Question 1

Can I bring my own horse?

Accepted Answer

The answer is no (unless you have the cash to fly your horse to Kenya!) Our portfolio of holidays involve riding the horses provided by the ride outfitter. A lot of riders prefer to ride their own horses as they know them inside out, but we can assure you that you’ll be truly satisfied with the horses on each and every Globetrotting holiday. They are truly top class – our globetrotters often tell us they wish they could bring their steeds home! Before you arrive, we send the outfitter information about your riding ability, riding history and the type of horse that you prefer. This enables the outfitter to match you with the perfect horse according to your ability and preferences. In the unlikely event that you're not happy with your pairing, there is always the option to swap horses if need be. We personally road test each and every...

Question 2

What is a good entry-level ride?

Accepted Answer

If you’re considering dipping your toe into the addictive world of horse riding holidays, you may want to consider one of our entry-level rides to see if horse riding while seeing new landscapes is your cup of tea. Pssst: we know it will be, but you might be wondering if you’re riding fitness is up to scratch, if the horse quality is as good as we say it is and if the people on the rides are as nice and like-minded as they sound. Rather than jumping head first into a 10 day riding safari across the Namibian Desert where you’re in the saddle for 7 hours, you might want to start off with something a bit more mellow, maybe in your own country. Our entry-level rides are perfect if you’ve been out of the saddle for a while, are a tad nervous, travelling solo, or if it’s your first horse riding...

Question 3

Can I go on my own?

Accepted Answer

Believe it or not, the majority of our globetrotters travel solo. I started my career as a single globetrotter and have made life-long friendships borne from hours upon hours of conversations in the saddle. Once you’ve completed a horse riding holiday as a single traveller, you’ll realise that it’s an absolute cinch and you’ll be signing up for the next ride (as a single) in a heartbeat. Here is why: FREE CHOICE You can pick the travel dates that fit within your holiday schedule rather than co-ordinating with a friend. You can select the PERFECT ride based on your budget, time and riding ability rather than downgrading your expectations to fit with a friend who may not be as confident in the saddle as you. Or vice versa - you may be a beginner looking for an entry-level ride where you can really get your riding mojo on. THE PEOPLE...

Question 4

I'm over 60, will I be the oldest on the ride?

Accepted Answer

Age is no barrier in signing up for a horse riding adventure. The majority of our globetrotters range in age from 35 right through to 72, so you’ll be in good company no matter which ride you decide to join. Believe me: if you’re in good health and want to grasp life with both hands and go on a wildly exciting adventure that will blow your socks off, then one of our riding holidays is for you. After sixty, gone are the days of riding young horses that prance on the spot, am I right? You want to relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that you’re riding safe, responsive horses, surrounded by like-minded people, and that your creature comforts on and off the horse are delivered. THIS I can guarantee, and that’s the true benefit of booking with Globetrotting: we offer impartial advice as an agent that specialises in horse...

Question 5

Do you have riding holidays for a family?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! As a mother to three young globetrotters (Finn, Birdie and Poppy), nothing gives me more joy and pride than bundling up our wanderlust-filled family and taking them globetrotting. I believe horse riding is a life skill that needs to be learned, like swimming. As I’m sure you’ll agree, horses can teach us so much from a young age – persistence, patience, courage, responsibility – and give us the freedom to explore nature’s spoils. And trail riding, whether at home or on holiday, is the perfect foundation to set kids up for a lifelong love affair with horses. Granted, not every family has access to trustworthy horses and fun trails at (or near) home. But you can enjoy this beautiful experience on plenty of our Globetrotting holidays. We have a selection of rides around the world that will suit the entire family, no matter your budget, timeframe, holiday preferences or...

Question 6

You have so many riding holidays, how do I choose?

Accepted Answer

We understand. It's quite daunting to know which ride you should book on when we have over 60 different riding holidays in our colourful Globetrotting portfolio. But if it makes you feel better, there is no wrong decision. Hand on heart, all of the riding holidays that you'll wanderlust after on our website are superior, the duck's nuts, the cat's pyjamas. Promise. In saying that, if you're still feeling lost, why not take our nifty pop-quiz here, which will take no more than 2 minutes, and will definitely help you find a horse riding holiday perfectly matched to your desires. Otherwise, take a read of this article, How to Choose the Perfect Riding Holiday, for some more insight as to which type of riding vacation will suit you.

Question 7

Is there any trail riding etiquette?

Accepted Answer

I'm glad you asked! There is an unspoken code among riders on the trail that will stand you in good stead on your next horse riding adventure. Whether you’re a beginner rider or just haven’t ridden out as part of a group for a while, you may not be aware of the etiquette that helps keep everyone happy and safe when blazing a trail on horseback. After years of guiding and participating in oodles of horse riding holidays myself, here’s the universal set of riding manners that I’ve picked up along the way. If someone is opening or closing a gate, walk your horse through the gate and come to a halt, leaving enough space for others to pass through behind you. Wait until the gate is closed before riding off. Never pass your lead guide, whether at a walk, trot or a canter. Your guide knows the track and...

