Where – Ride In France , Loire Valley.

Ride In France offers itineraries all over the country and looks after riders of all abilities, whether you’ve only just started riding or if you’re experienced, there’s a trek for you. France is fortunate enough to be able to access a wide variety of excellent terrains that afford stunning scenery and fantastic riding.

Activities – it would probably be so much easier to say which activities Ride In France don’t include as they have so many, but highlights include beach riding tours, riding in the snow, weekend treks and gourmet and wine tours.

Recommended trek – Historic Castles Horse Ride in the Loire Valley. The trek welcomes confident riders who ride regularly as the days on horseback are long. You’ll stay in beautiful guesthouses and hotels en route for the week long trek. The journey will encompass some of the most important Renaissance castles which we’re sure will please any history buff. Experiencing all this on horseback is sure to be unforgettable.

The horses – they’re a mix of Anglo-Arabs, French saddle horses and French trotters that are reliable and safe to ride.

Spain

 

WhereIn The Saddle, the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Trekking here is at a fast pace so you need to be an experienced rider. There are so many different routes to trek. Ride through centuries-old herding trails to high summer pastures that will fulfil all horse rider’s dreams.

Activities – In The Saddle offers four treks in this region of Spain, depending on what type of adventure you’re looking for and offers real trail riding where you travel a new route to a new destination each day.

Recommended trek – Fresh & Saltwater Trail. Take a steady trek through the peaceful forests and then go on to experience an adrenalin filled- fast pace ride with long canters and gallops through the wide lowlands of the river Fluvia. Enjoy treks through some of the most beautiful Spanish countryside and enjoy something special – swimming with the horses.

The horses – most of the horses are Andalusian and Spanish and are ridden in English or Spanish tack.

Whatever the occasion we hope that if you do decide on a horse riding holiday, it’ll be a holiday to remember. Maybe you could combine it with a relaxing holiday – you could have a week horse riding with a week on the beach. Whatever you decide we want to make you aware that horse riding is classed as a high-risk sport so it is advisable to check with your insurance to make sure it’s included.

Which is your favourite place to trek? Post us your pictures in the comments below

Would you like to try another sport on holiday? Then have a look at all runDisney has to offer.