|
|
| Holidays On Horseback - By Helen Hobbs |
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 comfortable at all paces and capable of
riding for several hours at a time. The intermediate rider is
also able to tack up a horse if required.
Experienced: A competent and regular rider who is capable
of adapting to different horses in different environments. An
experienced rider has soft hands and is able to control a spirited
horse in open country.
Other points to consider.
Weight Limit
Some riding trips have a weight limit which generally appears
to be approximately 95 kilos (around 15 stones). In most cases
you will be provided with a bigger horse and in some instances
there will be a surcharge but it is always wise to contact your
holiday provider as there may be a limited number of horses
available for guests exceeding this weight level.
Children
Depending on the trip, children may join the ride. Discounts
may be available in some cases. It is definitely worth checking
even if the kids are staunchly anti-Equestrian as many of the
holiday providers can accommodate non-riding guests.
Insurance
This is an absolute must for any holiday and should be an important
consideration in booking your trip.
Preparing for your holiday
Once you have determined the riding experience, age and ability
of the group members, you can go ahead and book your holiday.
Whether you are experienced riders or not, you are still likely
to be spending considerably longer than usual in the saddle
on a daily basis so expect some aches and pains!
Many repeat riding holiday enthusiasts go on several short riding
weekends prior to a longer holiday so that they can really get
the best out of the experience on every level.
With riding holidays available in England, Scotland Wales and
Ireland, we have plenty of choice on our doorsteps but there
is a huge choice of trips in France, USA, and even Africa and
Asia. The choice is yours...
About the Author: Helen Hobbs writes
for http://www.horseprimer.com,
a website offering information and advice for lovers of all
things equestrian. |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