Question 8

Ahem... What if I need to go to the toilet while on the ride?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry, we’ve all been there: several hours in the saddle and a few too many gulps of coffee and you find yourself silently praying that someone will shout the words ‘toilet break!’ before things get squirmy. Here is our honest guide to toilet etiquette on the trail. The bush wee First things first: if you need to go, you need to go. Unless you’re galloping away from a bull elephant or three minutes away from the next designated pit stop, it’s perfectly okay to call a halt! Surprisingly often, we find the majority of the riding group are thinking the exact same thing (‘I need to pee!’) so when someone speaks up and asks to stop, everyone lets out a sigh of relief. Chances are you’re not the only one who could do with a break, whether it’s to duck behind a bush or just to get some sunscreen out...

Question 9

What general medications should I take on my ride?

Accepted Answer

Well it just so happens that we have a very comprehensive list as prepared by one of our globetrotters, Anna King, who is also a physician. So not only does she write from a medical background, she also knows what is needed as a globetrotter. #winning Check out her informative Before You Go article here and her On the Ride article here.

Question 10

I’m keen to return to the saddle after a long hiatus, what's the best ride for me?

Accepted Answer

We have a number of rides that are perfect for globetrotters who have been out of the saddle for a while - designed to cater to your individual fitness level and riding ability while giving you a big confidence boost. For more information, check out our blog post here.

Question 11

How do I know what my riding ability is?

Accepted Answer

You may have noticed that all of our horse riding holidays mention the riding ability globetrotters need to have in order to participate. We divide this into four levels: beginner, intermediate, strong intermediate and advanced. Check out the definitions below and watch THIS video to find out more: Beginner – reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter. Intermediate – confident and in control on a moving horse at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {you need to know what aids are} to communicate with your horse. Strong intermediate – an intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have...

Question 12

What fees will I be charged when paying for my ride?

Accepted Answer

At Globetrotting, we believe in absolute clarity from the outset. You’ll always see the full amount payable upfront, so there are no surprises, no surcharges, and no hidden fees once you begin your booking. The total amount payable will include: Ride Price A fixed Booking Fee of AUD $150 (or the equivalent in the ride’s currency) This Booking Fee applies to all rides, regardless of ride price or payment method, and is payable with your deposit. That’s it — no credit card fees, no extra charges, no unexpected add-ons. Just transparent pricing from your very first click. If you need to cancel your saddle seat prior to 90 days from departure date, Globetrotting will credit the total paid so far for the ride, plus the booking fee, minus a $500 amendment fee.

Question 13

How much should I tip?

Accepted Answer

Good question! On our horse riding holidays and safaris, tipping at the end of your adventure is {more often than not} customary, but each ride is different to the next. Once you've booked on your chosen ride, in your account you'll see suggested tip in the trip prep section so you're prepared and can budget accordingly.

Question 14

Do I need travel insurance even if I’m travelling domestically?

Accepted Answer

The short answer – yes. Travel insurance is compulsory on all Globetrotting rides and is a condition of booking with Globetrotting, regardless of whether you’re travelling within your home country or abroad. When selecting a travel insurance policy, we require that at a minimum you are covered for horse riding as an activity, and medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. When looking for a travel insurance policy, make sure it covers horse riding, severe weather events, cancellations, personal liability, loss of luggage and personal effects, and most importantly cancellation insurance. This will cover cancellation penalties in certain circumstances if you have to cancel your trip unexpectedly due to illness, injury or unforeseen circumstances. Unfortunately, cancellation insurance will not cover you if you change your mind (unless you take the ‘cancel for any reason’ insurance – which we recommend.) Your insurance policy, including the specific name of your insurance company, policy number...

Question 15

What level of riding experience do I need?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the individual ride. We have rides suitable for beginner to advanced riders. On each ride page, we specify the riding level required, and you can also filter our list of horse riding holidays by riding ability. If you're unsure of your riding level, click here to find out. And if you’re still unsure which rides are best suited to your ability and interests, please don’t hesitate to contact us. There are also a variety of rides that cater to riders of all levels. We often have couples, friends or families where one guest is an experienced rider who would enjoy a fast paced canter and one is a beginner rider who is more comfortable at a trot.

Question 16

I’m an experienced rider and don’t want to be held back by beginners.

Accepted Answer

Not a problem, we specialise in catering to experienced riders. On each ride page you'll find the riding ability required to participate in the ride {beginner, intermediate, strong intermediate or advanced}. On rides that cater for all abilities, you will be divided into groups according to your riding level, so those who wish to can enjoy a faster paced ride when the terrain allows, while those with less experience can go at a pace they are more comfortable with. You can filter our horse riding holiday portfolio by 'level of experience'. You can also check your riding ability here. And if you’re still unsure which rides would be best suited to your ability and interests, please don’t hesitate to contact us. That's what we're here for, to find the perfect ride for YOU.

