Live Your Scottish Historical Fantasy on Horseback
On this itinerary, you’ll have the unique privilege of joining the Common Ridings – the oldest horse riding festival in the world. Astride a nifty Irish Sport Horse, you’ll ride shoulder-to-shoulder with Scottish lads and lassies, tailored in tweed, bursting with good cheer, happy to share a time-honoured tradition.
Exclusive to Globetrotting
Rides hand crafted at GT HQ, available only to Globetrotters.
Trip Highlights
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Living out a historical fantasy as you crest hill after hill astride a plucky, gentle giant of a horse
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Experiencing the many moods of the Scottish landscape, from the meandering River Tweed to the cloud-kissed moorlands and pristine beaches
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Shivers running down your spine as the history and legends of the Scottish Borders seep into your soul
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Chasing away the chilly air with a dram of whisky by a crackling fire
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The incomparable sound of hundreds of hooves pummelling the ground as you thunder across the Border Lands
Details
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Riding levels
Suitable for strong intermediate to advanced riders only. This ride is NOT for the faint-hearted – nervous riders would be out of their depth on this ride, not because of the horses, but more due to the pace of the ride. On some of the Common Ridings, you will be riding alongside 300 horses and riders. With such a huge group, a range of unpredictable scenarios can occur, so you need to be alert, calm and quick-thinking. All riders need to be confident trotting and cantering over open and varied terrain, including downhill. Only advanced riders can take part in the May departure dates due to the pace and distance of the Common Rides.
Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
English all-purpose saddles and bridles.
- Horse breed
A mixture of Irish Draughts, Irish Cobs, Irish Sport Horses and Connemaras. *Please note, you will ride a variety of horses throughout your holiday, with different horses being used for the Common Ridings.
- Accommodation
Twin share accommodation at Cringletie House Hotel, just outside the town of Peebles in the Scottish Borders. With its very distinct architecture, from romantic turrets to feature fireplaces, Cringletie’s guest rooms ooze comfort and character while being modern and elegant. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
- Pace
The pace is variable, depending on the nature of the terrain, but riders will enjoy long stretches of trotting, fast-paced canters and galloping on most Common Riding days.
Please be aware, the Common Riding pace is set by the Cornet (lead rider) and cannot be guaranteed.
- Weight limit
A maximum of 95kg / 209lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
A maximum of 10 guests per departure.
- Minimum age
16 years of age
- Time in Saddle
Variable depending on the individual Common Ridings. Be prepared to ride between 2 to 6 hours daily.
- When to go
May through to September, when the Common Ridings through the Scottish Border towns occur.
- Languages
English
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- All riding activities outlined in the itinerary
- Common Ride entry fees
- Accommodation
- Meals (from first day dinner through to breakfast on the last day)
- The September departure includes a private bus transfer to/from the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches
Excluded
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Alcohol
- Dinner on one night of the itinerary (a high tea is included during the afternoon on that particular day)
- All transfers (this is a self-driving riding itinerary)
- Handling fee at lunch stops on Common Riding days (approximately £20 GBP per Common Ride)
Departure dates and prices
Instalment plans available
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Per person
2026
May 28 to June 3, 2026
Common Ridings: Denholm on May 30 and Lanark on June 2
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
June 14 to 20, 2026
Common Ridings: Melrose on June 15 and Peebles on June 17
June 21 to 27, 2026
Common Ridings: Galashiels on June 22 and June 24
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
July 9 to 15, 2026
Common Ridings: Jedburgh on July 10 and Kelso on July 14
July 16 to 22, 2026
Common Ridings: Kelso on July 18 and Musselburgh on July 20
July 27 to August 2, 2026
Common Ridings: Lauder on July 30 and August 1
August 2 to 8, 2026
Common Ridings: Coldstream on August 4 and August 6
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
September 8 to 14, 2026
Edinburgh Riding of the Marches on September 13
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
The fun bits
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of £80 GBP
- All bookings are charged in the local currency of the ride destination.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Please note
You will be required to pay the single supplement rate should we not have another guest willing to twin share with you.
Itinerary
Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors. The set dates and starting times of the Common Riding days vary, depending on the location of the event.
Rest assured, you’ll enjoy two Common Ridings throughout your itinerary (except for the September departure, which only includes 1x Common Riding – The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches). The Common Ridings are community events. They are not organised or controlled by Globetrotting, or our Scottish ride partners. While there will be a guide present on each Common Riding, they will not have authority over the event’s management, timings, pace, route or duration.
