Globetrotting’s Holidays for All Riding Abilities
The Tassie Ride, Australia , The Margaret River Ride, Australia , Shell, Wyoming, USA , Helena, Montana, USA , Big Horn Cattle Drive, USA , Sierras Chicas, Argentina , Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland , The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland , Dressage in Spain , Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides, Mongolia , Corrientes, Argentina , The Grampians Ride, Australia , The Snowy River Ride, Australia , The Kosciuszko Ride, Australia , The Sumba Ride, Indonesia , Tuscany, Italy , The Umbria Ride, Italy , El Rancho Ride, Mexico , The Scottish Highlands Ride, Scotland , The Borders Riding Academy, Scotland , The Bushveld, South Africa ...
We believe horse riding holidays should be accessible to riders of all abilities, from beginner right through to advanced. (Not sure what your ability is? Find out here.) And while there are some Globetrotting rides that are only suitable for intermediate or advanced riders, there are PLENTY that cater for everyone.
How does this work, you ask?
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 or less-confident riders stick with another guide, keeping to a pace that everyone’s comfortable with. Once they catch up, the ride continues.
Don’t wait until you’re a better rider to have the ride of a lifetime!
A riding holiday is the ultimate training ground to fast-track your skills. Unlike ad-hoc one-hour riding lessons in an arena or the odd trail ride, going globetrotting is a fast-track course: you’ve got plenty of time to learn your horse’s rhythm and hone your skills.
We’ve seen firsthand how beginner riders’ ability and confidence skyrocket from the first day to the last. It’s absolutely mind-blowing and so rewarding to see.
You’ll have the very best teachers – human and equine.
The passionate, knowledgeable guides on our horse riding holidays have taken countless beginner riders under their wing. You will feel looked after from the moment you arrive, and help will always be on hand. Our beginner-friendly holidays also allow you to opt out of a day or a half day’s riding if you need some R&R.
For beginners, it’s especially important to be paired with a caring and experienced horse (or horses) for the entire trip. Once you bond with your mount, the sky is the limit. The riding holidays listed below all have safe, calm horses who will care novice riders without putting a hoof wrong!
There is no better time to dive into the world of globetrotting than at the start of your equestrian journey. Have a browse through these rides and start planning your first adventure!
AUSTRALASIA
The Tassie Ride, Australia
Showcasing 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. No matter your level, you’ll be able to go at your own pace as you explore the Apple Isle.
For the beginner rider: you’ll love how safe you feel with a 3:1 guest-to-guide ratio and a safe, careful horse boosting your confidence higher with every passing hour.
For the experienced rider: you’ll love being partnered with a perky, willing trail horse, cantering along gorgeous forest tracks and letting loose on Bakers Beach.
The Grampians Ride, Australia
Set against the backdrop of Victoria’s stunning Grampians National Park, this 5-day riding holiday offers a blend of adventure and luxury. You’ll stay at Mount William Station, a historic property transformed into a luxurious farmstay, complete with a private chef and fantastic facilities including a pool, sauna, tennis court, bar and fishing lake. The riding itself is great fun and crosses quintessential Aussie scenery, from eucalypt and wattle-covered hills to pastoral plains dotted with mighty redgums. Think 4 to 5 hours’ riding each day book-ended with exquisite meals and total relaxation at Mount William Station.
For the beginner rider: You’ll be matched with a safe, steady horse and supported to progress at your own pace, with the promise of a sauna each evening to ease any soreness!For the experienced rider: You’ll enjoy striding out on a confident, seasoned trail horse, responsive to your aids yet able to cruise along while you take in your surrounds.
The Kosciuszko Ride, Australia
This ride is the DREAM for anyone who grew up watching ‘The Man from Snowy River’ and dreams of traversing the High Country on a plucky mountain horse. Even if you’re not familiar with the legends surrounding the spectacular Australian Alps, 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 fresh-cooked camp breakfasts, saddlebag-packed lunches and delicious, hearty dinners around the fire. Oh and it’s one campsite throughout, so you can really get comfortable!
For the beginner rider: you’ll love that you can hone your bush riding skills on varied terrain that your horse knows like the back of his hoof.
For the experienced rider: you’ll love that you get to duck and weave along narrow bush tracks that snake through the hills and valleys, and canter across a mountaintop!
The Snowy River Ride
This 7-day adventure takes you through Victoria’s High Country, through rugged scenery reminiscent of The Man from Snowy River. Fair warning: beginners must be confident and have an adventurous spirit, as you’re travelling between several different campsites, so the 5 riding days are long and there are no shortcuts. There’s plenty of challenging terrain to keep experienced riders interested and beginners expanding their comfort zone, from river crossings to mountain summits to rocky scrambles. Your reward? Breathtaking alpine vistas, and a huge sense of accomplishment and camaraderie!
For the beginner rider: you’ll benefit from riding the same horse for 5 full days, building confidence and improving your skills while tackling diverse terrain.
For the experienced rider: you’ll relish the challenge of navigating the rugged High Country, exploring landscapes that have changed little since gold-diggers traversed these routes with packhorses.
