Why Go on a Luxury Horse Riding Holiday?
December 7, 2023
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Who doesn’t love to be pampered every once in a while? Just imagine relaxing in a hot tub after a day of riding, reminiscing the day over a gourmet dinner by the fireplace, not worrying about a thing.
Sometimes, a budget holiday just doesn’t cut it. For a high-end getaway or a family break with a difference, dare to indulge in a luxury horse riding holiday.
These holidays may be a bit pricier, but considering the perks they offer, you’ll get more bang for your buck. And it is certainly possible to enjoy the high life without burning a hole in your wallet, as there are some luxury horse riding holidays that have an affordable price tag.
Find out what you can expect on a luxury horse riding holiday, as well as some recommendations of premier equestrian getaways where you’ll get pampered the way you deserve.
» READ MORE: Different Types of Horse Riding Holidays Explained
What can you expect on a luxury horse riding holiday?
Image credit: Black Orchid Resort
Any horse riding holiday is a great opportunity to refine your skills and explore new places.
But there are certain details that can make the experience truly extraordinary.
Luxury horse riding holidays offer the comfort you crave after a day spent in the saddle. With five-star service, high standards of hospitality, access to all the facilities, and great dining options, they are an oasis of modern convenience.
Exclusive getaways take care of your every need and come with a few extra perks that are worth every penny.
Accommodation
Expect to stay at fabulous properties with elegant and sophisticated accommodation. These can be anything from five-star hotels, private estates, stylish country houses, boutique villas, and posh resorts to authentic ranches, magnificent castles, or luxury camping (glamping). Most of the time, these come with great views and top-notch facilities as well.
If you opt for a luxury point-to-point trail riding holiday, you’ll spend each night in a different high-end accommodation.
Food
No matter your dietary requirements, you’ll enjoy the very best of local food and drinks. You can expect to be served gourmet meals prepared by excellent chefs in al-fresco dining areas or in elegant dining rooms.
Depending on the location, there may also be farm-to-table meals and the dishes usually feature local, organic ingredients.
Facilities
Depending on the location of your holiday, you might have access to some amazing facilities, such as swimming pool, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, sundecks, gazebo, spa treatments, tennis court, golf course, and more.
Premier riding programs
Image credit: Big Creek Lodge
Luxury holidays provide highly personalized experiences, tailored to your unique needs and desires. Some might offer the opportunity to rent the entire property exclusively for your group.
You can opt for group lessons, semi-private lessons, or private lessons just for yourself. You may also have the option of choosing your own itinerary or the disciplines you’d like to train in.
Expect well-trained horses and some of the best equestrian facilities you could ask for.
Choose from a variety of dedicated horse riding programs, which typically include dressage, show jumping, hacking, as well as trail riding in the countryside, in the mountains, near the beach, in remote places, or into true wilderness.
» READ MORE: Traveling Safely: Your Guide to Horse Riding Holidays in the COVID-19 Era
Top luxury horse riding holidays worldwide
Need some recommendations? Here are five luxury horse riding holidays that offer a pampering experience:
3-Day Horse Riding Tour in Wales, UK
- Price: From £1,150 per person
- Availability: Starting April 2024
- Skill level: Intermediate & advanced riders
Looking to explore the stunning countryside on a horseriding adventure?
Join this riding holiday and ride across green rolling hills, enjoy beautiful panoramic views, and you may even spot wild Welsh ponies!
Have the time of your life with 6 to 7 hours of daily riding, and with professional guides tagging along, you’ll surely have the ultimate horseback experience.
Before each riding day, you also have the opportunity to bond with your horse. You’ll also have the opportunity to feed, groom, and tack them up for the excursion ahead.
A wholesome riding day also includes delicious meals. This package includes three homemade meals a day, made with locally sourced ingredients – offering you a true Welsh experience.
8-Day All-Inclusive Horse Riding Holiday in Morocco
- Price: From € 1,100 per person
- Availability: All year round
- Skill level: Beginner riders
This horseback holiday in Morocco will take you on an adventure across breathtaking coastlines and thrilling desert trails.
Experience an all-inclusive package that allows you to form a bond with the horses through daily ranch activities. With the 2-hour daily horseriding at the beach and a one-day ride in the desert, you’ll surely have a memorable journey.
Off the saddle, you’ll get to visit a Hamam spa and explore the vibrant Souk of Agadir. Both excursions offer relaxation and a chance to immerse yourself in the Moroccan culture. Furthermore, this holiday also includes a one-hour daily yoga session.
Get to enjoy Western Moroccan cuisine with the included daily breakfast, lunch, and dinners at the luxurious ranch accommodations where you’ll be staying. Airport transfers from Agadir–Al Massira Airport (AGA) are also included in the package.
8 Days Point-to-Point Trail Riding Adventure in Melides, Portugal
- Price: From € 1,650 per person
- Availability: March to June, October & November
- Skill level: All levels
Embark on an unforgettable point-to-point trail riding adventure. Ride deep into the highlands of Serra de Grândola, one of the last untouched environments in Portugal. Trot and canter through vineyards, pine forests, cork oak forests, and eucalyptus forests.
Ride on the shores of the Santo André Lagoon, through the dunes, on the beach of Comporta, through rice fields, and on the banks of the Sado River. Spend each night in different luxury accommodations, from high-end hotels to pousadas, country houses, and private estates.
Meals on select days, water, wine, and soft drinks are included.
8-Day Horse Ranch Vacation in New Mexico
- Price: From US$2,969 per person
- Availability: April to October 2024
- Skill level: Intermediate & advanced riders
Ride through the historic trails of New Mexico, where Native Americans once thrived and Spanish conquerors once traveled through. From its painted deserts to alpine forests, this riding holiday lets you explore varied landscapes where you can practice and improve your skills as a rider.
With 5 days of riding, for 3 to 4 hours each day, you’ll be able to gallop across mountain tracks, have picnics along the way, and have a splash through the waters of the Rio Grande River.
Moreover, you’ll have ample time to explore New Mexico with the included excursion to visit a historical town, partake in an event, dine local cuisine, or shop in local galleries and bodegas.
Three daily meals and snacks are also included in this package. Other dietary requirements are also available for an additional cost. Be sure to book your flight to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) as the airport transfer is included in the price.
7 Day Luxury Jumping and Flatwork Training in Fermo, Italy
- Price: From € 1,675 per person
- Availability: March till December
- Skill level: Intermediate & advanced riders
Join this first-class riding facility and improve your flatwork and show jumping skills, while being pampered the way you deserve.
The 60-acre property has unobstructed panoramic views of the stunning Marche’s countryside and of the historic town of Fermo. Enjoy luxury accommodation in the country house, with access to all its facilities: infinity pool, Jacuzzi tub, sundecks, gazebo, BBQ, and al-fresco dining areas.
This horse riding holiday focuses on flatwork and show jumping, but there’ll also be occasional hacking in the countryside. There’ll be two horse riding sessions per day alongside your instructor, an accomplished Belgian rider.
Breakfast, evening aperitif, and welcome drinks are included. You can opt for half-board (two meals a day) or full-board (three meals a day) at the country club’s recommended restaurants in the area.
*Cover image credit: Melides Almargem, LDA
Interested in a tailor-made holiday just for you and your group? Opt for a private horse riding getaway that’s all about you!