Reviews

‘The best Holiday I have had so far. Riding through the hills and rivers, galloping on the beach with a group of excellent horses, fun guests and outstanding guides. It was snowing for a few days which turned our holiday into a winter wonderland. I enjoyed every minute of it and cannot thank the staff and guides enough for this outstanding experience. Martin, Susy and Gemma made this holiday IMMACULATE!’

‘If you’re an adrenalin junkie and love a hard and fast ride, this is the ride for you! To gallop alongside 140 other horses, up and down hills, through bogs, and over ditches with the townspeople out everywhere cheering us on was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Returning each day to a luxurious manor for a hot soak, gourmet dining, and a wee dram of scotch was the perfect ending to the perfect day. Considering how few folk experience this, I recommend getting into shape and signing up now. This is not one to miss!’

‘A magical experience I will always cherish. The horses were amazing and a privilege to ride. The Common Ridings were truly thrilling, and I had a smile on my face the whole time. Taking part in such unique festivals, following a pipe band into town and riding through spectacular scenery, was incredibly special and better than I could ever have imagined. The hosts provided the most wonderful riding experiences that built my confidence as the week progressed. From the glass of port at the beginning of the first ride to the hot chocolate at the end of the last, they looked after us so well. Every care was taken for our safety, without diminishing the thrill of riding superb, powerful horses in truly unique circumstances. Every aspect of this holiday was so well planned and organised. The accommodation at Cringletie was beautiful, the food was delicious, and my room was incredibly comfortable, with countless thoughtful touches. It was an incredible Globetrotting adventure in every respect.’

‘This was the second time my sister and I did the Scottish Borders Ride, and they were both amazing experiences. We stayed at Cringletie House, an absolutely lovely hotel with great food and staff catering to your every need. Scotland is so beautiful, and the people are friendly and giving. I just love them! But you want to know about the horses and the rides, right? Susy and Gemma have the horses so well trained; they are a pleasure to ride. I rode several horses but fell in love with Adonis! I had the best time riding him on Dunbar Beach and again on our ride around Jedburgh. He was big and smooth and never put a foot out of place. The group of riders on this trip were great, too! They were interesting, kind, friendly, and funny – truly enjoyable to be around. It really is the trip of a lifetime.’

‘The Common Ridings are like nothing else in the world! I cannot say enough about the magic of participating in such local history and customs. Riding out for two full days with 175 other riders was a unique experience, although not for the faint of heart. Galloping over the moors and sheep pastures on our trusty, capable, cooperative steeds, we covered many miles. The other riding days were also full of incredible scenery, diverse terrain, and changes of pace. After this ride, we didn’t even want to see more of Scotland, as we felt we had reached a pinnacle. Seeing this environment on horseback, where few get to go, had a great impact on me.’

‘I booked this trip as a journey to take myself on. I wanted to do something outside my comfort zone to remind myself that I’m a pretty awesome human and horsewoman. This ride did all that and more. You cannot imagine how lovely it is – it WILL test your mental and physical boundaries even if you’re a seasoned rider, but it’s worth every minute of hard work. It really brought back my confidence and I feel way more in tune with myself and my horse. And don’t be afraid to travel solo! Everyone was absolutely lovely and helpful. We all looked out for each other and made sure we had fun!’

The Scottish Border Rides were a memorable and fantastic way for my daughter and I to celebrate her graduation from college. We rode every day and got to join the locals in their tradition of riding as a community through the streets and properties of their towns! What a unique and special experience to have the local townspeople cheering you on along the way! The horses were all fun to ride and certainly knew their jobs! Hip Hip Hooray!

‘My Scottish Borders Ride, including Coldsteam and Lauder Common Rides plus beach, moorland and forest rides, was absolutely fantastic. The horses were awesome, trustworthy, fast, fit and happy. Riding with 220 other horses and riders was an experience in itself! The Scottish people were so warm and welcoming and our guides were happy, helpful, safe and very capable. Cringletie House was absolutely top quality: amazing staff, rooms, food, service, and such a gorgeous, peaceful setting. I had a big smile on my face for nearly the whole trip! I will definitely be back, and I hope I get to ride Costa again!’

