Our Top Rides for Entry-level Globetrotters
The Margaret River Ride, Australia , The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride, Australia , Sierras Chicas, Argentina , Shell, Wyoming, USA , Dressage in Spain , Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland , The Shoalhaven Ride, Australia , The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland , Corrientes, Argentina , The Grampians Ride, Australia , The Tassie Ride, Australia , Tuscany, Italy , Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand , Twin Coast Adventure, New Zealand , The Scottish Highlands Ride, Scotland , The Borders Riding Academy, Scotland , Train & Trail Ride, Spain ...
If you’re looking for your first horse riding holiday, take our advice: choose a ride that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired, without having to traipse across the globe, take a month off, or start a hardcore training regime!
What makes the ideal first-time Globetrotting ride:
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Steady, reliable horses to help you ease into a multi-day riding experience.
- Meets you where you’re at: no need to be super fit, or riding regularly.
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Designed to build your confidence and riding skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.
- Long enough to be a real break, but short enough to feel approachable.
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Close to home, so you don’t need to worry about long-haul flights or culture shock.
- Comfortable! Great food and cosy beds – no rugged camping or off-grid hideouts.
The following are my recommendations for entry-level Globetrotting rides: short and sweet, tried and tested, giving you a taste of this style of travel before you limber up for your Mongolian trek or Kenyan safari.
Australia
The Margaret River Ride
This ride is PERFECT for the rider who is either a beginner, out of practice, or nervous and wants to gain confidence and experience in a safe and fun environment. There is nothing better to kick-start your horse riding holiday adventure, or take your riding to the next level, than five consecutive days in the saddle where you can choose to ride in the morning, afternoon or both, the choice is yours! Our guides, Paul and Fiona, have been making equine enthusiasts grin from ear to ear for the past ten years with their rides run out of their Margaret River property, which is also a boutique vineyard. And let’s not forget to mention their string of 30 home-bred and educated Australian Stock Horses – you’ll fall in LOVE, just like we did!
The Shoalhaven Ride
Now this is a holiday that pulls out all the stops. If you’re an intermediate to advanced rider looking for a first-time horse riding tour that will leave your belly as happy as your heart, look no further. Situated in The Shoalhaven region of New South Wales (just over two hours’ drive from Sydney), this ride is a taste of heaven on earth. The Shoalhaven produces some of the country’s best food and wine and has gained a bit of a cult following for its sublime blend of untouched wilderness, picture-perfect beaches and idyllic farmland. Whether you choose the three day or the five day itinerary, your intimate group of four guests will be shown the very best of the region’s cuisine, vino and natural beauty from astride a gorgeous Arabian horse. This is your host Tiffany’s calling in life and she and her team will do their utmost to give you every possible cause for delight.
The Tassie Ride
With 3, 4 and 5-day options to choose from, this riding holiday in Tasmania offers a perfect introduction to the world of Globetrotting. Tasmania’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. You’ll ride through temperate rainforest, grass tree scrub, sand dunes, bushland, and along a pristine beach, experiencing Tassie’s natural beauty up close. The 3-day itinerary has an ‘R&R’ focus, with just 3 hours in the saddle each day, surrounded by lazy mornings and relaxed evenings soaking in the outdoor baths or easing your muscles in the sauna at your cosy bush retreat. If you’d love a bit more riding, the longer itineraries offer 4 to 5 hours in the saddle per day, plus a combination of two different accommodations to allow you to explore a wide range of landscapes. The pace is tailored to your riding ability, the guides are experienced and supportive, and the safe, steady horses won’t put a hoof wrong.
The Grampians Ride
This five-night riding holiday offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the stunning Grampians region of Victoria. You’ll ride through quintessential Aussie landscapes including rugged mountain ridges, dense forests, and vast plains dotted with mighty redgums, all framed by striking sandstone peaks. With four to six hours of riding per day and no more than three beginner riders, the guides can split the group to ensure that everyone gets the incredible ride they came for, at the pace they’re comfortable with. Off the horse, you can truly unwind at Mount William Station, with luxurious amenities including a pool, sauna, bar (drinks at dinner included!), English gardens, and chef-prepared gourmet meals – a welcome retreat after a big day in the bush.
