Horsey holidays

[pistolpete]

Just back from my eighth trip to Los Alamos in Spain. Such a fantastic holiday as always. If you’re ever tempted just do it! I love that place so much.

 

[Abacus]

Looks amazing! Can I ask which stable or tour operator you use? I went to Egypt recently and it was utterly incredible, I want to do another elsewhere.

 

[pistolpete]

You can go direct or through in the saddle.

 

[Time for Tea]

I’ve been there! Yes, it was fantastic fun, lovely people and horses

 

[Sealine]

This looks great. I'm tempted to go but I would be going on my own. Anyone else been on their own? How was it?

 

[Bionic Boy]

This looks great. I'm tempted to go but I would be going on my own. Anyone else been on their own? How was it?

There are quite a few people that go on their own. You soon end up as a group of friends.

 

[Time for Tea]

When I went, there were about 9 people on our week. Four of those were single, and 3 had been before, on their own, both to Los Alamos and on other rides with IntheSaddle. Everyone was really friendly, I don’t think anybody felt left out or was left out, we formed quite a cohesive group and it all added up to a very good holiday. I think I was their only rider ever who managed to fall off in the sea when we were trotting through the surf for our photoshoot! told them I fancied a swim….

 

[pistolpete]

I might go on my own next time. Been with different friends. It’s very inclusive and always fun.

 

[Kirstineridesagain]

Any horsey holidays in the UK people can recommend?

 

[Mad_Cow347]

I love a horsey holiday, it’s one of the best ways to see the world. I’ve just got back from riding in Portugal which was great. A little western ranch in the Algarve, very relaxed, good weather, exactly what I needed before a chaotic week at work this week.

Any horsey holidays in the UK people can recommend?

I’ve ridden in the Brecon Beacons in Wales which I’d definitely recommend. I did the short break with Unicorn Trails and my sister has ridden with Trans Wales and said they were great too. But I find UK riding holidays are usually ridiculously expensive and even with flights and transfers it’s cheaper to go abroad so I tend to do that. Plus the weather is more consistent.

 

[NightStock]

Sounds wonderful! I went to Galway a few years ago for a cross country riding holiday and it was fantastic!

 

[Landcruiser]

I went to Crete on my own which was fine but unfortunately I ended up with a group of 9 French people who were all together (and only one or two spoke reasonable English) and a Belgian woman who also spoke French as well as English. I did feel a bit "out of the group" at times, although they were very friendly and nice, and the hosts (Greek, with a Ukranian ride guide) were wonderful and spoke perfect English. I'd definitely go solo again though, it was an amazing experience.

 

[Orangehorse]

Free Rein in Wales does various riding holidays from 2 days to 6 days.

 

[Pippity]

This looks great. I'm tempted to go but I would be going on my own. Anyone else been on their own? How was it?

Every riding holiday I've been on has been mostly people on their own. In fact, I think people who travel with a friend miss out on some of the fun!

I recently did a week-long ride with Adventure Horse Trekking New Zealand, which was amazing.


I also love Cumbrian Heavy Horses, but they aren't so much riding holidays as one or two days of riding where you sort your own food and accommodation.

 

[SEL]

This looks great. I'm tempted to go but I would be going on my own. Anyone else been on their own? How was it?

Apart from one trip to Andalusia I've done all mine on my own - mainly (until I got old) because I liked the fast, remote trips and they aren't in everyone's budget. I used to check with the tour operator to make sure they were sending other English people on the trip because my language skills are non existent. Only in Tunisia was it a bit of an issue because I was the only person who didn't speak French. I could however riding a fighting fit barb Arabian flat out across a salt pan so decided socialising was over rated

 

[Jenko109]

Sounds wonderful! I went to Galway a few years ago for a cross country riding holiday and it was fantastic!

Flowerhill? Fabulous riding holidays.

 

[Penguin_Toes]

Flowerhill? Fabulous riding holidays.

I'm going on Thursday, this is good to hear!!

 

[Kunoichi73]

I think next year's holiday might be a riding holiday for me. I'm torn between an instructional one somewhere like Portugal or a trekking one somewhere like Mongolia or Africa. I'll probably do my usual trick of waiting to see what offers are on closer to the time.

In the meantime I'm still keeping an eye open for a horse archery short break or something similar.

 

[Sealine]

After reading this thread I mentioned to a friend I was thinking of going to Los Alamos and she said she'd come too. We've booked for late August/early September so it's going to be hot.

I've ridden in Spain before (anyone ridden with Dallas Love at Sierra Trails?) but that was in May if I remember correctly. If any one has any tips for riding clothing in very hot weather please let me know.

 

[Cloball]

I would go for light breathable cotton or linen, I need sleeves as Id burn to a crisp. If they'd been around when I worked in Spain I'd have one of those wide brimmed hats they use in the US

 

[PurBee]

There’s Gobi Desert Camping Tours on horseback - various sights to see, including ancient caves with extremely old vedic paintings inside. I’d love to go one day

 

[Bionic Boy]

Don’t forget to wear sun glasses whilst riding, they will protect you from the sand.
You will absolutely love it.

 

[Kunoichi73]

There’s Gobi Desert Camping Tours on horseback - various sights to see, including ancient caves with extremely old vedic paintings inside. I’d love to go one day

That sounds fantastic!

 

[PurBee]

That sounds fantastic!

I’d would love the experience of a completely different landscape and culture, enjoying horseback, and some exceptionally rare sights…it would be just breath-taking! Apparently the night skies are out of this world there - it would be ideal to time a trip that coincides with an annual meteor shower in that region too

 

[Kunoichi73]

I was looking at combining a riding holiday with the Mongolian eagle festival at some point.

 

[SO1]

I am going on a mini holiday to Highlands Unbridled next week with a friend I have known from my pony club days.

I went last year in October with different friends and loved it.

I also went to Jordan in 2019 and Romania in 2018 on riding holidays. I have also been to Italy twice on riding holidays years ago over 15 years ago.

 

[j1ffy]

After reading this thread I mentioned to a friend I was thinking of going to Los Alamos and she said she'd come too. We've booked for late August/early September so it's going to be hot.

I've ridden in Spain before (anyone ridden with Dallas Love at Sierra Trails?) but that was in May if I remember correctly. If any one has any tips for riding clothing in very hot weather please let me know.

Definitely some lightweight sunglasses to keep the sand out of your eyes during the canters. A light snood is good too, you can also dunk it in cold water before putting it on to keep cool.

Los Alamos is fabulous, have a great time!

 

[pistolpete]

You’re in the forest a lot of the time and it’s shady. Also if very hot the rides go out early and you have breakfast out. It’s all brilliant.

 

[indie1282]

I would love to go to Los Alamos! What time of year would you recommend going? I’m not too worried about it being hot or cold but ideally would want to miss the rainy season ( if there is one)

 

[j1ffy]

I would love to go to Los Alamos! What time of year would you recommend going? I’m not too worried about it being hot or cold but ideally would want to miss the rainy season ( if there is one)

June to September will be reliably dry and warm / hot. My favourite month in that area is May - the flowers are out and everything is green and fragrant. It used to be a bit unreliable weather-wise but the area is getting drier and drier. I've also had some good October trips.

November-March can be cold and damp, but in Jan-early March you have the Sunshine Tour show jumping nearby and could combine a trip there so might be worth the risk! (NB: I don't go to Los Alamos itself these days but I holiday in the local town, Vejer, a couple of times a year - it's very much my happy place!!).