Horse riding holidays in Spain, Portugal and Italy

HOW TO CHOOSE

Choosing a riding holiday at a centre you have never visited before and often in a country you have never visited can be a daunting task.

Why are you thinking about a riding holiday in the first place, rather than just lying on a beach?

Well you obviously have an interest in riding and horses. But are you just starting? Do you want a centre that can teach you to ride? Do you have your own horse and would welcome a break from all the mucking out? Are you a once or twice a week riding school pupil looking for more time in the saddle? Are you a happy hacker looking for warmer riding weather? Or are you an experienced rider looking for concentrated tuition to boost you to the next level?

It could be that it's an excuse for a week away with friends. A holiday where the social activities are as important as the riding. You don't want to miss the chance to go away with them, but they seem very confident while you feel nervous.

And then there's the facilities and the horses and the food, what will they be like? Will I cope? Will I like them?

A few words of advice

• Decide what the main reason for your holiday is - trail riding, dressage or jumping training, social, or a combination of them?
• Check the chart below to find the centre or centres that best seem to meet your needs.
• Read the detail of those particular holidays to find which most appeals
• If you have any questions send us an email, or call. We've been on all the holidays, we know all the centres, all the people that run them, the quality of training and many of the horses.