Whether you are a thrill-seeking daredevil or a committed Happy Hacker, there is sure to be a riding holiday to suit you .
The choice of country and terrain is enormous and you can opt for a blissful week of escape from the family in beautiful and unspoilt surroundings. Alternatively, make it a family treat even if some of the clan are totally non-horsey.
The first thing to consider with any riding holiday is your true level of riding ability and stamina. A weekend-only novice will be neither safe nor happy on a mad three day gallop across Botswana. Similarly, a week trekking with beginners at walk will not appeal to experienced jockeys. The large number of riding holiday providers generally accept the following as sensible summaries of riding ability;-
Beginner: A rider with very limited experience, is unable to mount and dismount unassisted, and unable to post to the trot or canter.
Novice: A rider who has some riding experience, is able to mount and dismount unassisted, is in control of a well-behaved horse and confident for short periods of rising trot and canter.
Intermediate: A rider with all of the novice skills, has a firm seat, is...