Riding levels

When looking for a riding holiday, it is important that you are honest about your previous riding experience. Our travel advisors will find the best horseback tour for you and will make sure it matches your abilities for a fun, safe experience. All the rides on our website are classified according to riding levels: make sure to read the information below to see what category you fall into.

For novice riders, these riding holidays will give beginners the chance to get used to being in the saddle. In general, a beginner/novice hasn't learned how to canter and has not yet mastered rising trot. They are able to mount safely and to control a horse at a walk.

For intermediate riders who are at ease at 2 paces (walk and rising trot and are starting to canter in a forward seat) out in open countryside. The intermediate rider is able to mount and dismount their horse unassisted, use basic riding aids, ride at a rising trot for at least 10 minutes, to change and control the pace from a walk to a trot and comfortably canter over short distances.

For experienced riders who have mastered all 3 paces (walk, rising trot, canter in a forward seat) over uneven terrain. The experienced rider rides regularly, has a good seat and is confident of their own ability. They are able to control the horse at speed and change direction of their horse at any pace and in any circumstance as needed.

For advanced riders who have mastered all 4paces (walk, rising trot, canter gallop in a forward seat) over uneven terrain on all types of horses including those that are very spirited. The advanced rider rides regularly has good physical fitness, has good soft hands and has the ability to gallop for long stretches without getting tired.

For all riders, whether they are novices, intermediate, experienced or advanced. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capabilities of each rider. For example: working with cattle on a ranch, dressage training, endurance training, natural horsemanship, trail riding or centre-based safaris.

For beginners and intermediate riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capability of each rider. For example: working with cattle on a ranch, dressage training, endurance riding training natural horsemanship and centre based safaris.

For beginners, intermediate and experienced riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level and the riding is tailored to suit everyone. This is a good option for families or groups of mixed abilities. 

RIDING ABILITY - LEVEL 8
For intermediate and experienced riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capabilities of each rider but are not available to complete beginners.

For intermediate, experienced and advanced riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capabilities of each rider. These horseback holidays are not recommended to riders who have limited experience as tuition may not be offered and riders are expected to be independent.