’15/10 would recommend the Scottish Borders Ride! I loved the openness of the territory where we rode, the guides were all amazing and the horses were absolutely wonderful. Calypso was delightful, Kingston was SUPER fun on the beach ride, Cosmo was wonderful for a long hack, and Wallace was possibly the best horse ever! I rode him on two hacks and the Kelso Common Ride, which was amazing. The folks in Kelso were warm, welcoming, and excited to have Americans in town! I will definitely book with Globetrotting again.’

‘The Scottish Borders Ride was a bucket list experience. The horses are phenomenal, the guides and staff feel like family, and every detail is given careful attention and planning. I enjoyed riding Quinston, Jackamo, and Demi, and would have felt at home on any of the horses. Quinston was my personal favorite – I would keep him if I could! The Musselburgh Common Ride was my favorite experience. I loved the atmosphere and fast pace across the different terrains and scenery. I am lucky to have gotten to experience this ride, and I wholeheartedly encourage others to do so, too! Just leave space for me to come back as well!’

‘I so very nearly said no to this adventure due to fear. I was nervous of travelling alone after the last couple of years of crazy, I was nervous of an intense riding experience on the other side of the world and I was worried about border/flying volatility in this current climate. But I said yes, and The Scottish Borders Ride was the most amazing experience. I am not sure if another horse riding adventure could possibly match this incredible 7 days of horse and human heaven, but I think I will make it my mission to try! Thank you to all involved for such a special week and to the magnificent horses who carried me safely at all speeds throughout the Scottish Borders region. To all those teetering on the fence, dream big and say YES to the edge of your comfort zone. I feel utterly lit and alive for putting my big gal pants on!’

‘What an incredible experience. This trip will have your face hurting from smiling so much. We learnt on day one that Gemma’s “wee canter” meant a flat out gallop, and you better be ready for it! This set us up well for the Common Ridings, which were such a thrill and enormous fun. I loved riding through the quaint villages strung with bunting and crowds of people waving and cheering “HOOR-AAY!” The Scottish are such warm and friendly people and we really felt welcomed. Susy’s horses are worth their weight in gold. They are fit, reliable and took great care of us. Cringletie House is a real gem, as are its staff. The food was delicious! The mini Highland Games had us all laughing and bringing out our competitive side. Epic trip. Book it.’

‘To say our Globetrotting experience in Scotland was magical would be putting it lightly. This trip is a MUST do for any experienced rider. Our group instantly hit it off, even with our non-riding friends and families. Staying at Cringletie was an amazing experience and the staff were exceptional. The horses that Susie and Gemma provided were all lovely. Titan belongs in a Grand Prix Ring – probably the nicest horse I have ever ridden. The Common Riding was unlike any experience I have ever had – nothing compares to galloping across the Scottish countryside with 200 horses and riders. To top it all off, I even got engaged on the Tweed River in front of Neidpath Castle! What a trip! We are planning on returning in 2024 for another Common Riding adventure.’

‘Neither words nor photos really give you the true sense of joy, freedom, warmth, contentment and excitement that this whole experience gave me. That bond and connection you get with your horse, and then with the earth while riding over it, is so good for the soul. I wish one could bottle it! The scenery is beautiful and the horses are so sturdy and fun to ride. It feels as if you are going back in time to when the horse was the main form of transport, but with the comforts of modern life! Galloping along the beach with the theme tune from ‘Chariots of Fire’ ringing in my ears was a highlight. But the pinnacle of the week was the Common Riding. Starting in the town of Kelso with 130 other horses and riders all dressed up in fine regalia, riding out behind a pipes and drums band to a big community reception, then galloping through fields and across country lanes all day. Where else in the world, literally, can you do that? What a heartwarming experience! So much so that I have booked to go back next year.’

‘This is a vacation not to be missed! The horses and people with stay with you forever. Susy, Gemma and Helen were the best guides we could have asked for. I rode 5 different horses over the week (which was awesome) and all of them far exceeded my expectations. They were really exceptional: willing, surefooted and sweet, with great personalities. I rode Quinston on both Common Riding days and he took such good care of me, but also made it exciting and fun. I have never stayed at a better hotel in my life, and I have stayed at many all over the world. All the little unexpected extras made us feel so welcome, the meals were exceptional, and the staff were so friendly and fun!
The experience is impossible to explain without living it, but if you are a horse rider and want to meet and see this country, there is no better way than on this ride!’