The Margaret River Ride, Australia
The ultimate way to familiarise yourself with the iconic Australian wine region that is Margaret River. This ride 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 the beginner rider: you’ll love the variety of riding, the chance to build your confidence in a safe and fun environment, and having the option to ride in the morning, the afternoon, or both.
For the experienced rider: you’ll love the string of home bred and educated Australian Stock Horses, who are all finely attuned to your aids. You’ll also get to try your hand at polocrosse on horses that LOVE playing the game.
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 the beginner rider: you’ll love the reliable, schoolmaster horses and expert coaching. Oh, and a mechanical horse will help you improve your position and technique before transferring your skills to the real deal.
For the experienced rider: 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.
The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland
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? The Thirlestane Castle Ride welcomes beginners through to advanced riders for a week of 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 if you need a break or wish to do some extra sightseeing.
For the beginner rider: you’ll love your guide, Susy, and her team of guides – they’ll look after you every step of the way. Plus, it’s good to know you have the option to spend less time in the saddle.
For the experienced rider: 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.
The Borders Riding Academy, Scotland
Like the Thirlestane Castle Ride, this getaway is set in the Scottish Borders and designed for riders of all levels, from beginner to advanced. It combines three days (or more, if you like!) of skill and confidence development in the saddle with exceptional hospitality at Cringletie House Hotel. The riding experience is completely tailored to your needs and interests, with no minimum group size. This means that your partner can be working on their rising trot or nailing their canter at one end of the arena while you’re jumping, or mastering flying changes, at the other. Then the following day, you could choose to hit the trail instead, exploring patchworked farmland, forests, moors and heaths.
For the beginner rider: you’ll benefit from total one-on-one support and the chance to work on whatever riding skills you choose, from groundwork to posture to confidence on the trail.
For the experienced rider: you’ll appreciate being able to ‘choose your own adventure’, whether utilising the schoolmaster horses and expert coaching, or gallivanting across the countryside.
The Scottish Highlands Ride, Scotland
To experience a wilder side of Scotland, book this ride in Cairngorms National Park. Over six days, you’ll explore 120,000 acres of glens, moors, woodlands, and lochs, including the magnificent grounds of Blair Castle. Beginners and experienced riders alike can enjoy thrilling canters across heather-covered hills and peaceful trots along forest trails. Evenings are spent in the comfort of Tulliemet House, a stately Georgian home offering roaring fires, hearty meals, and a private sauna. Bear in mind that beginner riders must be confident rising/posting to the trot and able to enjoy a steady canter.
For the beginner rider: you’ll appreciate the chance to expand your comfort zone astride a steady steed, with plenty of indulgences at Tulliemet House if you choose to take a day off from riding.
For the experienced rider: you’ll love the opportunity to ride an impeccably trained, big-boned, athletic horse across the wild, rugged Scottish Highlands, with some great turns of speed.
Dressage Ride, Spain
Whether you’re a professional dressage rider or you’ve never tried dressage in your life, this ride in the gorgeous Andalusian countryside will see you grow as a rider – that’s a promise. There are three different itineraries on offer, so your beginner partner can book the Intensive Training program and absorb more than you’d hope to learn in a year of lessons, while you enjoy the Classical Dressage & High School Training program, a clinic with olympian Rafael Soto, or perhaps the Train & Trail Ride. 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 incredible local culture.
For the beginner rider: you’ll love knowing that you’re getting the best possible coaching, adapted to your ability, as well as immersing yourself in Andalusian village life.
For the experienced rider: you’ll love expanding your dressage and horsemanship skills astride schoolmaster Spanish horses with world class instructors.
The Umbria Ride, Italy
Nestled in the heart of Italy, the mountains of Umbria offer a landscape so vast and varied, it feels like a world unto itself. From expansive plains to rolling hills and towering peaks, this ride immerses you in the untouched beauty of Monti Sibillini National Park. Guided by Emiliano Brandimarte, a third-generation Sibillini horseman, you’ll traverse the famed plains of Castelluccio, renowned for their explosion of wildflowers each summer. There are 4-day and 8-day options, with the longer itinerary featuring a combination of circular and ‘A to B’ rides, complemented by cattle and horse drives that bring the region’s rich traditions to life.
For the beginner rider: you’ll appreciate the relaxed pace, the super supportive Western saddles, and the chance to ride a soft, sensitive, yet calm and steady horse.
For the experienced rider: you’ll relish the chance to participate in authentic cattle and horse drives with real-deal Italian cowboys and highly-trained ranch horses.
Tuscany, Italy
Explore the stunning landscapes of Tuscany on one of three fabulous itineraries centred around impeccable hospitality, local culture and cuisine, and diverse scenery. This is a serious spoil-yourself-rotten holiday, with local wines and delightful cocktails included, and no holds barred when it comes to food. You’ll ride through rolling hills, vineyards, forests, coastal parks and medieval villages, with accommodation in beautifully restored Tuscan villas. With comfy Western saddles, well-trained horses and 4 days of riding, the Tuscan Escape accommodates riders of all abilities.
