Advice from People That Take Riding Holidays Abroad

Vixxy

Vixxy

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I am mulling over some possible new business ventures and wondered if you would be so kind to tell me a bit about your previous holidays (or one that you would wish to go on).

Where did you holiday?

Why did you choose that specific destination?

How did you find out about the holiday?

Did you use an agent/bureau or source the holiday directly?

What do you look for in the perfect riding holiday?

'The Biggie' - Would you consider a riding holiday in Norway and if so why?

Huge thanks to all those that help. Virtual Norwegian coffee and a waffle with sour cream and blueberry jam coming your way :D
 
I have recently had a lovely riding holiday :) to answer your questions:

- Portugal
- I chose the destination mainly because the holiday was marketed as something that was suitable for novices and the holiday was a present for a friend of mine who hasn't ridden for 10 years
- I found the holiday by googling "horse riding holiday"
- I used Equestrian Escapes who were absolutely brilliant, I would most definitely use them again.
- I think it very much depends on where you are with your riding, how confident you are etc etc. Because this holiday was a present I needed somewhere that would provide a few lessons for my friend to get back into the swing of things also most importantly have some quiet horses for her to gain some confidence on. The best thing about the holiday for me was hacking through the miles and miles of beautiful Portugal countryside!!
- I absolutely would consider a riding holiday in Norway - it sounds fantastic! In fact my friend who I took on my last one is Norwegian so if you need any Guinea Pigs let me know :D !!
 
Iceland - I chose it because I had always wanted to ride an Icelandic horse and being able to do it in their beautiful homeland was the icing on the cake. I don't know if it's anything like what you're considering, but for what it's worth, I would love to try a similar experience with Norwegian Fjord horses!

When I went I had just turned 18 and it was my first holiday alone. I had recently received some inheritance from my Great-Grandpa and used some of the money to fund the holiday after discussing it with my family. We concluded that as an old army boy who loved travelling, Great-Grandpa would have loved to have seen me spend some of the money on the holiday of my dreams!

I Googled "riding holidays Iceland" and ended up booking a package (flights etc) through Discover the World, though the actual riding tour was with Ishestar, who I would consider booking through directly if I were ever lucky enough to go again.

My perfect riding holiday would be with great people and great horses/ponies in a beautiful place, preferably with an opportunity to do something I have never done before (for example I had never ridden an Icelandic horse or bathed in a hot spring before I went). The most important thing for any holiday is creating wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Yes, I would definitely consider holidaying in Norway - I love the Nordic countries and have visited Finland, Sweden and Iceland, though only ridden in Iceland, so Norway is high on my list of places to go... Just need that winning Lottery ticket!
 
Thank you for taking the time to help me Champers and Co :)

Ohhhh riding in Portugal...how fantastic that sounds! I love Portugal :)

I think as a holiday agent I would need to find centres that can accommodate a wide range of needs at different levels. Also entirely different locations for those that wish to ride in the mountains, others that would rather beaches or fjords and then of course those trying to glimse the Nothern lights.

I have no idea at all if I shall pursue the idea...but I think having a go at it sounds like fun! I have a business education and have owned various companies since...oh far too long ago. Everything needed is there...I would just need to research carefully, network, build relationships and then have a go!

I shall keep the offer of being Guinea Pigs in my head ;)
 
Thank you for replying ManBearPig :)

What a lovely thing to do with the inheritance! Sounds like you had a wonderful time :) I have done similar quite recently and have bought a Welsh D colt from a Norwegian breeder (although bothe sire and dam are in actual fact from Wales directly), I used some of the inhertinace money that my grandparents left me. Everytime I look at him I think of them and think of Wales which is my homeland :)

Norwegian Fords or as they are called in Norway 'Fjordings' make perfect trekking ponies, sturdy, strong for size and used to very rugged terrain and usually very calm and steady headed. Plenty of Icelandic ponies here also as well as other native breeds to Norway.

