horse riding holidays - alone

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TheShark

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Hiya

I've just been made redundant and think I'm probably due a holiday. I really want to do a horse riding break (for four days or so) in the UK. However, I dont know many horsy people and those that I do won't be able to afford to go anywhere. I thought maybe I could go alone and get a late booking while I have some free time and while I still have some money left.

Can you guys recommend anywhere where I won't feel like a total loser for being on my lonesome? Ideally I'd like to go somewhere that offers hacking out and lessons in the school.

Thanks

x
 
I've done two horse riding holidays alone with "In the Saddle". None of my friends are remotely horsey, and although my OH will help me out on the ground, he can't ride at all.
Last year I went to I Due Laghi, a country estate 1 hour outside Rome, for a week to take some showjumping classes in the sun, spa and pool etc. I was in the saddle twice a day and wrecked afterwards so wasn't lonely at all. Classes were great for my confidence. Full body sports massage was awesome!
Then about 4 years ago I went to Botswana on horse safari alone. Spent most of the day in the saddle and go to know the guides and the other guests, so didn't feel like I was alone at all. Loved it, game viewing was amazing and I got to gallop with a herd of zebra!
Unicorn Trails also do equestrian holidays, but never gone with them so can't recommend.
I got a great service twice from In the Saddle.
Best of Luck, enjoy you holiday xx
 
I have been on riding holidays alone and with friends and I would say if you are going to go somewhere on your own, then a riding holiday is one of the best options.
All the ones I have been on have been a mixture of groups of friends, people on their own and couples.
You are kept busy all day and then all have drinks, dinner together.
I can think of 2 places, one in Italy and one in South Africa that would fit your bill perfectly.
In the UK Ivesley was very good and offered packages where you had lessons in the morning and rode out in the afternoon but I heard on here that the owners are retiring so they are closing.
 
Can really recommend Cae Iago http://www.caeiago.co.uk/. Its run by Lesley Jones who is a lovely lady. I went there 4 or 5 times (before I owned a horse) & had a great time every time. Lovely horses, you stay in the farm house. Really good food and as everyone else was there for a common aim (the trekking) you just enjoy making new friends. I thoroughly enjoyed the routes, the Welsh countryside is breathtaking, and if you get Charlie leading your group, free entertainment too :D Wherever you choose I hope you have a wonderful time.
 
I am actually taking my horse on holiday with a friend and her horse we are going with redlands - I have no personal experience of them as a company yet but they do other holidays in the UK where you don't bring your own horse.

If you have your own horse then they may be able to find you a riding companion if you have no-one who wants to go with you.

http://www.redlandsequestrian.com/destinations/europe/uk.html
 
I've been away on riding holidays on my own more than half a dozen times and highly recommend it. I've found that the majority of people are alone and I've had brilliant holidays :D
 
Hi Sian,

I work for a company selling riding holidays (though obviously I can't say where as it counts as advertising!) but I just thought I'd tell you that we send a lot of single travellers on trips. We have sent singles, mostly women, to various parts of the world and they see it as a great opportunity to make friends.

I wouldn't worry at all about travelling alone as I'm sure you'd have a fab time and meet a lot of great people and horses. Some companies also do 'escorted' trips or similar for people who are really worried of being alone. :)

Holly
 
Try www.spiritofexmoor.co.uk . They are based in Devon, right on Exmoor. We've been with them about 5 or 6 times and the horses are lovely. Lots of hacking at all paces but they also do lessons, natural horsemanship if you're interested and other types of breaks too. No surcharge for singles either! Highly recommend.
 
Yes I went on a holiday with "Highland horseback" (google them) alone and it was fab, fab, fab.
I was really nervous about going alone but when I spoke to the organisers on the phone they assured me lots of people came alone and had a great time. They were right!
 
Hi Sian,

I go on riding holidays alone - they are great fun! Wouldn't have it any other way to be honest, I've taken my OH a few times but he gets a bit bored and it means we can only go on centre stays :-)
I have always booked with Unicorn Trails as I love their service and they are very friendly. You just tell them what you are looking for and they can suggest the most suitable for your needs, they have some fab holidays to suit everybody! I'm in touch with them at the mo for my holiday this year, can't wait!
The great thing is that when you go away alone everyone else is there for the same reason so you all have a common interest, I've made some great friends over the years from all over the world (and hope to go and visit them soon!). It's not like you'll be eating alone or anything, usually everyone eats together and the atmosphere is very sociable and friendly.

Do it - sounds like you need a holiday!
 
Only just seen your thread - been a bit busy!

If this helps: quite some years ago, I went on a riding holiday with In the Saddle, in Ireland, but then I discovered Unicorn Trails and have been on several great adventures with them ever since (but not in the UK) because I also find them really helpful. Looking at their website just now, they do advertize a few rides in the UK but most are abroad.

I have only ever gone alone on my riding holidays but I find that many of the others that I meet have done that too; and again I agree with HorseMad 10, it's fine!
 
I've been on a few with In The Saddle and found them really helpful, very well organised and thoroughly vetted holidays. I often find that going abroad ends up cheaper than the UK ones!

I've just got back from a week doing "Ride and Train" at Los Alamos in Spain and it was absolutely brilliant - the hacking is wonderful and the dressage lessons on Antonio's stallions were incredible. It really is all inclusive too with help-yourself drinks and chocolate! We did some damage to their rioja stocks ;-) You can book through In The Saddle or directly:

www.losalamosriding.com
 
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