Is Your Partner a Beginner Rider? - Horse Riding Holidays and Safaris

Is Your Partner a Beginner Rider?

Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride, Australia , Cradle To Coast Ride, Australia , The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride, Australia , The Margaret River Ride, Australia , Howqua River Ride, Australia , Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland , The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland , Dressage in Spain , Shell, Wyoming, USA , Helena, Montana, USA , Big Horn Cattle Drive, USA , Sierras Chicas, Argentina , Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides, Mongolia ... , Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride, Australia , Cradle To Coast Ride, Australia , The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride, Australia , The Margaret River Ride, Australia , Howqua River Ride, Australia , Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland , The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland , Dressage in Spain , Shell, Wyoming, USA , Helena, Montana, USA , Big Horn Cattle Drive, USA , Sierras Chicas, Argentina , Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides, Mongolia

Is your partner a beginner rider? - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

So you’re a confident rider ready to enjoy some windswept canters and ride a finely-tuned horse, but your partner is, well… not. Don’t worry, globetrotter, we’ve got you covered – we have a BIG selection of horse riding holidays that cater to riders of all abilities, from beginner to advanced. {Not sure what your ability is? Find out here.}

On these rides, you and your partner will both be able to go at the pace that suits you individually, while still enjoying quality time together in the saddle. When the terrain and landscape is suitable for riding faster or perhaps jumping, your guides will split the group up. Intermediate and advanced riders will go ahead with one guide, while beginner and less confident riders stick with another guide, keeping to a slower pace. Once they catch up, the ride continues.

Rest assured your partner will be looked after in the saddle by passionate, knowledgeable horse people who have taken countless novice riders under their wing. Our beginner-friendly holidays also offer the option to skip a day or a half day’s riding if some R&R time is needed. Not to mention they all have safe, calm horses that care for beginners without putting a hoof wrong!

Another big plus is that Globetrotting holidays are the ultimate way to fast-track your partner’s horsemanship skills. Unlike ad-hoc one-hour riding lessons in an arena or the odd trail ride, riding holidays are a complete immersion course where you’re with your horse for several hours each day. We’ve seen firsthand how beginner riders’ ability and confidence can skyrocket from the first day to the last. It’s absolutely mind-blowing and so rewarding to see.

It’s a win-win, really: you get the horseback holiday of your dreams with your partner, and they’re guaranteed to come away a more skilled and passionate rider!

AUSTRALASIA

Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride, Australia
This ride is the DREAM for anyone who grew up watching ‘The Man from Snowy River’ and has since harboured fantasies of of traversing the High Country on a plucky mountain horse. Even if you’re not familiar with the legends surrounding the spectacular Victorian High Country, you’ll find yourself utterly transported by the spirit of this wild place. But instead of eating rabbit stew like the mountain men of days gone by, you’ll be treated to gourmet regional cuisine every night – not a bad perk, hey?
For you: you’ll love that you get to duck and weave along narrow bush tracks that snake through the hills and valleys, and canter past Craig’s Hut!
For your partner: they’ll love honing their bush riding skills on safe trails that their horse knows like the back of his hoof.

Cradle to Coast Ride, Australia
Bringing into focus the many wonders of Tasmania, this ride gives you the choice of a three, four or five-day itinerary. It’s the perfect introduction to all things Globetrotting with a variety of scenery, safe yet responsive horses, knowledgeable guides and fabulous local produce at every meal. Your guides, Ray and Laura, will take you through spectacular bushland, picture-perfect farmland and the incredible Narawntapu National Park, with its seven-kilometre beach and fascinating coastal ecosystems. Oh, and on the five-day ride, you get to ride up and down Cradle Mountain! No matter your level, you’ll be able to go at your own pace as you explore the Apple Isle.
For you: you’ll love being partnered with a perky, willing trail horse, cantering along gorgeous forest tracks and letting loose on Bakers Beach.
For your partner: they’ll love how safe they feel with a 3:1 guest-to-guide ratio and a safe, careful horse boosting their confidence higher with every passing hour.

The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride, Australia
If you’d count yourself as intermediate rather than strong intermediate or advanced (check here), you and your beginner partner will both love this true-blue Aussie holiday. It’s a unique mix of mustering, trail riding, beach riding and learning the ropes in the cattle yards, a hands-on experience where you’ll get a glimpse into everyday life as a grazier. There’s nothing quite like the deep satisfaction you feel sitting around a blazing campfire under a canopy of stars, beer in hand and hearty food in your belly, after a long day in the saddle. A spectacular day of bareback swimming and sandy canters at Rainbow Beach is the icing on the cake!
For you: you’ll love trying your hand at authentic stock work on a highly trained Quarter Horse, under the expert guidance of your host Andrew and campdrafting legend Rod Cotter.
For your partner: they’ll love developing their riding ability on a rock-steady horse with plenty of support, before taking things to the next level at the beach and in the cattle yards.