For the beginner rider: you’ll enjoy steady, safe rides with plenty of time to appreciate your picturesque surroundings, and just 4 days in the saddle (you won’t be too sore!).
For the experienced rider: you’ll love the chance to ride responsive horses across varied and thrilling terrain, with canters through storybook-worthy landscapes.
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 the beginner rider: you’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.
For the experienced rider: 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.
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. Beginners can benefit from a natural start to their equine education while more experienced riders enhance their existing knowledge and revel in the rideability of these wonderful steeds.
For the beginner rider: you’ll love learning Parelli-style methods of understanding and communicating with your equine partner before taking it to the next level in the saddle.
For the experienced rider: 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.
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 the beginner rider: you’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 you’ll be able to call yourself a cowboy/cowgirl without hesitation.
For the experienced rider: 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.
SOUTH AMERICA
El Rancho Ride, Mexico
Just 90 minutes from Mexico City, this all-inclusive ranch-based riding holiday offers a customisable blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping gallops across open valleys or serene rides through cactus-lined trails, there’s something for every rider, and the off-the-horse options are endless, with dozens of excursions, activities and indulgences at your fingertips: visits to local markets, villages and archaeological sites, cooking classes, a yoga studio, and opportunities to unwind at the ranch’s waterfall, pool, and hot tub.
For the beginner rider: You’ll like being able to choose between morning, afternoon, or full-day rides, and having plenty to do if you decide to take a day off the horses.
For the experienced rider: You’ll love the countless opportunities for wind-in-your hair canters and gallops, and being guided by skilled charros (Mexican cowboys).
Corrientes, Argentina
This estancia-based ride takes you deep into the heart of Argentina’s vibrant gaucho culture. You’ll be the guests of the Solanet and Ramirez families, who run a 7,000-acre cattle station in the expansive Corrientes wetlands. Home to countless rare flora and fauna, the internationally significant region is a fascinating fusion of traditional Argentine cattle culture and unique natural ecosystems. There are two itineraries on offer, one of which – the Estancia-based Ride – is suitable for all riding abilities. The accommodation is gorgeous, the food fabulous, the hosts delightful – and the opportunities for adventure are limitless!
For the beginner rider: you’ll be matched with a super safe, solid horse and guided by cheerful, supportive gauchos. Plus, you can choose how long you ride each day.
For the experienced rider: there’s both challenge and excitement in the genuine, down-and-dirty cattle work and the unforgettable experience of riding alongside a free-running herd of horses.
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 the beginner rider: you’ll love having the option to stick with one horse for the whole trip or expand your skills by riding a few different horses, knowing that each one is honest, kind and careful.
For the experienced rider: you’ll love learning horsemanship and cattle skills from Argentinean gauchos, and experiencing the legendary paso llano gait of the Peruvian Paso.
AFRICA
The Bushveld, South Africa
This riding safari represents incredible value for money, taking you into the heart of the South African Bushveld, where you’ll explore a private 21,000-acre wildlife reserve. There are three distinct itineraries on offer: the All-levels Lodge Ride, which is suitable for beginners; the Signature Safari for intermediate to advanced riders; and the African Explorer for strong intermediate to advanced riders. From half-day rides to full-day safaris, or a multi-day adventure that crosses into Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve, there’s an itinerary for everyone. Off the horse, there are thrilling game drives, bushwalks, and horseback swims, plus spa packages, exquisite food and comfortable accommodation.
For the beginner rider: you’ll appreciate the chance to build your confidence on safe, calm horses, and enjoy non-horsey activities and indulgences, too.
For the experienced rider: you’ll love the chance to discover Africa’s wildlife on horseback, where you’re perceived as part of the ecosystem, allowing extraordinary encounters.
ASIA
The Sumba Ride, Indonesia
Discover the untouched beauty of Sumba Island on this immersive 5-day itinerary based at one of the world’s best resorts: Nihi Sumba. The most luxurious riding holiday imaginable, it combines 3 hours of riding each day with plenty of time to discover Nihi Sumba’s plethora of activities, sights and indulgences. Trust us, you’ll want to stay forever! In the saddle, you’ll ride native Sandalwood ponies through palm groves, rainforests, pristine beaches and traditional villages, where you’ll stop to meet the locals and connect with their culture. Your private 5-star villa comes with its own pool AND butler service!
For the beginner rider: you’ll appreciate the shorter rides and supportive instruction, not to mention the chance to ride on the beach and in the sea!
For the experienced rider: you’ll enjoy the guides’ natural horsemanship approach, and riding spirited horses amidst unique scenery, including swimming bareback in the ocean.
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 the beginner rider: you’ll love the consistent hours in the saddle, with long stretches of trotting where you can learn to sit or stand to the trot, and the occasional tricky terrain that will really boost your confidence as your Mongol horse confidently picks out a path.
For the experienced rider: 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’.
So there you have it: a round-up of riding holidays that are perfectly suited to both beginner riders and their more advanced compadres.
Which one tickles your fancy? Let us know in the comments or contact us to get the ball rolling!