🐎 The 10 Riding Commandments to Live By

1. Thou Shalt Respect the Horse

A true rider knows that every journey begins with respect. Horses are our partners, not our tools. By only riding horses that are well cared for and have happy lives (ie they have access to forage, they live in a herd and are in good health) you will be encouraging more trail providers to ensure their horses are well taken care of. Treat your horse gently with light aids and you’ll both enjoy the journey.

2. Thou Shalt Read The Brochure Carefully

Every trail on SaddleTravel.com has its own brochure which you’ll find above the trail picture gallery, this contains detailed information on the riding, the type of horses, the climate and usually a packing list too. We highly recommend reading through this before booking your trail as we specialise in riding holidays for all riders so you don’t want to inadvertently book yourself on a camping trip in the Saharan desert when you were expecting a high end hotel experience.

3. Thou Shalt Trust the Trail

Sometimes the path winds unexpectedly – through rivers, mountains, or forests. Or even in some cases through bogs, quicksand or somebody’s front garden. Trust your horse, your guide, and the journey. Some of the best moments on SaddleTravel adventures come when you let go and follow where the trail leads. The same goes for life.

4. Thou Shalt Embrace the Elements

Rain, sun, wind – they’re all part of the ride. A little dust in your boots or salt spray on your face only adds to the experience. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing, especially important to remember this when riding through torrential rain and hail in Iceland’s highlands for example…

5. Thou Shalt Pack Light, Ride Free

The less you carry, the freer you feel (and the less work for the logistics team hauling the luggage from place to place.) A saddlebag, a good horse, and a sense of adventure – that’s all you need along with the contents of the trails packing list. SaddleTravel trips are designed so you can focus on the ride, not the logistics.

6. Thou Shalt  Not Be Late For Dinner

Every riding holiday runs to a schedule, some looser than others, and although after 6 hours riding you may want to luxiate in the bath for several hours, remember the times for dinner and don’t leave your fellow riders and guide waiting for you around an empty table.

7. Thou Shalt Be Tolerant Of Fellow Guests

Almost all groups on riding holidays are made up of different nationalities/personalities and ages. Make an effort to share the laughter, the silence, and the stories with good humour, afer all every group becomes a small herd over the week – all bonded by adventure.

8. Thou Shalt Not Covet The Guide

Spending a week in close proximity with a true horseman (or women) can turn any riders head (and don’t even get us started on the cowboys). Not helped by the wine included on many European trails. Just think of the awkwardness over the following days not only for you but the rest of the group too 😉

9. Thou Shalt Honour the Local Ways

Respect the cultures and traditions of the people you meet on the trail. Whether it’s the non-English speaking chef, the luggage drivers, or the unsung stable staff, it’s their hospitality that turns a ride into an unforgettable experience. SaddleTravel partners with local hosts for most trails who give you an insight into a new culture or tradition.

10. Thou Shalt Always Plan the Next Ride

Because once the dust settles and you’ve unsaddled your horse, the call of the trail inevitably returns. Where will it take you next? Perhaps to the wilds of Patagonia, the hills of Tuscany, or the beaches of France.

👉 Discover your next ride: www.saddletravel.com