On this itinerary you’ll have the unique privilege to ride in the Common Ridings – the oldest horse riding festival in the world. You’ll be mounted on a nifty Irish Sport Horse and ride shoulder-to-shoulder with Scottish lads and lassies, tailored in tweed, bursting with good cheer, happy to share a time-honoured tradition.
Now let me just segue into some Scottish history here. The Common Ridings are an annual event celebrated in Scottish Border towns from May through to September. The tradition of Common Riding dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, during the continual border wars with both England and other clans, when local men risked their lives to protect their town and people from invasion. Long after they ceased to be essential, the Ridings continued in commemoration of local legend, history and tradition. With that said, YOU get to ride in a Common Riding as part of The Scottish Borders Ride. WHOOP!
And when you’re not on a Common Riding, your days will see you trit-trotting across grassy glens, moorlands dotted in sheep and unspoiled coastlines. The dramatic scenery will pull you back in time to a bygone world of clan clashes and romantic tales of damsels in distress.
You’ll be guests at Cringletie House Hotel, which is hands-down amazing, bespoke yet homely. Throughout the week, you’ll be hosted by general manager, Will Haegeland, who will charm you with his Scottish knowledge and hospitality. And let’s not forget the out-of-saddle delights like a wee dram (whisky) beside a crackling fire after a successful Common Riding; the tingle on the back of your neck when ‘Scotland the Brave’ skirls on the pipes at your welcome dinner; and the afternoon when you trade your riding pants for a tartan kilt to try your hand at Highland Games.
It’s a brilliant balance of riding paired with free time to explore the Borders’ historical highlights. *This is why this ride is PERFECT for non-riding partners.
Once you’ve completed The Scottish Borders Ride you’ll qualify as an honorary Scot, having stepped out on a Common Riding, tossed a shot-put in a kilt, slugged a single-malt whisky and appreciated some fine pipe music. Scottish ancestry or not, Outlander fan or not, you need to make a beeline for this ride.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:A mixture of Irish Draughts, Irish Cobs, Irish Sport Horses and Connemaras. *Please note, you can expect to ride a variety of horses throughout your holiday, with different horses being used for the Common Ridings.
- Pace:The pace is variable, depending on the nature of the terrain, but riders will enjoy long stretches of trotting, fast-paced canters and galloping on Common Riding days.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 209lbs.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles.
- Seasons:May through to September, when the Common Rides through the Scottish Border towns occur.
- Group size:A maximum of 10 guests per departure.
- Time in Saddle:This itinerary is variable depending on the individual Common Ridings. Be prepared to ride between 2 to 6 hours daily. Refer to the suggested itinerary for a more accurate breakdown of hours in the saddle.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for strong intermediate to experienced riders only. This ride is NOT for the faint-hearted - nervous riders would be out of their depth on this ride, not because of the horses, but more due to the pace of the ride. On some of the Common Ridings, you will be riding alongside 300 horses and riders. With such a huge group, a range of unpredictable scenarios can occur, so you need to be alert, calm and quick-thinking. All riders need to be confident trotting and cantering over open and varied terrain, including downhill. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Twin share accommodation at Cringletie House Hotel just outside the Scottish Border town of Peebles. With its very distinct architecture, the guest rooms at Cringletie ooze comfort and character while being modern and elegant, with romantic turrets to feature fireplaces. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Will, the general manager, alongside his team, will go above and beyond to cater for your every need.
- Ride Length:7 days, 6 nights, with 6 riding days.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all riding, twin share accommodation, meals (from first day dinner through to breakfast on the last day) and Common Ride fees.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), all transfers, alcohol and dinner on one night of the itinerary (a high tea is included during the afternoon on that particular day).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!PLEASE NOTE: Only advanced riders can take part in the May departure dates due to the pace and distance of the Common Rides.
**You will be required to pay the single supplement rate should we not have another guest willing to twin share with you.**
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all riding, twin share accommodation, meals (from first day dinner through to breakfast on the last day) and Common Ride fees.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), all transfers, alcohol and dinner on one night of the itinerary (a high tea is included during the afternoon on that particular day).
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN GBP?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse AllPlease note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
The set dates and starting times of the Common Ride days are subject to vary, depending on the location of the event. Rest assured, you’ll enjoy two Common Rides throughout your itinerary (with the exception of the September departure, which will only include one).

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Transfer Information
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History of the Common Rides
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Non-Riders
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Scottish Borders Ride

Tara Kempfer
‘This was absolutely the adventure of a lifetime. In fact, I honestly don’t know how any other vacation going forward will live up to my newfound expectations after going on this trip. The horses were amazing, the accommodations were top notch, the staff both at the hotel and stables were absolutely wonderful, and the location took my breath away. It was literally a dream brought to life. Each ride was different and enjoyable in its own way, and the variety was fun and exciting. The Common Ridings were an incredible adrenaline rush and at times made me question my sanity, but my boy Bruno took excellent care of me and made sure we pulled through even the tough spots. If you are a confident rider looking for a trip that will be unlike anything you have ever imagined, this is it. You won’t find anything that gets your heart pounding like this one. I cannot recommend this trip enough and I will treasure the memories of this adventure for the rest of my life.’

