What to take to Spain on a riding holiday

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KidnapMoss

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My husband has booked our (year late!!) honeymoon in Andalusia as a surprise :D

Going early July.

Very excited and starting to think about packing already but unsure as to what to take? I guess we need lightweight clothing to ride, so any good recommendations for nice thin jods etc, particularly for men (husband is a bit old school and has literally one pair of brown breeches, which he thinks its fine!! at home he tends to ride his horse about twice a week around the farm, so has never seen the need for anything else :rolleyes: )

I have loads but am thinking do I go long boots, gaiters and short boots? what on top?

Any recommendations from people who have been on riding holidays in hot countries? Like things we should take that I am bound not to think about...

Many thanks!
 
Hello! Did he book it directly or with an agency? Most agencies provide a packing list (I work for one and we do!). It depends exactly on what the stables provide as some can offer helmets and chaps to borrow. Otherwise I would say the basics:

- helmet (always best to take your own anyway), preferably vented
- short boots with good grip in case you need to walk beside your horse over tough terrain
- lightweight jods/breeches
- top I would recommend layering so a vest top with a long-sleeved, cotton shirt over it. This will help keep you cool and offer protection from the sun and bugs!
- half chaps
- good fleece/jumper... Andalusia in July will be hot but the mountains get chilly in the evenings! Best to be prepared
- sunglasses to protect eyes against dust as much as the light
- some find a lightweight scarf or bandana is good to protect neck from the sun and to keep the dust off of you
- sunhat/baseball cap for when not in the saddle
- don't forget decent lip balm with SPF
- good sunscreen and insect repellant
- choice of underwear and socks is important... always would recommend cotton for hot climates!

I tend to use Equestrian Clearance for jods etc. and they have cotton breeches for men which would do the trick: http://www.equestrianclearance.com/

Hope that helps. :)
 
im going to Andalusia in august but not a riding holiday! although hoping to go riding when we are there so if you don't mind could you pm me the place you are riding with? :D

look at sports direct- they have loads of cheap tops, i have a few 'running' t shirts from there which are really cool and help you stop feeling sweaty and sticky- think they were about £6 each x
 
I went to the Azores for my riding holiday. I took my short lace up boots with short chaps do that they could double up as walking boots. I range of polo shirts- we were sweaty after each ride even half day one so had to change after lunch. The Azores can have heavy rain so I took a lightweight overcoat that I could tie round my waist. Hat deodorant!! Loads of socks as our feet got sweaty (nice!!) and then clothes to relax in during the evenings. Defo need 2/3 pairs of jods as if you go swing on horseback they end up smelly and like cardboard.
 
Definately short boots and comfy jods with half chaps. It was hot when we went (we were near Sierra Nevada mountains) and I second the vest top layered with a cool cotton shirt. Also insect repellant is an absolute must - the flies were a nightmare. Lastly, make sure your sunglasses are a comfortable fit with your riding hat on. Might sound daft but friend had to buy new ones as the arms dug into the backs of her ears after a couple of hours with her hat on. Have fun!!
 
Short boots and chaps, then the boots can double as walking boots without taking you over your luggage allowance.

Hat, gloves.

Sunblock/screen.

Sunglasses on a string round your neck.

Bumbag for your camera.

Enjoy!
 
Riding tights are great for hot weather, and wash and dry in no time so you could possibly rinse them through on a night, save you taking loads of pairs! Ariat terrain or Telluride short boots are fab with chaps and serve as walking boots as well as riding boots. Have a look at the Performance Equestrian website for ideas! Sounds amazing!
 
Thanks so much! Fab suggestions..see I hasn't even thought about riding sunglasses..see my trendy ray bans probably won't cut it :D the local saddlery do sell those cool jockey visor thingies, I wonder if they might be any good?

So looks as though the general consensus is short boots in case of walking.

Hollywoozle I think he booked it through equestrian escapes so pretty sure there's a list...I sound very vague but it was a surprise s I basically know the place where we are going and that's it!

I'm sure non horsey folks think its a bus mans holiday with four beasts at home....but we are sooooooooooooo excited!!!! :D:D:D

Thanks all for your help...so many things the unorganised me hasn't even thought of :o
 
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