Choosing a Horseback Riding Vacation
How to Select an Equestrian Vacation in the U.S. or Abroad
Feb 20, 2009
There are two ways to book an equestrian vacation: Either directly through the horseback riding facility facility, or through a packager.
The advantage of packagers is that they handle everything, including the riding lessons and the accommodations and meals (although airfare and transfers may be separate). And they vet the facilities. They can also run interference if the promised thoroughbred turns out to be a 20-year old nag.
The downside: The cost is higher (sometimes multiples higher) to book with a packager than to book directly, especially in countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. Unfortunately, some facilities may have exclusive deals with American packagers, whereby they agree not to accept any direct bookings from Americans.
Types of Equestrian Vacations
Sometimes it seems that there are as many types of trips as there are riders -- Hunter-jumper classes in Ireland, dressage in Spain, desert safaris in North Africa, cattle roping in Wyoming.
- Horse packing trips are overnight expeditions, where riders sleep in (usually comfortable) tents and (usually) have meals prepared for them in the field. They may involve several hours of trail riding each day. Riders may assist with packing and other camp chores. Instruction is generally minimal, but all levels of riders can be accommodated.
- Day rides: The trip is based out of a hotel or B and B, and each day, the group rides on a different trail. In some cases, riders may move from hotel to hotel.
- Formal Lessons: These programs often take place in upscale European facilities and include lessons from renowned riders, including Olympians and famous trainers. There is usually a scheduled lesson time (group or private), and there may also be practice time for ring-work and dressage, as well as the occasional trail ride.
- Dude Ranches: These introduce riders to a working western ranch. Riders may learn skills such as cutting and roping. Trail rides are part of the program as well.
Questions to Ask Before Booking an Equestrian Vacation
Having decided on the type of equestrian vacation, riders need to select a destination, and then run a search of companies that offer trips. It's also important to do some due diligence to make sure expectations are met.
- How much riding time and lesson time is actually provided? Ask specific questions; Very often the actual riding time is less than expected (or advertised). Are lessons private or group? If group lessons, how big is the group? Do riders have practice time in a riding ring? Trail riding time?
- What, specifically, is included? Lodging, meals, airport transfers, gear? Be sure to compare apples to apples when comparing the cost of different packages.
- Ask for references from satisfied customers. But don't stop there: Also go on equestrian message boards and ask questions. Chronicle of the Horse has an active forum where many people share their experiences with different packagers and facilities.
- What level do you have to be to benefit from the trip? Some trips are appropriate for beginners; others require riders to be competent at all gaits outside of a contained riding ring. If in doubt, ask.
- Advanced riders who book trips involving lots of trail riding should be sure that they will be able to leave the line to trot and canter. Some companies do not permit this, which is entirely understandable from a safety perspective -- but terribly frustrating for an advanced rider.
- Always pay with a credit card. If something goes wrong in the booking, most credit card companies offer some recourse.
An equestrian vacation is a big-ticket investment. Following these steps to choose the right horseback riding trip can help ensure it pays off with the adventure of a lifetime.
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