Riding Holidays Worldwide

If you have a strong sense of adventure, feel confident about riding a horse and have a reasonable level of fitness then take yourself off on a riding holiday. Age is immaterial – I took my first trip well past the age of 60 and I hadn't ridden for 14 years. You'll be able to visit places worldwide you'd never reach in a 4X4, and see views and observe things that would probably be well out of sight if you were on foot.

Like any type of holiday, the perfect riding holiday will consist of many facets – some of which you won't be able to guarantee in advance. In no particular order of importance here are some of the things that go towards the perfect holiday ...

Horses: Be honest about your riding ability and give some idea of the type of horse you feel competent to ride. Usually, soon after you arrive at your destination you'll be offered a short ride to assess your skill level and your hosts will have selected a horse they believe will suit you. If you don't feel happy with their selection, say so as soon as possible and you should be given the chance to try a different one. I always stress that although now a senior citizen I enjoy a forward going horse, well balanced and light in front.

Accommodation and food: these need to be at least as good as I enjoy at home – unless I've been told in advance to expect a mess hall, dormitory and shared bathroom.

Your guide: the guide accompanying the ride needs to have a good knowledge of the area, a regard for safety without being too restrictive and, most importantly, a sense of humour. Someone who makes sure we oldies have something available to help us get on and off our steeds without too much difficulty, which means a purpose built mounting block back at base and when we have a break during the ride, a fallen tree trunk, high step or something similar.

Punctuality: If we're told we'll be riding at 9.00 am, then so be it – no one appreciates getting ready and being punctual only to be kept waiting while horses are brought in from the field and tacked up. Some places expect you to groom and tack up your own horse – that's fine as long as this has been advised in advance.

Clothing: this needs to be specific for riding and comfortable. Jeans are OK but unless you ride regularly the inner leg seams are inclined to rub your legs raw! Ankle boots designed for both riding and walking are ideal - if the going is steep you might have to get off and lead your horse in places. Trainers are too soft and without a definite heel you run the risk of your foot slipping right through the stirrups, which is not only uncomfortable but very dangerous. Half chaps save your legs being rubbed by the stirrup leathers and guard against thorns and prickly undergrowth. Likewise a long sleeved shirt will save your arms getting scratched and sunburned. Most establishments expect you to wear approved safety head gear, or sign a waiver clause.

I haven't mentioned 'weather' – it's a good idea to take at least a pair of lightweight waterproof trousers, even a poncho if there's room in the suitcase, and a pair of riding gloves.

With luck you'll find yourself riding with pleasant, amusing fellow travellers – but it's not always the case, even if you do all have horses as a common interest!

I've now ridden in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, India, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Costa Rica, and ridden a wide variety of horses using all sorts of different tack and riding styles. The best horses have been the quarter horses, Sauco in Mexico and Speedy in Italy, and the reassuringly sure-footed Criollo and Paso Peruanos in Argentina. I remember long gallops across firmly sanded beaches in Portugal, Spain and Costa Rica; steep climbs in the Andes towards the snow line, and the hills in the Lot region of France en route to Rocamadour; picking ripe cherries from the trees as we rode towards the Dolomites in Italy; traversing miles of undulating pampas without any visible signs of habitation in Argentina; camping out in the foothills of the Andes on Christmas Eve beneath a full moon and clear night sky in Chile; cantering along the banks of the Brahmaputra river in Assam with the Himalayas hazy in the distance on the far side.

There are several reputable UK companies organising riding holidays worldwide suitable for riders from complete beginners to competition level. There is something memorable to be treasured from each ride.

Do try it - and let me know how you get on.