New Zealand
Glenorchy Back Country Ride
If you’ve always longed to ride a horse across the land of the long white cloud, you can’t go wrong with this holiday in New Zealand’s South Island. For five days you’ll journey across emerald green fields, glacial rivers and ancient beech forests that you might just recognise from a famous film franchise or two. Rest assured you’ll be well cared for by your surefooted steed, as well as the all-star guides, who will give you as much support as you need to feel comfortable both on and off the horse. You’ll spend two nights in tents (okay, we promised no tents, but this ride is too iconic not to include!!) and two nights in cosy lodge accommodation, which is a great combination if you’re new to camping.
Twin Coast Adventure
Presenting an entirely different side of New Zealand, this five-day ride in the gorgeous Bay of Islands region of the North Island is perfect for first-time globetrotters happy riding at a walk, trot and canter out in the open. The naturally-trained horses and super encouraging guides will help you find your ‘sea legs’ in no time. Although you’ll be exploring new landscapes every day (think butter yellow beaches, native Kaui forests and rolling green fields) you’ll stay in the same accommodation throughout – simple but comfortable twin share cabins. A half-day of local sightseeing complements your time in the saddle to make this a well-rounded, quintessentially Kiwi holiday.
North America
Shell, Wyoming, USA
This working ranch offers something new every day, from trying your hand at cattle work to taking a riding lesson to discovering some of Wyoming’s most spectacular scenery – all from the back of a nifty, fit and responsive Quarter Horse. With 100 horses to choose from and over 650,000 acres of ranch land stretching away in every direction, this ride is a dream come true if you’re looking for an authentic yet flexible ranch experience. And if you fancy some time out of the saddle, there’s fly fishing, trap shooting, 4×4 tours, archery, bicycles, canoes, a hot top and a dinosaur dig site to keep you occupied! Choose from a four, six or 13-night stay, with departures throughout spring, summer and autumn.
South America
Corrientes, Argentina
This estancia-based ride immerses you in 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. As you ride through internationally significant ecosystems, you’ll see capybaras and caimans, splash through rivers, muster cattle, work with the gauchos in the corrals, AND ride with a free-running herd of horses! There are two itineraries to choose from; for first-time globetrotters, we recommend the Estancia-based Ride, which gives you the freedom to decide if, where, and how long you ride each day. If you take a day off, there is plenty to keep you entertained. You’ll stay in comfortable ensuite rooms decked out with Argentinian antiques and artifacts, savour exquisite local cuisine, and enjoy warm, generous hospitality.
Sierras Chicas, Argentina
If South America is on your riding bucket list, this estancia-based ride in Argentina is exactly what you’re looking for! It’s set on a beautiful 6,500 acre working cattle and stud farm in the Sierras Chicas mountain range, an area so staggeringly beautiful that you may never want to leave. Because it’s estancia-based, both the itinerary and the riding hours are flexible, so you can really customise your experience. Day to day, you could be visiting the nearby one-teacher school, packing a picnic to enjoy outside the local Dominican church, riding up into the mountains, playing polo or trying your hand at ‘sortija’, the gauchos’ horseback game. We even have an itinerary called ‘learn to play polo’ for those who want to immerse themselves in a new sport and explore the Sierras Chicas in equal measure. Estancia stays are available year-round, and polo weeks are scheduled every couple of months.
Europe
Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland
This holiday in beautiful County Monaghan is the ultimate luxury ride, especially if you love (or want to try) jumping. Not only do you get to live it up in a castle and its 1,000 acre grounds, you also get to hone your equestrian skills with a tailored combination of lessons, trail rides and cross country! Between the indoor arena, showjumping courses and 300+ cross country obstacles, there is plenty of variation on offer for your three-hour daily riding schedule, and you certainly don’t have to jump if you don’t want to. The instructors and guides are amazing and we guarantee that whether you’re a novice rider or an experienced eventer, you will leave a more confident and skilled rider. There is the option to increase your riding hours at an additional cost if you wish, but for entry-level globetrotters, three hours a day for either three or five days tends to be just right. Oh, and custom itineraries of up to seven days can be arranged on request.
