Riding Holiday Reviews

[pony3]

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone had been on a riding holiday to the US? What was your experience of your holiday and the company that you used?

I'm looking to book a riding holiday for me and a friend for 18 months/2 years time. We both used to take a riding holiday together usually in the Brecon Beacons but she has since emigrated to New Zealand. We are looking for a holiday that is a similar distance for us both to travel and have decided that the US is probably best placed. I've looked at Ranch holidays in Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Arizona and California with various companies.

We are both competent riders but my friend isn't looking for adrenaline filled riding, where as I would happily ride steep terrain or amongst scary wildlife etc, but obviously will need something to suit us both.

I'd love to hear your experiences.

TIA

 

[Kaylum]

White Stallion Ranch in Arizona. Amazing place very clean, excellent food, good horses, great lessons, choice of rides fast or slow, barrel racing, night time entertainment, brilliant weather, swimming pool and spa. Couldn't fault it took my 11 year old son who had done a little bit of riding he had one lesson there and that was it he was on the fast rides. http://www.whitestallion.com/

 

[Caramac71]

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone had been on a riding holiday to the US? What was your experience of your holiday and the company that you used?

I'm looking to book a riding holiday for me and a friend for 18 months/2 years time. We both used to take a riding holiday together usually in the Brecon Beacons but she has since emigrated to New Zealand. We are looking for a holiday that is a similar distance for us both to travel and have decided that the US is probably best placed. I've looked at Ranch holidays in Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Arizona and California with various companies.

We are both competent riders but my friend isn't looking for adrenaline filled riding, where as I would happily ride steep terrain or amongst scary wildlife etc, but obviously will need something to suit us both.

I'd love to hear your experiences.

TIA

We've done a few ranch holidays in US. We've always booked them direct with the ranch (we tend to book own flights, car hire and then tour around a bit, and include a week on a ranch as part of a longer holiday).

Texas - we went to Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera. At the Mayan it is walk riding only, so not what you are looking for. But there are lots of other ranches in Bandera that offer all kinds of riding and in my opinion Bandera is well worth a visit! The trails we went on here are quite steep and narrow in places, the views are amazing.

Arizona - we stayed at Stagecoach Trails. They cater for all riding abilities, so you can choose how fast you want to go. The landscape is very flat (desert) and there are some trails you can have long canters - but equally they will take you out exploring at slower paces if you prefer.

Georgia - not the typical place you'd look for a riding holiday but our absolute favourite! We stayed at the Southern Cross ranch. This is the only ranch we have stayed at that you dont have to take a guide, they allow you to ride out on your own. Different landscape again, lots of woodland, creeks to ride through. Again you can choose your pace and you can vary this daily, so you aren't stuck in a riding programme of any kind. They breed at the ranch; we went in Spring and there were lots of foals being born. The horses that aren't working (I think they do 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off) are turned out into acres and acres of pasture with a huge lake. So when you aren't riding you can just wander round and watch horses everyone. It is beautiful.

 

[gnubee]

Sundance trails in Colorado. Best holiday I've ever had. Fab horse (massive variety to suit what you want and very well selected for us), fast rides (or slow if you want, but who does...), great scenery, and plenty of non riding things to do. Relatively small groups for a more friendly atmosphere. Would highly recommend.