I am really starting to think this might be more than just a crackpot idea I had whilst feeding baby this morning :) I have a year to research, build relationships/network and get site up and then could really kick on once baby is in full time nursery next year.
 
Where did you holiday? - Ireland, France, Spain (Sierra Nevada), Botswana (tented safari)

Why did you choose that specific destination? - Ireland and Spain for the scenery, Botswana as I wanted to do a horseback safari

How did you find out about the holiday? Internet. I met the owner of the Botswana safari at the travel agents stand at Burghley and asked lots of questions before I booked.

Did you use an agent/bureau or source the holiday directly? Ireland - booked direct. Others used an agent.

What do you look for in the perfect riding holiday? All of the holidays have been trail rides where you stay somewhere different each night as I think you get to see more of the country/scenery. Max of 5 hours riding a day. The odd afternoon/evening doing something different adds to the variety. Good food and comfortable accommodation. Knowledgeable guides. No children. Small groups of experienced riders. Good reviews.

'The Biggie' - Would you consider a riding holiday in Norway and if so why? Yes, the scenery looks amazing. I've often considered Iceland but not done it yet but Norway would be an alternative option.

I hope that helps!
 
I went to Castella Di Tonda in Tuscany, Italy for a horseriding/wine tasting/spa break. It was a deal with wowcher (via weekender deals who I cannot fault) and was £205 for 4 days including flights and activities. It's a 20,000 acre working vinyard and you stay in little farmhouses converted into appartments. It is room only but there is a cooker, fridge and dishwasher (including tabs). Each farmhouse has between 4 and 6 apartments and each has their own brick BBQ and pool. I cannot rate this place enough and the riding was amazing! Oh and you got a free bottle of wine in the apartment too ;)

This was the deal (cheaper in different airports)

http://www.wowcher.co.uk/travel-dea...er-breaks-night-4-tuscany-spa-break/deal.html

http://www.castellareditonda.com/en/
 
Planning a trip to Iceland for a significant (depressing) birthday - always wanted to ride right the way across. Norway would definitely be an alternative to Iceland, although I had not considered it before.

Done UK based holidays in Scotland and Wales - usually with a feature - eg western style riding or Icelandic ponies.

Good luck!
 
Argentina to Chile across the Andes because I wanted an adventure and saw it advertised in a magazine. Went through the organising charity. Incredible trip, slower but challenging riding due to terrain.

Namibia because I wanted to do a riding safari but I'm scared of hippos, crocs and other things that live under the water! and doing it on endurance bred Arabs really appealed to me. My sister and I were the only guests and we had a fantastic time, cantering for miles. Booked through In the Saddle after a Google. Can't fault their service.

California. I was out there already and found a place on google with riding through forests and on the beach. Brilliant horses and fast riding.

New Zealand (this is a cheat as I moved out there and got a job with the riding holiday place!)

Not really relevant but I've just done 4 days riding on Dartmoor and had a brilliant time, it was advertised as intermediate/experienced riders only with fast canters and was just that. Lots of clambering across streams, galloping up the moor hills and picnicking at scenic rest stops, on well loved beautifully cared for and wonderful to ride horses.

What I look for is fast riding, or technical/tricky riding, and well cared for independent minded horses. I don't like nose to tail treks so want places where you can ride alongside each other or up front (unless across the Andes where you'd fall down a mountain!). I like horses with a bit of spark that are happy to go in but will then walk on a relaxed way once you pull up. They have to have well fitted tack and I like to be able to help or see them tacked up/untacked to make sure they aren't hiding any rubs or sores.

I'd consider Norway, it's not somewhere I've thought about going but if the above points came up on a Google search I'd go for it!
 
Thank you for taking the time to tell me about your adventures, they all sound AMAZING!

I guess it'll come down to finding the right locations, setups and holidays suitable from the beginners up to advanced riders. The other thought is that Norway is an expensive country in every respect. Obviously, the cost of keeping horses here, wages and food/accommodation is very high. I would have to work out if with flights we could be competitive enough to attract the Brits for holidays.
 
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