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Day 1: Arrival
Orientation ride 1.5 hours in the saddleToday is the day you’ve been waiting for, Globetrotters. You’re in Scotland – tick! You’ve landed in the glistening Border country with its vibrantly green hillsides, heather-covered moors and welcoming villages that uphold ancient traditions. And you’re about to embark on a 6 day riding adventure through landscapes alive with the region’s turbulent history. I’ve got tingles running up and down my spine just thinking about it! Does life get better than this? I think not!
You’ll need to arrive at your bespoke accommodation – Cringletie House, which looks more like a castle than a hotel – at 12 – 12:30pm. You’ll be shown to your rooms by your host Bill and his welcoming and friendly staff, who will be there throughout your stay to offer a helping hand should you require any assistance.
You’ll have time to settle in and get changed for riding before meeting your guide Susy and driving approximately 15 minutes down the road to the equestrian centre, where you’ll be introduced to Susy’s superb team of horses. Remember, you’ll be riding different horses throughout the week, which is a wonderful experience in itself, so take some time to meet the horses at the yard, as you’ll end up riding a few of them during your stay.
After a quick safety briefing, you’ll climb on board your horse (a word of warning: the horses are all rather tall, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance or a mounting block) and head off down the road into the rolling, wooded hills above the village of Cardrona for a short afternoon ride (about 1.5hrs). There will be plenty of opportunities for bursts of speed so that you become accustomed to the powerful horse you’ve been partnered with. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how these horses will go for a fast canter, then simply be happy to wander along on a long rein straight after without any fuss.
After arriving back at the stable yard, you’ll head back to Cringletie, where you’ll have time to freshen up before a welcome dinner with some flamboyant Scottish fanfare thrown in for good measure. Loosen your belts, globetrotters, as the food you’ll be served throughout the week will definitely be worth the extra calories!
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Day 2: Manor Valley
2 to 3 hours in the saddleAfter a breakfast worthy of royalty (seriously, you do NOT want to miss the lavish spread served each morning at Cringletie), you’ll drive across to Susy’s other property in Manor Valley (approx. 15min drive) where some new horses will be ready and waiting for your day’s adventure. You’ll explore fells, roam across moors and enjoy 360-degree views. Get ready to fall in love with the magical, picturesque Border country!
After some exhilarating, wind-in-your-hair canters, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch (provided by our friends at Cringletie) before riding on for the afternoon. Dinner tonight will be served back at Cringletie.
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Day 3: Common Riding day
6 hours in the saddleHIP, HIP HOORAY! Get ready to shout that all day long – it’s Common Riding time! Immersed in history, dressed in your tweed jacket and tie, you’ll ride shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of Scottish horsemen and women, led by the appointed lads and lasses from the local village, in a spectacular re-enactment of a time when clans rode the borders to protect their common lands from thieves and greedy landlords. It’s going to be fast-paced and exhilarating as you gallop across fields, crossing streams and rivers and performing the task of ‘checking the stones.’ Soak up the atmosphere, globetrotters – there is truly nothing else like it in the world!
*Please note, each local town’s Common Riding differs with their start/finish times, route, pace and hours in the saddle. Rest assured, you will well and truly get your riding fix no matter which Common Ridings occur during your departure.
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Day 4: John Muir Country Park beach ride
3 to 4 hours in the saddleAfter yesterday’s exciting extravaganza, you’ll be able to enjoy a lie in and a late breakfast (around 9am), before jumping in your car and heading to the beach (about a 90 minute drive from Cringletie). That’s right, globetrotters, today you’ll get to explore part of the Scottish coastline from the back of your horse! Let’s hope the Scottish sun is shining, because John Muir Country Park is an unspoilt stretch of coastline where farmland kisses the sea, perfect for beach canters and wading in the shallows.
After your ride, you might wish to slip up into Dunbar and have a drink at Winterfield golf club perched atop the hillside, with beautiful views of the beach and surrounding national park. Then you’ll need to zoom back to Cringletie, where you’ll be treated to a Scottish High Tea that is so much more than the traditional fare of haggis, porridge and whiskey. You’ll have to squint at the number of carbs you’ll ingest while you tuck into hot, buttery scones, ribbon sandwiches, sweet yum-yums AND a hot meal.
Because of this, dinner tonight is not included. If you’re still peckish after your High Tea, we recommend an evening pub visit to the handsome town of Peebles, just 5 minutes down the road {at your own cost}. Ask the lovely team at Cringletie for their recommendations on the best places to eat!
