Best Return to the Saddle Rides
The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride, Australia , The Margaret River Ride, Australia , The Shoalhaven Ride, Australia , Twin Coast Adventure, New Zealand , Shell, Wyoming, USA , Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland , Dressage in Spain , Catalan Coast Trail, Spain , The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland ...Did you grow up riding horses?
Are your childhood memories peppered with double-dinking bareback on your pony?
Or Sunday mornings in your beige jodhpurs at Pony Club?
Being bold and fearless on your horse… carefree… deliriously happy.
But then life happened. Adulting happened.
And sometimes adulting is SO tedious – too many deadlines and not enough freedom.
Can I ask… when was the last time you were in the saddle?
Have you been lurking on our website for some time now? ‘Should I? Shouldn’t I?’
Our ‘Return to the Saddle Rides’ are for YOU.
They have just the right balance of riding time and off-the-horse comforts. Plus kind, well-mannered horses that bolster your confidence, and perfect guides to nurture your return to riding.
Here are our best return to the saddle rides from all over the world.
Australia
The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia
This holiday is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with horses in a safe and fun environment. You can choose how long you spend in the saddle each day, with plenty of off-the-horse activities on offer should you wish to take a break. Our guides in Margaret River, Paul and Fiona, have been making equine enthusiasts grin from ear to ear for over 10 years with rides based out of their gorgeous property, which is also a boutique vineyard. Their team of friendly, well-mannered, home-bred and educated Australian Stock Horses will win you over in record time!
The Tassie Ride, Tasmania, Australia
With 3, 4, and 5-day options, this ride offers the perfect introduction to Tasmania’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. You’ll ride through temperate rainforest, sand dunes, bushland, and along pristine beaches. The 3-day itinerary focuses on relaxation, with just 3 hours in the saddle each day and plenty of time to unwind in the outdoor baths or the sauna at your cosy retreat. Longer itineraries offer 4 to 5 hours in the saddle daily, plus two accommodations to allow you to explore even more of Tassie. The pace is tailored to your ability, with experienced guides and safe, steady horses.
The Shoalhaven Ride, New South Wales, Australia
The Shoalhaven Ride is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Sydney in one of the most scenic regions of the east coast. Your host Tiffany and her team of beautiful Arabian horses will stop at nothing to ensure your holiday is unforgettable. There’s a fantastic variety of scenery, from lush farmland to untamed wilderness to the enticing expanse of Seven Mile Beach. Your days will combine riding with plenty of stops at award-winning cellar doors, restaurants and providore stores, and your nights will be spent in complete five-star luxury at Champagne Hill. Cheers to that!
The Grampians Ride, Victoria, Australia
This five-night holiday offers adventure and relaxation beneath Victoria’s magnificent Grampians mountain range. You’ll ride through quintessential Aussie landscapes, including rugged mountain ridges, dense forests, and vast plains dotted with redgums, all framed by striking sandstone peaks. With 4 to 6 hours’ riding per day and a maximum of 3 beginner riders, the guides can split the group so that everyone enjoys the ride at their own pace. Back at Mount William Station, you’ll enjoy luxurious amenities like a pool, sauna, bar (with drinks included at dinner), English gardens, and chef-prepared gourmet meals.
New Zealand
Twin Coast Adventure, North Island, New Zealand
Now, for this ride you do need to be prepared to ride at all paces over varying terrain, including butter-yellow sand dunes and ancient Kaui forests. However, the riding hours aren’t too long, and you’ll be in the hands of respected horsewoman Jane Kennedy and her team of supportive, friendly guides. While discovering new, remarkable landscapes every day, you get to spend each night in the one spot – Jane’s lovely farm, with its simple but comfortable twin share cabins. A half-day of local sightseeing makes this a well-rounded tour of the beautiful Bay of Islands.
North America
Shell, Wyoming, USA
This ranch is the perfect platform for out-of-shape, not-so-confident riders AND riders who are keen to upskill (perhaps master that canter, or should I say lope!). Why? Well, thanks to the high guide-to-guest ratio, you’ll never be in a group of no more than six guests. Plus, groups are co-ordinated according to riding ability, so even if you’re travelling with a more advanced rider, you’ll both be catered for in every regard. Not only that, as your fitness and confidence develop throughout the week, you can take on more challenging rides. And did I mention the scenery is absolutely incredible?!
