Vacations for Horse Lovers

Do you love to ride horses? There is a vacation for that.

“When one embarks on a vacation specifically to horseback ride—a multi-day horseback riding vacation—they should understand that the main focus is riding,” said Julie Snyder, an affiliate of Travel Experts in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She is the travel consultant for Equitrekking Travel and owner of Travel Equerry, an upscale equestrian trips business a for the luxury market.

“There are some exceptions, of course, but since one rides an average of six hours per day, there isn’t a lot of time for additional sightseeing beyond what you see from the back of a horse. However, what a way to sightsee.”

Available in destinations like Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Spain and Portugal, horseback vacations are a great way to see the world.

“A great destination for horse lovers is Ireland,” said Tammy Shamblin-Renie of Red Parrot Travel in Longwood, Florida. “There is The Irish National Stud and Gardens which is Ireland's thoroughbred horse industry. It is the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public and offering daily tours. For clients that are all in for horses, there are equitours with multiple days of lessons, riding, and comradery with other horse enthusiasts.”

Snyder loves riding the Connemara Trail in Ireland.

“This trip used to be for the level of strong intermediate at a minimum, but they recently changed their policy to take all levels," Snyder said. This ride is an immersion into the wonderful Connemara County of Ireland, with its mountains and beaches, but most importantly, it is led by the legendary horseman, Willy Leahy, who is a great historian and quite a character. He has led every one of his rides for the past 40 years.”

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There are many trips that can be combined with non-riders, who basically will sightsee, golf, fish or bike while you ride.

“And then meet back at the accommodation for dinner,” said Snyder. “One of my favorite rider/non-rider combos is the Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Trek, where a rider and hiker meet each night at the lovely eco-friendly lodges, moving towards Machu Picchu, with the amazing citadel their reward and destination.”

The experience you need on the vacation really depends upon the ride.

“It is very important to work with a travel professional, preferable an equestrian travel specialist, to fit you into the proper ride,” said Snyder. “Some rides take complete novices and offer a combination of training and trail riding. For beginners, Castle Leslie in Ireland offers a fantastic five-night “Learn to Ride” castle stay program.”

Snyder also advises novice riders to start taking lessons at a local barn or equestrian center before their travels and get in shape: “The latter is so very important. Many people incorrectly perceive horseback riding to be easy, just sit on the horse and hang on. In reality, you use every muscle of your body, and flexibility and a high aerobic capacity are important. The riding-on-riding vacations are nothing like the nose-to-tail riding you might have experienced on a short trail ride while on vacation.”

If you’re a more advanced rider, Snyder emphasizes that it’s important to consult with an equestrian travel specialist.

“Everyone perceives an advanced ride differently. Some people think that every riding vacation labeled intermediate and above riders only, will have them galloping all over the country at a breakneck speed," she continued.

"While there are some rides that indeed do that, just as many don’t, and the advanced level is required to pick over precarious mountain trails, slowly. An equestrian travel specialist can guide the traveler towards the correct ride based on their requests and level.”

Later this year, equestrian lovers might also want to try a vacation in Tryon, North Carolina, home of the 2018 Equestrian Games from September 11-23.

“One of our clients refers to Tryon as ‘the Disneyland for horse lovers,’” said Elyssa Antonelle, owner of Let’s Adventure Travel in Long Valley, New Jersey.

“It’s a vacation spot that offers various cultural activities such as museums, festivals, and fine dining, in addition to all the riding/equestrian activities. Tyron is a small town of about 2,000 residents and dubs itself as the friendliest town in the south. It comes to life during the Equestrian games when the daily attendance can reach up to 50,000 visitors. Being a spectator during the Equestrian Games is a horse lover's dream.”

Synder said that there are so many wonderful rides out there to try on vacation. “Since a riding vacation is often a lifelong dream for my customers, it is my mission to precisely match each rider to their perfect ride.”

For more information on the 2018 Equestrian Games, visit https://tryon2018.com.