The Margaret River Ride, Australia
This holiday is the ultimate way to familiarise yourself with the iconic Australian wine region that is Margaret River. It excels on every level: quality horses, fun-loving and knowledgeable guides, Indigenous culture, dramatic and changing scenery, beautiful ‘glamping’ accommodation and top notch food and wine. The three-day itinerary is the perfect length for beginners while still packing a big punch for more experienced riders.  Your hosts, Paul and Fiona, are experts at creating unforgettable equestrian experiences and will ensure that each day’s adventures leave you grinning. Not to mention, you get to swim with your horse in the ocean!
For you: you’ll love the string of home bred and educated Australian Stock Horses, all finely attuned to your aids. You’ll also get to try your hand at polocrosse on horses that LOVE playing the game.
For your partner: they’ll love the variety of riding, the chance to build their confidence in a safe and fun environment, and having the option to ride in the morning, the afternoon, or both.

The Howqua River Ride, Australia
Another ride for lovers of ‘The Man from Snowy River’, this five day adventure sees you travel along the mighty Howqua River as she twists and turns through the hills and valleys of the High Country. Your guides, Michael and Karen, will keep you well informed about the local environment and the fascinating history of the settlers who tried to tame these wild mountains. You’ll also get to peer over the edge of the famous cliff that the Man from Snowy River rode down in pursuit of the brumbies! With over 60 river crossings on day two, this holiday will safely expand the confidence of beginners and offer plenty of thrills for more advanced globetrotters.
For you: you’ll love the varied trails, the river crossings, cantering through the bush and swimming bareback with your horse (in the summer months), not to mention picking Michael’s brain about all things horses.
For your partner: they’ll love getting a glimpse of life as a bushman while honing their skills astride a trusty trail horse, yet still enjoying the luxuries of a cosy bed and gourmet catering.

EUROPE

Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland
Set on a 1,000-acre estate that oozes history and promises a wonderland of cross country jumps and trails, this ride is one of our most customisable. Whether you want to learn the basics of riding in an arena with patient and knowledgeable instructors or race your horse over a cross country course, you’ll be one happy globetrotter by the time you retire to the castle of an evening. And with just three hours in the saddle each day (and the option to book more hours at an additional cost), there’s plenty of time to enjoy the estate’s many non-equestrian offerings, as well.
For you: you’ll love taking advantage of the estate’s 300+ cross country jumps and endless riding trails, and improving your jumping technique with talented, well trained horses and professional instructors.
For your partner: they’ll love the reliable, schoolmaster horses and expert coaching. Oh, and a mechanical horse will help them improve their position and technique before transferring their skills to the real deal.

The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland
Creating this itinerary was a dream come true for us. What could possibly be better than riding horses through the breathtaking Scottish countryside by day, and retiring to a CASTLE for delicious food and a cosy bed by night? Sister to The Scottish Borders Ride (strong intermediate to advanced riders only), The Thirlestane Castle Ride welcomes beginners through to advanced riders for a week of Globetrotting bliss. It combines history, drama, luxury, rugged wilderness and vibrant culture. On riding days you’ll spend anywhere from two to six hours in the saddle, and there’s an optional off-the-horse day in the middle should you need a break or wish to do some extra sightseeing.
For you: you’ll love the wild and free canters, and the chance to pop over some cross country jumps while trail riding. Susy’s horses are drool-worthy, too: big, strong, bold and sensible.
For your partner: they’ll love Susy and her team at the equestrian centre, who will look after them every step of the way. Plus, it’s good to know they have the option to spend less time in the saddle.

Dressage Ride, Spain
Whether you’re a professional dressage rider or you’ve never tried dressage in your life, this ride will see you grow as a rider – that’s a promise. Set in the gorgeous countryside of Andalusia, it’s nice to know that it doesn’t all have to be about dressage: there are three different itineraries on offer, including one that combines dressage training with trail riding through the forests and fields. On the other hand, for the serious dressage connoiseurs, there’s the ‘Intensive Training’ program as well as the ‘Classical Dressage & High School Training’ program. Whichever itinerary you choose, you’ll be blown away by the quality of the Andalusian horses, the coaches and the guides, not to mention the scrumptious food and the incredible local culture.
For you: you’ll love expanding your dressage and horsemanship skills astride schoolmaster Spanish horses with world class instructors – there’s even a week-long program with olympian Rafael Soto!
For your partner: they’ll love knowing that they’re getting the best possible coaching, adapted to their ability and interests, as well as the chance to immerse in Andalusian village life.