Jeanine Boyd
‘As I departed the shores of beautiful Scotland I left a piece of my heart… A holiday that will be hard to top. The Edinburgh Riding of The Marches! WOW!! I loved the long gallops and the finale of riding up the Royal Mile with 299 other enthusiastic equestrians. Thank you especially to the equestrian centre and their fantastic horses and staff, and all the girls in our Globetrotting group. I’ve made some wonderful friends and created beautiful memories. BEST HOLIDAY EVER!!’

Gerard Schmid
‘I rode with my daughter Theresa. It was a one of a kind experience that we will always treasure. We both shed a happy tear on our last day of riding. We did not want it to end! Alfie and Baxter were very honest horses and Adonis was great on the common rides. Our guides, Susanne, Helen, Gemma, and Izzy were knowledgeable and friendly. The two common ride days had all the pageantry and showed Scotland at its best.’

Bridget Holdar
‘I would do this trip again in a heartbeat! I was nervous about going by myself but all the ladies on the trip were great. The accommodations were amazing. I felt like I was at home. The beds were very comfortable and the staff and service left nothing to be desired. The horses were well kept and cared for and our guides, Helen, Gemma, Suzanne and Mark, were great. All the staff both at the stables and hotel went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and at home. The other little touches like the Scottish night and Highland Games were way more than I expected. Well worth the money!!’

Lynn Waldrop
‘This was the most amazing experience! The Common Rides tested my riding abilities with long gallops across fields and up gorgeous hillsides! And to ride alongside 100-300 other riders was an experience in itself! The Irish Draughts and Sport Horses are tough, beautiful breeds that are so smooth to ride. I am usually a Western rider and practiced riding English for a month before the trip. That was the best thing I could have done because I was ready for the long riding days – all of that posting and two-point riding takes different muscles than Western! I rode Amadeus and he was fantastic!! He was beautiful and fast as the wind – the biggest and fastest horse I have ever ridden! But he was very honest and took care of me when I was a bit uneasy. I would take him home if I could! I also rode Aphrodite on the beach ride and she was amazing, too. This ride gave me more confidence in my riding skills and confirmed I have a ‘need for speed’ – I loved the gallops in the countryside!’

Linda Williams
‘Happy is an understatement. I was ECSTATIC with my ride in the Scottish Borders! The Common Rides were amazing and exhilarating! I have had some wild first flight runs in my 20 years of hunting, and the Common Rides rank right up there with the best of them! I want to do all of them now. The horses were beautifully braided and turned out. They knew their job and did it well. I rode Zeus, Yani and a sweet big bay whose name I can’t recall, and I loved them all. Yani was my favourite, very forward and willing. Our guides, Gemma, Izzy, Helen and Susanne were wonderful! The food, accommodation and service was outstanding. It was well worth every penny.’

Lydia Kolbas
‘Definitely an exhilarating way to experience the beautiful Scottish countryside and to immerse yourself in the border towns’ history and heritage! The guides were ALL ah-mazing! My horse, Acropolis, was a lovely gelding and well suited to me. The Highland games and high tea were fun and magnificent.’

Mary Ann Giandonato
‘I would highly recommend The Scottish Borders Ride! The horses are all spectacular. Forward moving and fun! The accommodations were beautiful. I loved all the little extras. If you want an exciting ride full of tradition, beautiful landscapes and awesome people, this is the ride for you!’

Theresa Schmid
‘This was absolutely the trip of a lifetime! There wasn’t a single part that wasn’t amazing. Our hosts at the equestrian centre were extraordinarily friendly and skilled, able to pick out the perfect horse for each rider and confidently guide us through the countryside. The horses know their job inside out and were a joy to ride, handling challenging situations with ease.
The Common Rides are easily the most incredible horseback experience I have ever had. Riding through town among 200 or so horses, led by a pipe band and being cheered on by hundreds of people on the sidewalks was unlike anything I’ve been a part of. Going on to travel down the roads and gallop through the fields for hours, stopping for refreshments along the way at castles and picturesque villages, was truly thrilling – everything you dream of and more. The rest of the trip was balanced out by relaxing rides through stunning scenery, fun cultural activities, and delicious meals.
As an avid equestrian who craves new ways of experiencing and working with horses, I left Scotland as a more confident rider and so inspired by everything that we did. A few days into the trip I was already thinking about how and when I could do it again!’
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