As a horse owner who loves to travel, you might have wondered if it’s possible to take your horse on holiday; after all it combines two of your favourite things, lets you experience a new destination from a different perspective, and means you don’t have to leave one of your best friends behind. It’s also a fantastic bonding experience for you both and we’re incredibly spoiled in this country, it would be a shame not to take advantage of all the beautiful horse rides available in the UK.
Preparation is key on this type of trip, to ensure that both you and your horse get the most from it, so what do you need to remember when you take your horse on holiday? We’ve put together some handy tips that should make it a lot easier.
Location, Location, Loaction
It’s worth doing some homework before you take your horse on holiday so you can work out what kind of trip you want. Do you want guided rides, or would you prefer to work out your own route? Do you want to be part of a bigger group, or go off by yourself? Are there suitable rides within hacking distance from your B&B, or will you need to use a trailer? Will you need to supply your own forage and bedding? You also need to think about how comfortable your horse is when travelling; for the first trip, you might want to stay closer to home.
Capabilities
When taking your horse on holiday you need to consider your riding capabilities; it could make a huge difference to the kind of experience you have, as well as the experience of anyone else you’re riding with if you’re riding with other people. Don’t be too ambitious; a 7-day trek through treacherous terrain might look pretty on Instagram, but neither you nor your horse will enjoy it if you haven’t prepared. This works the other way too; if you’re an experienced rider but don’t have the confidence to label yourself as that, you might not get the most out of your trip.
Fitness
Before you go away you need to make sure that both you and your horse are fit and healthy. Your fitness level, and that of your horse, will determine how much you can ride each day, so you need to be honest with yourself. Any niggling injuries need to be dealt with before your trip as they’ll only get worse, but the good news is that you can improve your fitness level before you go.
Budget
If you’re thinking of taking your horse on holiday then you probably already know that it’s not going to be the cheapest of trips, so make sure you factor in the little extras when you’re budgeting; things such as extra riding gear, travelling costs, and any unforeseen expenses. One way to control the costs is to have a look at horse insurance, you can tailor your policy to suit your needs with a range of optional benefits so you’re not paying for cover you don’t need. Some venues may require you to have public liability insurances so it’s worth asking before you book. For extra peace of mind, you can also cover your horse trailer: fire and theft cover comes as standard, but you can include optional benefits such as replacement hire, friends cover and accidental cover.
Equipment
- Clothing – depending on where you’re riding, you may need a particular type of riding gear, or just more riding gear in general; you’ll probably be in the saddle more than you’re used to so may need extra – although this isn’t the time to try out those new riding boots, and don’t forget the all-important padded pants!
- First aid – it’s always good to carry a basic first aid kit with you, but you might need sunscreen and insect repellent for you, and any medication/supplements for your horse, particularly if they show signs of anxiety when travelling.
- Saddle bags – if you’re riding for any length of time, it’s good to have somewhere to store essentials while you’re riding.
- Tack – equipment such as a saddle and bridle are obvious, but you also need to remember grooming tools, as well as anything your horse may need on the journey, things such as leg protectors, tail guards and rugs. And if there’s a chance you might be riding in the dark you may need a head torch and hi-vis accessories.
Accommodation
You might want to save money on accommodation, but before you pack your tent remember that after all that riding you’re likely to be sore and achy, so you might want some comfort. Of course, this could also work the other way, and after all that riding you might be sore and achy and literally fall asleep anywhere!
Of course, you also need to think about where your horse will be staying; what are the stabling facilities like where you’re staying? Will you be able to camp nearby, or is there a B&B?
Taking your horse on holiday can be a great experience, it just needs some careful planning so that both you and your horse can get the most from it. Doing a bit of research beforehand means you’ll make some great memories, as well as getting a holiday you’ll never forget; for all the right reasons!
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