Horseriding holidays

Equestrian centres, Republic of Ireland

Take a short course at a modern equestrian training stable, where you'll be assessed and given a strict programme to take your horsemanship to the next level. You'll be expected to take your riding seriously.

For experienced riders who find themselves in a rut. Non-riding partners are usually well catered for. In Ireland, you're never that far from a golf course, fishing spot or country walk.

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Trekking in Mongolia

Follow in the hoofprints of Ghengis Khan and his cavalry, trekking across wide open steppes and desert, through forests and over mountain passes.

You will find most nomadic families welcoming and while it's possible to spend your nights in hotels the quintessential Mongolian trek involves camping in traditional yurts. Hiring horses and local guides is relatively inexpensive.

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Dude ranches, United States

The famous dude ranch is where city slickers go to become cowboys. There's a lot more to the dude ranch than this stereotype, though some do ham up the cowboy theme. A few take their horsemanship very seriously, expecting guests to do chores but at most dude ranches this is an option, not a requirement.

Many are luxury holidays with horses an added bonus where you'll spend most of the day in the saddle - after a huge breakfast.

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Horsepacking, The Rocky Mountain States, United States

Take a short course in horsepacking so you can get to enjoy the most remote areas of the States where motorised transport is forbidden but horse travel permitted.

A number of US outdoor schools offer courses in handling horses on the trail. You usually don't need riding experience, though it helps. You'll learn the basics, such as saddling, grooming and packing for an expedition, before heading off into the wilderness.

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Australian outback, Northern Territory, Australia

Horses still play an important role in the Australian outback. Out in the bush enjoy a "pub crawl" to the only places for miles with a room, food and a few beers, of course.

Ride past craggy coloured rocks, old mining settlements and through huge cattle ranches. This is galloping country but slow down to spot kangaroos and wandering reptiles, wild deer and kookaburra birds.

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Andalucia, Spain

The home of the thoroughbred Andalucian horses, this region conjures up images of dusty rides through the olive groves of ancient estates. Watch the thoroughbreds perform at the Real Escuela de Arte Ecuestre in Jerez.

Then head for one of the local ranches, either for arena lessons on an Andalucian or for a trail ride across the rolling hills. It's also possible to take a beach ride along the Mediterranean.

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On Safari, Africa

Equine tour operators run trips to African countries as diverse as Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, with the option of jungle trails or coastal canters, exploring dusty plateaus or watery delta.

While some may offer luxury accommodation combined with daily rides, you may also stay on safari in a bush camp for the trip.

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Wales

Farms, riding centres and hostels in Wales offer riding holidays throughout the year. Breaks may be scheduled for the weekend, mid-week or for a week or longer.

It's possible to find a break to suit every level of rider, from rambling treks to advanced jumping and cross-country courses. Expect to take to the trails amid the peaceful Welsh hills and woods, with only sheep and wild ponies for company.

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Beach Trip, Venezuela

Take a beach ride in Venezuela, where the weather's warm enough to dismount for a swim and you can stop to sit awhile and fish for supper.

Ride from camp to camp along remote stretches of seemingly endless sands, then fall asleep under the stars to the sound of the waves. Or stay at beachfront hotels and guesthouses along the route, usually exceptionally good value.

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Riding tour, France

Ride past the chateaux of the Loire Valley, explore the forests and rivers of the Dordogne, dismount to sip wine in the cellars of Bordeaux, or ramble through the fragrant farmland of Provence.

Base yourself at a riding centre or farmhouse in your chosen region and take guided day trips, or join an escorted multi-tour where you'll stay in a different small village hotel each night.

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