Is Your Partner a Beginner Rider?
The Tassie Ride, Australia , The Margaret 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 , 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 ...
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 our all-abilities rides, you can both enjoy the experience at your own pace. While you explore faster terrain or take on more advanced challenges, your partner can ride at a gentler pace. Your guides will ensure everyone feels supported and confident, regardless of their experience level.
What’s more, our beginner-friendly holidays are designed to help your partner improve their riding skills. With plenty of saddle time each day, their confidence and ability will increase at lightspeed!
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
The Tassie 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. 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 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 you: 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.
For your partner: they‘ll be matched with a safe, steady horse and supported to progress at their own pace, with the promise of a sauna each evening to ease any soreness!
The Kosciuszko Ride, Australia
This ride is the DREAM for anyone who grew up reading ‘The Silver Brumby‘ 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 you: 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.
For your partner: they’ll love honing their bush riding skills on varied terrain, mainly at a walk. Not to mention listening to the guides telling old bush tales!
The Snowy River Ride, Australia
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 you: 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.
For your partner: they’ll benefit from riding the same horse for 5 full days, building confidence and improving their skills while tackling diverse terrain.
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.
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’re content to ‘hack’ around the idyllic grounds of the Estate, or revving up to 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, 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
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. Bear in mind that beginner riders must be confident rising/posting to the trot and able to enjoy a steady canter.
For you: you’ll love the wild and free canters, and the chance to pop over some cross country jumps out on the trail. Susy’s horses are drool-worthy, too: big, strong, bold and sensible.
For your partner: they’ll love Susy and her team of guides, 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.
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 you: you’ll appreciate being able to ‘choose your own adventure’, whether utilising the schoolmaster horses and expert coaching, or gallivanting across the countryside.
For your partner: they’ll benefit from total one-on-one support and the chance to work on whatever riding skills they choose, from groundwork to posture to confidence on the trail.
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 you: 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.
For your partner: they’ll appreciate the chance to expand their comfort zone astride a steady steed, with plenty of indulgences at Tulliemet House if they choose to take a day off from riding.
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 the incredible local culture.
For you: you’ll love expanding your dressage and horsemanship skills astride schoolmaster Spanish horses with world class instructors.
For your partner: they’ll love knowing that they’re getting the best possible coaching, adapted to their ability, as well as the chance to immerse in Andalusian village life.
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 you: you’ll relish the chance to participate in authentic cattle and horse drives with real-deal Italian cowboys and highly-trained ranch horses.
For your partner: they‘ll appreciate the relaxed pace, the super supportive Western saddles, and the chance to ride a soft, sensitive, yet calm and steady horse.
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 you: you’ll love the chance to ride responsive horses across varied and thrilling terrain, with canters through storybook-worthy landscapes.
For your partner: they’ll enjoy steady, safe rides with plenty of time to appreciate their picturesque surroundings, and just 4 days in the saddle (they won’t be too sore!).
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
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 you: you’ll love the countless opportunities for wind-in-your hair canters and gallops, and being guided by skilled charros (Mexican cowboys).
For your partner: they‘ll like being able to choose between morning, afternoon, or full-day rides, and having plenty to do if they decide to take a day off the horses.
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 you: there’s challenge and excitement in the genuine, down-and-dirty cattle work, and the unforgettable experience of riding alongside a free-running herd of horses.
For your partner: they’ll be matched with a super safe, solid horse and guided by cheerful, supportive gauchos. Plus, they can choose how long they ride each day.
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.
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 you: you’ll love the chance to discover Africa’s wildlife on horseback, where you’re perceived as part of the ecosystem, allowing extraordinary encounters.
For your partner: they’ll appreciate the chance to build their confidence on safe, calm horses, and enjoy non-horsey activities and indulgences, too.
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.
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 you: you’ll enjoy the guides’ natural horsemanship approach, and riding spirited horses amidst unique scenery, including swimming bareback in the ocean.
For your partner: they‘ll appreciate the shorter rides and supportive instruction, not to mention the chance to ride on the beach and in the sea!
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!