Tuscany, Italy
What setting could better encapsulate romance, relaxation and picturebook scenery than Tuscany? This is one of our most popular holidays for first-time globetrotters, and for good reason. Not only are your surroundings spectacular, you’re hosted by some of the best in the business and plied with heaving tables of Tuscan cuisine, fine wine and cocktails. And let’s not forget the gorgeous accommodations in beautifully restored farmhouse apartments, or the local characters who infuse each day with authenticity and culture. There are three itineraries to cater to all tastes, whether you want a laid-back blend of riding and down time or an adventurous journey through sun-kissed vineyards, cypress-lined hills, ancient olive groves, and charming medieval villages.
Dressage in Andalusia, Spain
We’ve teamed up with our amazing outfitters in Andalusia, Spain, to offer multiple itineraries designed to suit the needs and desires of every rider, all based out of a 16th century Hacienda in one of Andalusia’s famous white villages. If you’re a beginner rider, you won’t believe how much your riding will improve with the Intensive Training itinerary. If you’re confident at a walk, rising trot and canter in a group outside of an arena, the Train & Trail itinerary offers a delightful balance of lessons and trail rides through the glorious Andalusian countryside. No matter your level of riding or your (un)familiarity with dressage, the world-class instructors and schoolmaster Andalusian horses will have you performing like a natural in no time. Choose between three, four and six night itineraries all year round.
United Kingdom
The Borders Riding Academy, Scotland
If you want to upskill your riding, learn how to ride English-style, or just get a gauge on where you’re at and what you’re comfortable with – why not do it while on a riding holiday? That’s exactly why we created the Borders Riding Academy. It’s a tailor-made experience where you choose the trip length, dates, and what sort of riding you do each day. You’ll have access to schoolmaster horses and brilliant guides and instructors, with an indoor arena to work on your technique and world class trails at your doorstep. Set in the picturesque Scottish Borders, you’ll be accommodated in luxury at the magnificent Cringletie House Hotel. With two to four hours each day in the saddle, there’s plenty of time to take your hire car out and explore this stunning region.
The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland
This week-long holiday features the same fantastic horses and guides as The Borders Riding Academy. With a 16th century castle to call home, you’ll ride out across the spectacular Scottish Borders by day and indulge in the many delights of the castle by night. From grandiose feasts in the state dining room to croquet games on the lawn, you really will feel like royalty. As for the riding, you’ll explore picture-perfect farmland, windswept moors, moss-covered forests and unspoilt beaches. Your guides will split the group according to ability, so you don’t need to worry about biting off more than you can chew. Plus, there’s plenty of flexibility to choose whether to go for a ride, relax at the castle or take your hire car and explore the Borders.
The Scottish Highlands Ride, Scotland
If you love the idea of seeing Scotland on horseback but it’s the Highlands that are calling your name, this itinerary is your perfect match. As with all our Scottish riding holidays, you’ll be mounted on incredibly well-trained horses with applause-worthy guides at the helm. Set within wildly beautiful Cairngorms National Park, you’ll have 120,000 acres of glens, moors, woodlands, lochs and streams to explore, including the magnificent Blair Castle. When the opportunity arises for a canter, the group can be split to ensure that everyone enjoys the experience at their own pace. Accommodation is at Tulliemet House, a stately Georgian home within Blair Atholl Estate offering roaring fires, hearty meals, a private sauna, and even a swimming loch if you’re feeling brave.
The Cotswolds Ride, England
This week-long ride takes place in one of England’s most picture-perfect regions: the Cotswolds, a place of grand old manor houses, sprawling estates, hedge-lined country lanes, patchworked fields and ancient oak and birch forests. The horses are well-trained, fit, forward-moving English hunters, so you need to be confident riding English-style on a big horse with ground-covering paces at a walk, rising trot and fast canter. Think two to three hours of fast-paced, thrilling riding each day, with local cultural events and attractions interwoven throughout the trip, and plenty of down time to enjoy the spa and gardens at your magnificent mansion accommodation, or to head out in your hire car to explore your surrounds. Some dates even coincide with world-class three-day eventing competitions! No matter when you visit, you’re guaranteed a rollicking good time.
So there’s our pick, globetrotters: the best entry-level horse riding holidays for first-time globetrotters.
If you’d like to chat with our team of experts about which riding holiday will suit you best, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!