When confronted by the daunting task of choosing from the many riding holiday offers, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information that you are presented with on the internet. But have no fear, as long as you follow these ten guidelines then a wonderful, and memorable break is practically guaranteed!
1) Remember to book your holiday through a trustworthy and established tour operator.
This will ensure that your holiday flows as smoothly as possible, as you know that your holiday of choice has been tried and tested by the experts. Although it can be tempting to save some money by booking on line, a tour operator offers financial security, so if the hotel or stables that you have selected goes bust, you won’t lose all of your hard earned money!
2) Check that the stables where you are going have fully qualified, professional staff.
There is nothing worse than going for a riding lesson or expedition with an instructor or guide that isn’t properly qualified, and in other words just doesn’t know their stuff. Not only is it dangerous to entrust your wellbeing to a person that has little experience, it will also detract from your holiday experience.
3) Choose a holiday that is suitable for your standard of riding.
This is a very important one, as despite the fact that it can be both embarrassing and difficult to swallow your pride and admit that perhaps you’re not quite as good at riding as you had thought you were, it is essential when planning a successful trip. No one will judge you as a person on how good at riding you 
a
re, you are on holiday to enjoy yourself, not to prove yourself as a rider. Only book rides and lessons that you feel confident taking part in, and if it seems like it might be a little bit too intense, the chances are it will be, and you are risking both your safety and your enjoyment.
4) Make sure that you choose which time of year that you go on holiday very carefully.
The fantastic thing about equestrian holidays is that they are not bound by seasons as is common with many other types of holiday, so there is no pressure to pay ludicrous prices for flights and accommodation during the peak summer months. A hot, sweaty ride is not always pleasant, so remember to take into account the fact that a cool spring hack may be much more appealing than roasting both yourself and your horse, just because it’s the summer holidays!
5) Be sure to pack the correct equipment and clothing
With the frantic, panicky experience that it last minute packing, it can be very easy to forget the bare essentials, and even though you would never think of going for a ride without a hat, boots or gloves when at home, it may slip your mind abroad. Just remember to bring a suitable pair of shoes with a solid heel, a properly fitted riding hat, comfortable trousers and some lightweight gloves and you’ll be ready for anything!
6) Make sure that you find suitable holiday insurance
It may seem obvious now, but when you’re actually in the process of organising the fine details of your holiday such as insurance, it’s easy to become distracted by various bargains and savings, causing you to neglect the most apparent of things. Check carefully that the insurance that you have selected covers accidents and mishaps when riding horses, as if the worst happens and you become injured in any way then the last thing that you want is for your insurance to fail you and to be confronted with a large medical bill as well as a ruined holiday!
7) Be aware of your personal fitness
This one’s another slightly embarrassing guideline, as horse riding may not seem like the most strenuous of activities, but if you aren’t up to it physically then it can be a daunting and gruelling task. You must be honest with yourself, and if you feel that you are not in the best shape, then don’t cancel the holiday, just exercise a little, until you feel confident in both your riding ability and your fitness.
8) If you’re not travelling alone, choose a holiday that suits your family as well as it suiting you.
Even though it can be nice to get away from your life at home and have a break in relative solitude (at least as far as your family are concerned!) if you choose to go away as a group, then make sure that the holiday suits everyone. It is very easy to find beginner riding courses for those of you who are less confident in your riding ability and if riding doesn’t suit one of your loved ones, then many equestrian holidays offer alternative activities.
9) Take your safety very seriously!
When travelling abroad it is sometimes very easy to forget that the dangers that you encounter at home are still apparent, and just because you’re there to have fun doesn’t mean that you’re invincible! Ride carefully at all times and do not be tempted to show off to fellow holiday makers or family members, and enjoy yourself responsibly.
10) Put plenty of time aside for relaxation
This may seem like a very obvious point, but it’s much easier than you would think to book yourself too many activities and put too little time aside for relaxation. Although it is enjoyable, horse riding can also be strenuous, so don’t feel pressured to spend every minute of every day on a horse. Just because you are on an active holiday, don’t feel embarrassed or guilty for sitting by the pool or enjoying a long lunch followed by a siesta!
Date posted. 29/07/2008