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Day 5: River Tweed
3 to 4 hours in the saddleAnother day for a chilled-out hack in the Scottish Borders, where you’ll have a chance to appreciate the Borders way of life from between two pricked ears. You’ll be totally enchanted by this fairytale setting as your eyes feast on crumbling stone walls, blushing green paddocks, grandiose mansions perched on hillsides, dramatic moorlands dotted with sheep, and the River Tweed squiggling its way through the counties.
After this beautiful morning ride, you’ll return for lunch at Cringletie, then limber up for a stint in the mini highland games! Seriously, could this itinerary get any more Scottish? I think not, and that’s why we LOVE it! Think traditional heavy athletic events like archery and the caber toss, as well as highland dance competitions, track and field events, and of course piping. Combining sport, fun and culture in a uniquely Scottish style, the highland games are a spectacle like no other. And YOU get to take part in it! #winning!
Fun fact: Baron Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, was so impressed by a Highland display he saw at the 1889 Paris Exhibition that he introduced the hammer throw, shot put and tug o’ war to his competition! Talk about high praise! The former two are still included in the Olympics program to this day – just one of the many fascinating facets of the highland games.
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Day 6: Common Riding day
6 hours in the saddleYour last riding day is a true Braveheart finale: another Common Riding through a charming village and its picture-book surrounds. So button up your tweed for one final HURRAH and savour every moment of this historic Scottish event. It’s a real pinch-yourself moment, taking part in one of the oldest horse festivals in the world. And, now that you know the ropes, it’ll be even more fun! Don’t miss the chance to strike up conversations with the cheery locals riding alongside you – some families have been mounting up for the Common Ridings for centuries! Whether it’s last year’s Fair Lass or Coronet, or a real-life baron, you never know who you’ll meet, or what stories they’ll tell.
Tonight you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at Cringletie, reminiscing over a spectacular week with your new two- and four-legged friends.
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Day 7: Departure
Non-riding dayThis morning, you’ll savour one final delicious breakfast at Cringletie House before packing your bags and checking out. You’ll bid a fond farewell to your fellow globetrotters, then head off on your merry way.
Now that you’ve completed The Scottish Borders Ride, having stepped out on a Common Riding, tossed a shot-put, slugged a single-malt whiskey and appreciated some fine pipe music, you nearly qualify as an honorary Scot!
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History of the Common Ridings
Every summer, the towns of the Scottish Borders stage the Common Ridings, one of the oldest equestrian traditions in the world. The ridings aren’t just an unforgettable spectacle of horsemanship, pageantry and community spirit, they’re a custom upheld with real fervour by locals in homage to the region’s unique identity, shaped in part by its tumultuous past.
A Common Riding remembers the days when the men of a settlement would ride around the exterior of their village to check that its borders hadn’t been encroached. The tradition of common riding dates back to the 13th century, in the days when the Border Reivers (a historical name for robbers and thieves) plagued locals with attacks, stealing cattle and goods. In these lawless times, the leaders of a town would appoint a leader and a number of the strongest townsmen, who would then ride the clan’s boundaries to protect their common lands and prevent encroachment by neighbouring landlords and their clans. This is a tradition that continues today in symbolic form, with magnificent rides involving hundreds of horses, ridden with a passion worthy of the reivers of old. Out of the 11 Common Ridings in existence today, Hawick, Selkirk, Langholm and Lauder all claim to be the oldest, but perhaps the true original is buried in the mists of time. Each community starts its celebration with the election of that year’s principal lass and lads, and in a colourful ceremony, the Burgh Flag or Standard is ‘bussed’ and tied to the staff by the principal lass, recalling the days when a knight’s lady attached her ribbon to his lance before battle. On horseback, they lead their followers in the festivities. It’s pure joy to ride alongside Scottish folk in honour of their heritage while careening through fluorescent-green paddocks, ancient forests and farms, then ending in the local village to wave to townsfolk who join in on the festivities.
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Non-Riders
This holiday is suitable for non-riders who have their own car – the Scottish Borders region is ripe with history and Cringletie House is a suitable base for a number of day trips around the area. The nearby Traquair House (Scotland’s oldest inhabited house) is certainly well worth a visit, as is Abbotsford in Melrose (home of Sir Walter Scott). Be sure to liaise with the team at Cringletie for more personalised suggestions. The non-rider package consists of all standard inclusions (i.e. meals, accommodation, extra activities within the itinerary, etc.) minus the riding.