Question 17

What type of saddle will I be riding in?

Accepted Answer

The type of saddle is dependent on the outfitter, the saddle best suited to the individual horse, and the terrain you’ll be riding through. If you prefer a specific type of saddle, a request can be made to the outfitter in advance (subject to availability).

Question 18

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Once you’ve secured your saddle seat on a Globetrotting ride you’ll have access to your online account which  includes vital and valuable information about the ride you've booked, including a suggested packing list, visa information, currency, medical shots required etc. We're firm believers in providing as much information as possible so you can best prepare for your ride of a lifetime.

Question 19

Can non-riders come on your riding holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a variety of riding destinations that cater to both riders and non-riders. On each individual ride page, we specify whether non-riders are welcome. We've also made a list of the best Globetrotting holidays that cater for non-riders - check it out here. If you're still unsure, feel free to check in with us, and we'll confirm whether the ride you're interested in is suitable for non-riders.

Question 20

Is the riding safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We road test each and every ride to ensure that rider safety is of the highest standard. All of our holidays have well trained horses, experienced guides and horse handlers, and first aid kits are carried at all times. Depending on the group size, each ride will have two guides: a lead guide who rides at the front of the group and a back-up guide who rides at the tail of the group. We strongly recommend that Globetrotting clients wear a helmet while riding and interacting with horses. We also require all clients to purchase adequate travel insurance that includes cover for medical expenses and horse riding as an activity.

Question 21

What is the group size?

Accepted Answer

The group size depends on the individual ride's popularity and capacity. On every ride page, we specify the minimum and maximum group size for that particular holiday. The maximum group size with any ride that we recommend is 16 guests plus guides {with a ratio of one guide per five guests}. To be clear, you won’t be riding with 16 guests each day; instead you'll be split into smaller sub-groups so that everyone can ride at their preferred pace. You will meet the other groups for meals and off-the-horse activities. That said, most rides have a lower maximum group size, with some offering as few as four saddle seats per departure.

Question 22

How do I know that the horses are well looked after?

Accepted Answer

We wouldn’t dream of recommending a ride that doesn’t treat their horses well. We road test each and every ride or ride partner that we offer and seek feedback from globetrotters on a regular basis to ensure that horse welfare is of the highest standard. Horse culture differs between each country that we operate in, but we believe that all horses should be treated with respect and be well cared for. It's paramount to us.

Question 23

The riding holiday I want is already sold out. Can I put my name on a waitlist?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We now offer waitlists for rides that are 100% sold out. Just visit the ride page and click the ‘Waitlist Me!’ button in the departure dates & rates section. You’ll then be notified via email if a space opens up on any departure date for that ride. Likewise, to receive an email when new dates are announced, you can click 'Notify me of future departure dates' in the departure dates & rates section of the relevant ride page. If the ride you're keen on isn't completely sold out but the particular date you're after is, your best bet is to ensure you receive our emails and follow us on Facebook and Instagram - if a saddle seat becomes available, we'll re-advertise it via these channels. And then it’s simply first in, best dressed. You can also email us to let us know that you're after a particular date. To...

Question 24

What happens if I need to change my booking?

Accepted Answer

As per Globetrotting's terms and conditions, you agree that you will, at least 90 days prior to your departure date, provide us with written notification (by email) of any changes to your booking. If we are able to accommodate the change(s) that you have requested, we may charge an administration amendment fee of $500 per person in the currency of your ride invoice. We may waive the administrative fee if the change request involves adjusting the departure date for the same holiday and ride booking within the same season. Additional supplier fees may also apply where a booking is changed. Where we incur any liability for a supplier cancellation fee for any booking which you change or cancel, you agree to indemnify us for the amount of that fee. Any change requested within 90 days of the original departure date may, at our election, be treated as a cancellation and...

Question 25

What happens if I need to cancel my spot on the ride?

Accepted Answer

If you or any member of your party need to cancel your riding holiday once it has been confirmed, the party leader must immediately advise us in writing {email}. Your notice of cancellation will only be effective when we receive it in writing at our offices. If you have to cancel and we’re notified more than 90 days prior to departure, we can offer you a global ride credit, less a $500 amendment fee (in the currency of your ride invoice), and this credit can be used on any ride we offer with a validity of 36 months. If you have to cancel and we’re notified less than 90 days prior to departure, you will need to make a claim through your individual travel insurance policy to seek compensation. We recommend ALL Globetrotters to take out travel insurance the moment they confirm their saddle seat with a completed booking form....

Question 26

Can I transfer my spot to a friend?

Accepted Answer

All spots and credit vouchers are non-transferable.

What general medications should I take on my ride?

Preparing for my ride