NORTH AMERICA

Shell, Wyoming, USA
Grab your Stetson and stampede string and get your YEE-HA on. This ride takes you to a high-end guest ranch in the heart of Big Sky Country: Wyoming. Rest assured, this is NOT a nose-to-tail dude ranch, no siree! No matter what level of riding you’re at, you’re going to benefit from this holiday where every day is tailored to your riding desires. You can choose to poke cows, take a riding lesson, summit a mountain and enjoy a saddle-bag packed lunch, or have a half-day ride and then enjoy some trap shooting or fly fishing in the afternoon.
For you: you’ll love the nifty cow horse that you’ll be teamed up with and the chance to live out your Wild West riding fantasies in the vast, varied scenery of the ranch.
For your partner: they’ll love the flexibility of this working ranch with its huge range of riding activities, from structured lessons in the sand arena to rustling cattle on the prairie.

Helena, Montana, USA
Another fantastic ranch option, this holiday is based at a family-run ranch in the wild, majestic mountains of Montana. Like our ranch ride in Wyoming, you can choose your own adventure each day, with a huge variety of options, whether you want to roam far away over the hills or learn cattle work in the morning and play horse soccer after lunch. But the real highlight is the natural horsemanship that infuses every moment. If you want to give your partner a natural start to their equine education while learning a thing or two yourself, this is your ride.
For you: you’ll love connecting with your highly trained horse on a deep level through guided groundwork, extraordinarily beautiful trail rides, cattle work, mounted games and more.
For your partner: they’ll love learning Parelli-style methods of understanding and communicating with their equine partner before taking it to the next level in the saddle.

Big Horn Cattle Drive, USA
If you’ve always yearned to don a cowboy hat and a pair of shotgun chaps and swing a rope after a runaway beast, then the Big Horn Cattle Drive is your perfect match. You couldn’t find a better point-to-point ride set up for all riding abilities. You’ll bond with your fellow riders and your horse as you push the Kerns family’s herd of over 600 cattle through Big Horn National Park. This cattle drive has no bells and whistles – it’s as legitimate as the teepee tents you’ll sleep in, the classic camp cooking dished up of an evening, and the western saddle that you’ll swing over your big-bottomed Quarter Horse every morning. You’ll ride alongside wranglers who make herding cattle while giving a diverse group of riding guests the time of their lives look easy!
For you: you’ll love that you can put your cattle skills to the test and learn new tricks in real life situations, and the chance to experience an authentic slice of 1880s-style ranch life.
For your partner: they’ll love that after the horsemanship clinic at the start of the itinerary, the riding is straightforward and purposeful. The riding hours are long, but afterwards they’ll be able to call themself a cowboy/cowgirl without hesitation.

SOUTH AMERICA

Sierras Chicas, Argentina
Explore Argentina’s magnificent Sierras Chicas mountains in style and comfort on this estancia-based riding holiday. No two days are the same, with adventures including climbing to the ‘Top of the World’, mustering cattle with the gauchos, and horseback games including polo, barrel racing and the gaucho game of ‘sortija’. There is something for every rider here and your hosts are only to happy to accommodate requests. Oh and rest assured, the 6,500 acre estancia is 100% authentic, home to a prize-winning herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and around 80 home-bred horses. After experiencing the amazing hospitality of beautiful family who call this place home, you may never want to leave.
For you:
you’ll love learning horsemanship and cattle skills from Argentinean gauchos, and experiencing the legendary paso llano gait of the Peruvian Paso.
For your partner: they’ll love having the option to stick with one horse for the whole trip or expand their skills by riding a few different horses, knowing that each one is honest, kind and careful.

ASIA

Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides, Mongolia
If you’re looking for an overseas adventure, Mongolia is the perfect place to cut your teeth. It’s the steadiness of the horses and the open steppe that makes this riding destination a perfect environment for beginners. Be warned: regardless of ability, you will need to be riding fit, as some days require long hours in the (rather rustic) saddle that can leave even the most experienced rider feeling sore. But if you’re a modern-day explorer, clocking up some riding hours in Mongolia is a surefire way to leap from beginner status to intermediate.
For you: you’ll love that this entire country lives and breathes horses, not to mention the incredible feeling of freedom when you’re cantering across the open steppe, and the chance to ‘eat, sleep, ride, repeat’.
For your partner: they’ll love the consistent hours in the saddle, with long stretches of trotting where they can learn to sit or stand to the trot, and the occasional tricky terrain that will really boost their confidence.

So there you have it: a round-up of riding holidays that are perfectly suited to both beginner riders and their more advanced partners.

Which one do you think would best suit you and your partner? Let us know in the comments or contact us to get the ball rolling!

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