If you’re thinking about a riding holiday in Europe but aren’t sure where to go or feel overwhelmed by choice, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 5 with recommendations on who each holiday would be best for.

If you’re still unsure or would like some help choosing, please reach out to us via email (rides@wildmanetravel.com) and we’ll help match you to the right trip.

Ride from the Sierra de Gredos to the historic city of Salamanca on a point-to-point journey through one of Spain’s most beautiful regions. Each day you’ll follow mountain paths, cross valleys and forests, and enjoy long, relaxed canters across open countryside with incredible views all around you. Along the way, you’ll stop for authentic Spanish lunches in the countryside — prepared for you on the spot while your horses graze nearby.

Your final stretch takes you across rolling plains toward Salamanca, where golden sandstone buildings and lively plazas mark the end of your ride. It’s a scenic, varied and culturally rich trail — perfect for riders who want a mix of beautiful views, open canters and real Spanish charm.

Best for riders who want:

• Sun

• Great authentic Spanish food

• Beautiful mountain views

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding along a beach with a herd of loose horses, this is the ride for you. You’ll ride along the Snæfellsnes peninsula, taking you through lava fields, over hillsides and along the light-coloured Löngufjörur beach.

After a long distance tolt through the shallow waters of the shore, you’ll journey into some volcanic valleys with a view of the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier behind you.

Towards the end of your journey, you’ll find yourself riding over rocky terrain and through colourful hillsides with a chance to soak in the peaceful colours of the surrounding landscape.

Best for riders who want:

• To ride with loose horses

• Beach riding

• To learn about the culture of the countries they visit

Discover the Loire Valley on horseback with a luxury castle-to-castle riding tour through one of France’s most iconic regions. Each day brings a mix of long canters across open valleys, riverside tracks and woodland paths, along with guided visits to six of the Loire’s most iconic châteaux.

You’ll ride through historic castle grounds, take in views of vineyards and forests, and explore the region’s grand architecture up close. Evenings are spent in elegant manor houses, mansions and carefully restored châteaux, where you’ll unwind over gourmet meals and local wines.

Best for riders who want:

• Comfort and luxury

• Shorter riding days

• To explore châteaux and manor houses
  

Discover the quiet magic of Castilla y León on horseback, where Segovia’s rolling countryside unfolds into pine forests, wide open valleys and storybook medieval towns. This three-day escape threads together exhilarating riding, timeless landscapes and the flavours and traditions that make Spain feel so impossibly vibrant.

You’ll be paired with a delightful Andalusian or Hispano-Arab — beautifully trained, responsive and eager to cover ground. Expect a lively pace, with long, liberating canters across open plains and a fresh rhythm each day as you ride through woodlands, ridgelines and tucked-away farmlands.

Best for riders who want:

• A shorter European break

• Sun

• To visit Medieval villages

Over four unforgettable days in the saddle, you’ll ride through some of Wales’ most beautiful and varied countryside — crossing rivers, climbing rolling hills and winding through remote valleys that feel wonderfully untouched. Much of the route follows historic tracks and old bridleways, linking places that have been connected by horseback for generations.

Each day offers a blend of forward-going riding and quieter moments to take in the scenery, with plenty of opportunities to experience the rhythm of the landscape beneath you. You’ll pass sites of historical significance along the way, immersing you in the rich culture and history of Wales, and giving the ride its name.

Best for riders who want:

• To visit countries with a deep culture and history

• To ride with scenic views

• To stay in small and charming inns