25th February 2026
what makes a great riding holIDAY?
You might think that what makes a great riding holiday is the riding, surely? And yes, whilst the riding plays a large factor in whether a riding holiday is great or not, there are many other factors at play too.
There’s a big difference between a ‘nice’ trip and a riding holiday that you talk about for years to come so here’s what really makes a riding holiday exceptional.
the horses come first
This is the first thing we vet at Wild Mane.
Even if every other part of the holiday was outstanding but the horses were treated badly, it’s a -10/10. The horses are the heart and soul of every operators riding holidays and quite literally could not run without them. A great riding holiday will always prioritise their horses.
What does that look like?:
Sufficient breaks between tours with the opportunity for turn out
Regular vet checks and necessary appointments
Right feed for the amount and type of work the horse is doing
Tack that’s been fitted properly
An understanding of riding ability and making sure not to push a rider further than they can ride. For example allowing a novice rider to join an experienced group where they’re bouncing on the horse’s back during long canters.
If you want to know more about how each operator we work with takes care of their horses, see our blog post here.
honesty
Nothing ruins a trip faster than mismatched expectations so it’s vital that all information is shared ahead of time.
The best riding holidays are very clear about:
Pace
Hours in the saddle
The minimum riding ability required
The terrain
Accommodation
When everyone on the trip is genuinely suited to it, the dynamic becomes much better and everyone enjoys themselves more.
culture
A great riding holiday shouldn’t feel generic and like it speeds you past the pieces that make a country what it is.
The most memorable rides immerse you in:
Local traditions
Regional food
The rhythm of daily life
Cultural stories and history
They should also provide great hospitality and make you feel like you’re truly part of the family.
small groups and thoughtful matching
The people you ride with and the horse you’re matched with can really make or break your riding holiday.
Whilst you can’t control the people you ride with, being matched with the right horse is a super important experience. It’s best to be honest about what you like and how you enjoy to ride. There’s absolutely no shame in preferring a slower and more relaxed horse that’s happy to hang at the back rather than racing at the front. The best operators will be able to match you to the right horse and one you’ll hopefully bond with deeply over the course of the trip.
Group size matters because smaller groups allow for:
Personal attention from the guides
A more cohesive and tight knit dynamic
Safer riding at pace
Better horse matching
The only ride I’d note with a small exception on group size is those in Iceland. As you’re riding with a large herd of loose horses for most of the day who are often spread out, extra riders don’t make that much of a difference.
experienced and calm leadership
Guides set the tone for a ride. If your guide is calm and experienced, you’ll ride within a calm atmosphere. If your guide is uptight or inexperienced, that bleeds into the attitude within the group.
A great riding holiday is led by someone who:
Knows the terrain intimately
Understands horses deeply
Stays calm and confident in all situations
Balances safety with adventure
You should feel looked after without feeling restricted.
At Wild Mane, every ride is chosen with these principles in mind. We look beyond beautiful scenery and focus on the horses, the people behind the operation, the group experience and the feeling you’ll come home with. A riding holiday is an investment — of time, money and trust — and it should deliver far more than just good photos. It should give you stories, confidence and a connection to a place that stays with you long after you’ve arrived home.
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🐎🌅