Combine your love of horseback riding with your next vacation, from trail riding to horseback tours of exotic locations.
When planning your next vacation, why not combine it with one of your favorite things? Horseback riding! There are many options which combine travel and horses - some provide the horses while others allow you to bring your own along. You can do anything from basic trail riding to visiting a dude ranch to full-fledged horseback treks across the country - any country.
So where do you begin? Since there are so many choices available, the experts recommend that the first step should be to determine what you actually expect from your vacation. For example, are you already an experienced rider, or do you want instruction, either in general horsemanship or a certain riding discipline like dressage? Do you need a horse, or do you want to take your own with you? Once you reach your destination, do you want to participate in activities besides horseback riding? What kind of accommodations do you prefer - modern conveniences or a camping setting? Finally, would you rather stick close to home or see an exotic locale?
Determining your expectations first will help to narrow down the list of choices. From there, you need to be sure that you know exactly what you're getting before you book a reservation. One question that is good to ask first is whether there are horses to fit your skill level, and if the rides will progress at the proper pace for you. If you are bringing your own horse, you need to know ahead of time what supplies are provided and what you need to bring with you. You may also want to ask about the normal weather conditions during the time you will be visiting.
One group that offers "worldwide riding holidays" is Equitour. Their "Destination Map" includes Northern Ireland, Kenya, and Australia. In addition, they offer instructional programs in locations such as California, Ireland, Scotland and Portugal.
Another feature is their "Out-Of-The-Way Destinations" for "people who will invariably choose destinations so far off the beaten path that it ended miles back" Choices include "The Ride to the Sea in Namibia", "Malawi's Mpherembe Trails", "Chile Glacier Rides" and "Arctic Summer Sun Trek in Finland."
Equitour states that most arrangements include full board, meaning breakfast, lunch or a picnic, and dinner. Drinks are usually not provided. Accommodations vary from "luxury hotels to small rustic inns and tents", and showers and toilets must sometimes be shared.
If you're interested in finding out more, contact Equitour Worldwide Riding Holidays at P.O. Box 807, Dubois, Wyoming 82513.
If Australia is your destination of choice, EquiTrek Australia may be for you. Their trips include various destinations around Australia, including the Outback, farmstays and cattle droves. They offer "adventure, companionship, beautiful scenery and physical, mental and emotional involvement in the environment."
For more information, contact Equitrek Australia, 5 King Road, Ingleside NSW 2101.
An excellent source for ideas is "The Horse Lovers Vacation Guide", a book that lists vacations by categories in both Western and English disciplines. There are lists for trail rides, bed and breakfasts, youth camps, cattle drives, corporate retreats, dude ranches, working ranches, resorts, tours, learning vacations, and National and State Forests and Parks. Museums, libraries and attractions are also highlighted, as well as overnight stabling accommodations for traveling with your horse.
"The Horse Lovers Vacation Guide" can be purchased through Riding Vacations, Inc., P.O. Box 502, Richfield, OH 44286.
