Preparing yourself for a Horse Riding Holiday

If you are planning on taking a horse riding break, it pays to be well prepared for the holiday even before you leave your home. Whether you are trekking across the Yorkshire dales or have signed up for the authentic 'dude ranch' experience in the US it is important to ensure that you have covered all the bases. In order to get the very best from your trip, it is advisable to invest that little bit extra so that you have the correct kit and clothing for the type of holiday you have planned.

Before you even begin to think of clothing or passports, you should take some time to communicate with your tour operator about the facilities and guidance they provide. Firstly it is important to make sure that the standards under which they keep their horses have been approved by a vet or governing body - the last thing you want is to turn up for your first day of trekking to discover that the horses you are to be riding have been poorly cared for or are unhealthy.

Check that the operator has the relevant horse insurance and whether they are qualified or trained to be looking after horses. Do not be embarrassed to ask whether they have any references or testimonials that you can take a look at, as at the end of the day it is your money and you must be sure that you are paying for the best riding experience possible.

Once you have decided upon your riding holiday provider, it is time to prepare all the essentials. Make sure that you have booked flights, car hire or an airport transfer if necessary - try to book as far in advance of your trip as possible to get the best deals. Another vital thing to remember is that you get the correct type of travel insurance that will cover you for any accidents that you might have whilst horse riding.

As was mentioned earlier, it is worth investing in some equipment of your own before you leave. Although most tour operators will be able to provide items such as riding hats, for your own comfort (especially if you are going to be in the saddle for a large period of time) you may want to consider bringing your own riding hat which has been fitted for your head. It may also be worth purchasing a pair of boots or shoes that have a small heel if you do not currently own any, as flat soled shoes will slip through the stirrup when riding.