13th February 2026

why you should book with a travel agent

and specifically wild mane:

In an age of direct bookings and endless Google tabs, it’s easy to wonder whether travel agents still matter or hold value, especially for niche travel like riding holidays.

But when it comes to travelling with horses, in unfamiliar countries, often to remote places, booking through a specialist travel agent can make the difference between a smooth, unforgettable experience and a stressful one.

So here’s why we recommend booking with a travel agent (and specifically Wild Mane :)

agents vet operators so you don’t have to

One of the biggest advantages of booking through a travel agent is operator vetting.

Instead of relying solely on online reviews or social media, agents:

  • Build direct relationships with operators and hosts

  • Understand how they run trips in real life, not just on paper

  • Know which experiences suit confident riders, intermediates, or those returning after a break

At Wild Mane, our trips are selected because they meet clear standards around horse welfare, riding quality, accommodation and overall experience. We look for ‘experience of a lifetime rides’ and don’t accept anything below that standard.

Riding holidays aren’t standard travel

A riding holiday isn’t just a hotel and a flight.

They’re detailed trips with many moving components and involve:

  • Timed pick ups and drop offs

  • Understanding pace, fitness, riding style and experience

  • Knowing seasonal conditions and terrain

  • Coordinating logistics in rural or remote locations

A good travel agent will act as the bridge between rider and operator, managing expectations on both sides so there’s no surprises. Agents can also give you detailed advice on travel recommendations from flights to the best places to stay.

you get honest advice, not a sales pitch

A specialist riding agent isn’t there to push you into booking — they’re there to help you choose the right trip for you.

That often means:

  • We advise when a trip isn’t the right fit.

  • We’ll suggest alternatives based on your riding background (this is a key benefit of booking with an agent as we have access to a larger variety of rides in different destinations).

  • We’ll help you decide between similar destinations or trip styles.

This kind of guidance is especially valuable for riders booking their first international riding holiday.

support before, during and after your trip

When you book direct, your point of contact is often limited to the operator who are sometimes in a different time zone and if they run everything themselves, often on rides with guests during their riding season.

When you book through an agent, you gain:

  • A consistent point of contact before departure

  • Help interpreting itineraries, packing lists and logistics

  • Someone advocating for you if plans change or questions arise

Wild Mane stays involved throughout the process, from your first enquiry to the post-trip follow-up. You’ll never be navigating things alone or waiting weeks for a reply.

why this matters even more for riding travel

Riding holidays are deeply personal and many factors play a role in a successful holiday. Booking with a travel agent means you’ve got someone in your corner to make sure your expectations are understood, you’re going on the right ride for you and your experience, and that you have a familiar point of contact available from enquiry to the journey home.

Wild Mane was created for riders who are drawn to the wild and want to escape the ordinary. We focus on outstanding horse welfare & hospitality, authentic experiences, beautiful landscapes and horses that you can’t help but fall in love with.

If you’re ready to find your next riding escape, see all of our rides here or send us a form below and we’ll help plan your dream riding trip with you.

NOT SURE WHERE TO GO or need some help?

Drop us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can🐎🌅