6 Horsey Holiday Ideas for the Best Summer Ever
The countdown to summer is officially ON. Schools are getting ready to break up for the holidays, and we’re into the final push for those sitting exams. As the weather starts to warm up it’s hard not to get excited for the coming summer months. Whether you’re planning on heading abroad this summer or vacationing in one of the many stunning parts of the UK, there are so many exciting choices when it comes to planning a horsey holiday.
Now if you’re anything like me, working with horses every single day, a week or two without setting eyes on one is a bit of welcome respite, and the last thing we’re thinking of is a holiday all about horses. However, if you just can’t get enough and need your equine fix, even on your holiday, then have I got some suggestions for you!
Planning a holiday can be a stressful experience, whether you’re involving horses or not. It’s hard to relax and enjoy it until you’ve got your feet up with your drink of choice in hand. So, I’m here to help with a few fantastic suggestions to help make the horsey holiday planning a little easier…
1. Selman Marrakech
If you’re looking for a real treat, then the Selman Marrakech has everything you could possibly need. This absolutely gorgeous luxury hotel, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, combines palatial opulence with the intimacy of a family estate. Not only does the Selman offer an extensive golf course, exquisite rooms and villas, and a luxury spa but it’s also the home of an Arabian Thoroughbred stud farm!
Here you can find a world-class stud whose homebred horses have won many prestigious prizes. Whilst you’re staying at the Selman, you can visit the stables, chat with the grooms, and meet some of the most impressive horses in their private breeding program.
And if that isn’t enough, staying at this beautiful hotel allows you free access to the School of Equestrian Arts of Marrakech! Here you can watch its dedicated members train in classic dressage, aerobatics, and liberty alongside some of the equestrian world’s most renowned trainers.
There is certainly something for everyone at this beautiful location and the ultimate horsey getaway with the opportunity to see something a little different!
2. Ranch holidays
If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a bit of a cowboy or wanted a taste of the Wild West, then a hands-on staycation at one of the many ranches throughout America will be an unforgettable trip. Try your hand at some classic cowboy skills and enjoy trail rides through some stunning locations. If that’s not country enough for you, head out and watch some rodeo shows and get your dancing shoes for a little bit of square dancing!
A ranch holiday is a perfect choice for a hands-on, active family to get stuck into what life and horse riding are like across the pond. And it’s not just limited to the horsey members of the family, there will be something for everyone, whether it’s finishing, dancing, shopping, or relaxing at the spa.
3. Gleneagles
If you’re wanting to stay on British soil, then a trip up to Gleneagles in the beautiful Perthshire countryside is unrivalled. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, riding at the Gleneagles equestrian centre is catered for any level and ability. Their ‘own a pony’ days are perfect for the little ones dreaming of getting their own pony, as they learn to care for them, groom them, and ride.
But horse riding isn’t all there is at this all-encompassing location! If riding isn’t for you, there are tonnes of other activities to choose from. From shooting and fishing, gundogs and falconry, to walking, tennis, and cycling there really is something for the whole family to get involved with! And if a good massage and a day at the spa are in order, then Gleneagles has everything you could possibly dream of.
4. Gypsy caravan experience
Wanderlust Gypsy Caravans offer a truly unique experience perfect for a holiday a little closer to home. Take in the stunning Lake District from an entirely new vantage point, as you meander down country lanes and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle and totally emersed in nature.
Park up in one of the campsites and get cooking over an open fire. If you fancy a dip, why not go for a paddle in one of the nearby streams, or if you’d prefer something a little warmer, the campsites offer a rustic sauna or a wood-fired hot tub! You can’t get any more at one with nature than that…
5. Vienna
If you were hoping for a bit more of a city break but didn’t want to sacrifice any horsey-time then Vienna, Austria is a city that’s calling your name. Alongside beautiful architecture, fantastic food, tonnes of history, and not forgetting the music, Vienna is home to the world-renowned Spanish Riding School.
Situated in the Hofburg Palace, built under Charles VI, the famous Lipizzan stallions are cared for and trained in classical horsemanship. Whilst you’re wandering around the streets of Vienna, pop in to watch them training in the quadrille or buy tickets to go behind the scenes and see the stables for yourself. But whatever you do during your stay in the city, their evening performance is a must-see. Surrounded by beautiful baroque architecture and accompanied by classical Viennese music, the stallions, and their dedicated riders, give you a performance like no other.
6. Mozambique Horse Safari
Now this is truly a holiday that will stay with you for a very long time. Enjoy a week-long adventure along the Vilankulo coastline, made up of vast white sand beaches, lakes, red sand dunes, and views to take your breath away. And it’s not just about the horses either, stay in luxury accommodation and dine on some of the freshest food at the best seafood restaurants. To make this experience even more special, the majority of the horses used in the safari were rescued from Zimbabwean farms during the height of the political conflict.
Mozambique Horse Safari is a family run adventure that is truly unlike anything you’ve experienced on horseback before. To make this experience even more special, the majority of horses used in the safari were rescued from Zimbabwean farms during the height of political conflict. Rest assured this will be an unforgettable trip and the highlight of your year.
So there you go, 6 incredible holiday ideas for the avid horse fans out there! Whichever you choose, I’m sure it will be an amazing opportunity to try something new and see how people do horses around the world. Whether it’s the Mozambique coastline calling your name or a famous-five-esq adventure in the English countryside, it’s going to be a summer like never before!
With love,
Px