‘Globetrotting does a truly exceptional job vetting its local guides and horses. The Scottish hospitality and culture we experienced were surpassed only by the quality of the horses. It was my first time on Irish Draught and Sport Horses, and they were incredible: forward and fun, but quiet and calm, too. Each ride was different and beautiful. Cantering through forests and fields was such a joy. Every stone-walled field of sheep made me feel like I was in a James Herriot book. The beach ride was also pretty amazing and the Common Riding is something I’ll remember forever. Cringletie House’s food and service were exceptional, and the property was gorgeous. I loved taking walks each night and sitting in the walled garden. I cannot wait to go back to this beautiful part of the world.’

‘We had the most incredible time! A group of eight ladies from Texas joined one chap from Australia for a terrific week of riding and all-around fun. I rode 5 horses in 6 days and they were all a dream! Our guides Susy and Gemma were amazing, the landscapes breathtaking, and the Common Riding was the most fun I have had on horseback in years. Looking forward to our next trip!’

‘The Scottish Borders Ride changed my life. I cannot wait to do again, it was what dreams are made of and by far the best vacation I have ever experienced! Every single item and event was perfect. On a scale of 1-10, I can easily say 45! I had the pleasure of riding 5 different horses and each one was spectacular. They were beautiful, kind, fit and so much fun to ride! The Cringletie House accommodations were 5 star and the staff and service were exceptional. The meals were absolutely delicious, each one better than the last. Many times I had to pinch myself and wipe away tears of joy while galloping across the beautiful countryside, crossing creeks, cantering up hills, waving to the townsfolk on the Common Ridings and yelling ‘Hip Hip Hooray!’ These are memories I will treasure for the rest of my life!’

‘OVERPROMOTED and OVERDELIVERED! That does not happen often with a trip of any sorts, but Globetrotting did just that. From the preparation suggestions and what we could expect, to the accommodations at Cringletie Hotel, to the horses we rode and the itinerary with softer rides in between the Common Ridings, it was a 25 on a scale from 1 to 10! Be prepared, Globetrotting, we’re coming back. And sooner than you think!’

‘The Common Ridings are unique in my experience. Never before when riding through town streets have I been cheered by hundreds of people packing the pavements, or, on reaching the summit of an uphill gallop, been greeted by friendly strangers waiting to hand out cold beers! The riding itself is exhilarating and the landscape beautiful, but it’s the feeling of being included and welcomed into a genuine community tradition that makes it special. Kingston carried me on both Common Ridings, staying confident and surefooted over grass, stone and bog, up and downhill and across ditches. Suzy’s advice was not to think too hard and trust the horse. I would trust Kingston to do my taxes – he knows his job inside out!’

‘A holiday to remember forever. A combination of adventures riding in beautiful Scottish scenery with lovely Scottish people including you in their community traditions. Adonis and Costa were both super horses, very willing and eager to please. The guides, Gemma and Suzy, are gold. They are very professional and tell you everything you want to know. The Common Ridings are an adventure that can’t be compared to anything else. The second Common Riding was the most superb because we knew our horses better and had more of an idea of what to expect. The weather changed with every hill we took – really Scottish. I loved the contact with the local people and their friendliness. I loved everything!’

‘This Globetrotting experience has changed my life! After waiting two years due to Covid, the breathtaking scenery, hospitable people, and amazing horses took my breath away in more ways than one. The Scottish Common Ridings are like nothing else, and I feel honored to have been part of such an old tradition! I rode Yannis, Rambo, Skye, Rocco and Dakota and I was completely blown away by them all. They knew exactly what to do and the way they navigated the terrain was unbelievable. The entire trip was incredible. Seeing Scotland on horseback is the best way to do it!’

‘This was the most amazing trip! Our guides, Gemma and Helen, were fun and informative. The staff at Cringletie were courteous and efficient and the food was amazing. The actual riding was totally different from anything I’ve ever experienced in my life. The Hawick Common Riding was a day I will never forget – so awesome! The horses were exceptional. I rode Adonis most of the time. He was a big teddy bear and took amazingly good care of me on the Common Ridings. I also rode Sebastian, who I loved. For everyone who made this trip possible, a GREAT big hug and thank you so much!’