Whistler Wilderness Ride, BC, Canada
Set in the majestic mountains of British Columbia, Canada, this holiday is a stone’s throw from Whistler and a very scenic drive from Vancouver. At four days and three nights long, you’ll feel like you’ve had a real vacation thanks to the serenity of this extraordinary region. Each day’s ride covers new trails that twist and turn around lakes, across rocky peaks and through endless forests. Trust us, the views are to die for! As for the riverside base camp, it’s more than comfortable, with spacious platform tents, a fire pit, hot shower, toilet, and covered kitchen / dining area. If you love getting back to life’s simple pleasures in the great outdoors, this is your ultimate return-to-the-saddle ride.
South America
Corrientes, Argentina
Love going off the beaten track? This estancia-based ride takes you deep into Argentina’s gaucho culture, where you’ll be guests of the Solanet and Ramirez families on their 7,000-acre cattle station in the Corrientes wetlands. Ride through unique ecosystems, spot capybaras and caimans, and muster cattle alongside the gauchos. There are two itineraries available, with the Estancia-based Ride perfect for those returning to the saddle. This option lets you decide the pace and duration of your rides each day. Off the horse, you can relax in comfortable ensuite rooms, savour delicious local cuisine, lounge by the pool, and enjoy warm Argentinian hospitality.
Europe
Dressage in Andalusia, Spain
This peerless equestrian destination offers exemplary riding at a 16th century hacienda in one of Andalusia’s famous ‘white villages’, Carmona. If you’re confident cantering out in the open, we recommend the Train & Trail itinerary, where you’ll ride majestic Andalusian horses both in the arena and along scenic trails for 3.5 to 4 hours each day. If you’re still regaining your confidence and want to fast-track your skills, the Intensive Training itinerary is excellent. No matter your riding level or your (un)familiarity with dressage, the world-class instructors and horses will have you feeling like a natural in no time. Choose between three, four and six night itineraries.
Tuscany, Italy
What better place to experience romance, relaxation, and stunning scenery than Tuscany? This holiday is a favourite for first-time globetrotters, offering breathtaking surroundings and the warmest of hospitality. Enjoy exceptional Tuscan cuisine, fine wine, and cocktails, all while staying in beautifully restored farmhouse apartments. Each day is infused with local culture and filled with charming local characters. There are three itineraries to choose from, whether you’re seeking a laid-back mix of riding and relaxation, or an adventure through sun-drenched vineyards, cypress-lined hills, and medieval villages.
Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland
Whether you come solo, as a family or with your friends, this equestrian wonderland is going to make you grin from ear to ear. Choose from two equestrian programmes: Happy Hackers, for those who would love nothing more than a week of trail riding around the gorgeous estate; and Horse Sport, for a mixture of show jumping, flat work, cross country and trail rides. Whatever you choose, the expert instructors and schoolmaster horses will have your back. With three hours of riding a day, there is plenty of time to enjoy the Estate’s myriad off-the-horse delights and visit the local village (i.e. the chocolate shop!).
United Kingdom
The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland
Fancy spending a week in a 16th century castle, riding out across the spectacular Scottish Borders by day and indulging in the many delights of the castle by night? Um, YES please! Scotland is one of our all-time favourite riding destinations and you’ll understand why when you see the picture-perfect farmland, windswept moors and moss-covered forests – not to mention the amazing horses. Your guide, Susy, will split the group according to ability, so you don’t need to worry about biting off more than you can chew. Plus, off the horse there are endless Scottish experiences to be had!
The Borders Riding Academy, Scotland
Looking to improve your riding, or learn to ride English-style? The Borders Riding Academy offers a tailor-made experience where you can choose your trip length, dates, and daily riding activities. You’ll have access to schoolmaster horses, expert guides, and an indoor arena to refine your technique, with world-class trails right on your doorstep. Set in the beautiful Scottish Borders, you’ll stay in luxury at Cringletie House Hotel. With 2 to 4 hours of riding each day, there’s also plenty of time to explore the stunning region with your hire car.
The Scottish Highlands Ride, Scotland
If the Highlands are calling your name, make a beeline for this week-long ride in Cairngorms National Park. You’ll explore 120,000 acres of spectacular scenery including glens, moors, woodlands, lochs, and the magnificent Blair Castle. You’ll be mounted on well-trained horses with expert guides, ensuring a smooth experience tailored to your pace. When it’s time for a canter, the group can split to accommodate different levels of experience. After a day in the saddle, unwind at Tulliemet House, a luxurious Georgian home within Blair Atholl Estate, offering roaring fires, hearty meals, a private sauna, and even a swimming loch for the brave.
If you’re keen to check out more options, read our post about the best entry-level horse riding holidays here.