‘I’ve never done a holiday without my own horse before. I was so impressed with the quality of the horses and the care and attention given to them. Susy and her team really care about them and the standards are extremely high – the horses come first, which is what was important to me. I rode Bruno, who was incredibly well mannered and looked after me every step of the way. The riding was unforgettable. It challenged me, but was incredibly exhilarating. The beach ride was the best ride of my life – I will never top that!’

‘Susy and Gemma are amazing horse women and professionals, and both very kind and funny! Our first Common Riding was my favorite day. At dinner the night before, Gemma warned us this was going to be the fastest riding we had ever done. Although I have lots of experience going fast (such as wild horses across the Mongolian steppe), I still had the pre-horse show jitters. We started riding through the town with thousands of people cheering us off with a ‘HAYYeee’ and my horse Cosmo was excited, but steady as can be. Anytime we stopped to wait, he would quiver with excitement but not put a foot wrong. It was clear he knew what was about to happen and he was excited for it, which put me at ease. On our first bolt up the hill, as he leapt over ditches with total grace, I knew this was going to be a FANTASTIC day! The quality of the horses on this ride was top notch and this was truly a horse experience, not just a vacation with horses.’

‘This was a trip of a lifetime, and Scotland has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth! The horses were utterly amazing. My favourite was Wallace – he was so intelligent! He knew exactly what he was doing, and he took excellent care of me. The accommodations were incredible! Our hosts were so lovely and accommodating and our guides were very knowledgeable. The first Common Riding was fantastic because it was all so new, and the second Common Riding was even better, because we knew what was coming and got to enjoy things even more. I can’t wait to book my next trip!’

“The Scottish Borders Ride is far and away the best holiday I have ever been on. The riding was challenging and fast over beautiful terrain. The border country offers stunning views and warm hospitality. Susy’s horses are exceptional – fit, eager, well prepared and suited to the job. Cringletie House is marvellous. The staff happily cater to your every need. The meals, even the packed lunches, are consistently delicious. If you are an advanced rider looking for an exhilarating riding holiday, this is the trip for you. Do not hesitate!”

‘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.’

‘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!!’

‘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.’

‘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!!’

‘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!’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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!’

‘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!’

‘What a fabulous holiday! The location, quality support from the equestrian centre, supper service at Cringletie, fun off-the-horse activities (hiking, mountain biking, highland games, local sightseeing, Moffatt family history) and wonderful other globetrotters made this a memorable, enjoyable and fun experience. Our guide, Susie, was professional, attentive and super supportive. She has many great horses, great tack and an exceptional team. Helen, Mark and Jess were fabulous. I rode Amadeus on both common rides, as well as Oatley, Andronikos and Jaccamo. Amadeus, at 17 hands, was my favourite. Big, strong, fast, but very surefooted and steady. Thanks for a great experience!’

‘It was a wonderful trip and a great experience. The accommodations were wonderful and I was very happy with my horses, Adonis and Aramis. The Common Ride was exciting and the rides through the forest and countryside were awesome. The Scottish people were warm and welcoming. Their pride in their towns and the Borders area is a pleasure to experience.’

‘The Scottish Borders Ride was an amazing introduction to Globetrotting. I had the privilege of sharing my Globetrotting adventure with lovely women from around the world who truly became fast friends. We rode alongside wonderful people on Kailzie’s outstanding horses through beautiful parts of the countryside that few tourists would have the opportunity to see. Our group was embraced by the Scottish people, who seemed genuinely happy to have us participate in their traditional Common Ride; one of the highlights of the trip. Truly a memorable week!’

‘The highlights of my Scottish Borders Ride were the two Common Rides. It was non-stop adrenaline, heart-pounding riding. We galloped down hills, up hills, over ditches, through gates and across bogs. I faced so many of my fears that day: riding in a large group, cantering downhill, and riding fast.

Our horses were so honest and solid and looked after us all so well. It has been the most liberating thing I have ever done. It was such a privilege to be welcomed so wholeheartedly by the Hawick community. Huge thanks to Kate for creating such a magical experience and for being there with us for all the fun. And to my Globetrotting companions on this mad adventure, who made it so incredible and full of joy!’