Transfer information
Please be aware this is a self-driving riding holiday. You’ll need to hire a car as you’ll be expected to drive to and from your ride destination each day, whether it’s the stables (15 minutes from Cringletie House), the beach, or the Common Riding locations, which can be up to an hour away. There is no transfer service included.
When you’re not in the saddle, thanks to your hire car, you’ll have the freedom to explore local towns and historical attractions (i.e. Traquair House) in your downtime.
You’ll need to arrive at Cringletie House between 12-12:30pm on day 1. Departure is anytime after breakfast on the final day.
Please note
If you’re a solo traveller, we can help tee you up with another globetrotter booked on your departure date so you can share the cost of a hire car.
Accommodation
You will stay at one of our favourite hotels in the world – the Cringletie House Hotel just outside the Scottish Border town of Peebles. With its very distinct architecture, the guest rooms at Cringletie ooze comfort and character while being modern and elegant, with romantic turrets to feature fireplaces. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Food
Expect to be treated to Scottish specialties like shortbread, oatcakes, high tea, and haggis, neeps and tatties. The food served at the Cringletie Hotel is truly superb.
Reviews
Katrina E
Sophie P
Sarah M
Sean D
Karen S
Jennifer S
Liza H
Shelagh D
Megan W
Laura S
Kerry H
Joseph S
Lorraine S
Michelle N
Kara K
Natalia M
Dina D
Jule W
Anne L
Lucinda M
Maria K
Ashley B
Sue M
Jacqueline M
Megan P
Anna A
Annette H
Harli D
PJ J
Jenny S
Amber E
Shari W
Stephanie P
Mike B
Tara T
Rachael G
Sarah B
Joseph S
Lorraine S
Megan J
Amy O
Sharon H
Grace A
JoLee W
Rachel B
Robin R
Julie S
Angela H
Rachel R
Tara K
Paula H
Christine D
52 reviews
Katrina E
‘The Common Ridings are unique in my experience. Never before when riding through town streets have I been cheered by hundreds of people packing the pavements, or, on reaching the summit of an uphill gallop, been greeted by friendly strangers waiting to hand out cold beers! The riding itself is exhilarating and the landscape beautiful, but it’s the feeling of being included and welcomed into a genuine community tradition that makes it special. Kingston carried me on both Common Ridings, staying confident and surefooted over grass, stone and bog, up and downhill and across ditches. Suzy’s advice was not to think too hard and trust the horse. I would trust Kingston to do my taxes – he knows his job inside out!’
Sophie P
‘I don’t know why I thought I could give up Globetrotting – these rides feed the soul and are truly the moments that make life worth living! The feeling of freedom galloping a brave, fit and beautifully cared for horse across the countryside in the Borders with 200 others can neither be matched nor forgotten. And the emotions conjured up as you ride past cheering crowds in the Border towns are impossible to describe. I had the honour of riding with fabulous people from around the world, and just being a part of this was so very special.’
Sarah M
‘The Scottish Borders Ride was nothing short of absolutely amazing! From the common rides to the Highland Games and the five-course meals, all of it was wonderful. I hope to return in the next year or two for a second round of this incredible opportunity. Thank you to everyone at Globetrotters, Cringletie and the stable staff for putting on such an amazing experience.’
Sean D
‘I absolutely loved the Borders ride because of the fast pace, the beauty of the landscape as far as the eye could see, and being in the company of hundreds of fellow riders of all ages doing what we all love: riding across country! I rode Rambo; this horse is a magnificent Irish Sport Horse, with his beauty, speed, athleticism, and kind disposition. He moves on nicely and stays level-headed; he is a perfect gentleman. The Cringletie is heavenly! The location is gorgeous, with 360-degree views of the countryside, horses, and highland cows. The staff and the food were amazing.’
Karen S
‘I highly recommend this ride! Everything was wonderful, the staff at Cringletie, the team at Globetrotting, the fun and knowledgeable guides, and the people of Peebles and Galashiels. The meals were all amazing. The common ride was my favourite. Fast-paced, and I rode Skye, who was my favourite horse of the trip. This was a trip of a lifetime! Thank you!’
Jennifer S
‘The Scottish Borders ride was a trip of a lifetime! I already can’t wait to go back! All the horses were great. Ajax was a real standout. I rode him in both common rides, and he was perfect for me; he gave me so much confidence. Our group was the best, and I made many new friends. All the riding days were superb, I loved the beach day, Manor Valley, and the common rides, of course!’
Liza H
‘This was an awesome trip! For the avid rider, it’s an adventure for the record books indeed! Words and pictures simply don’t give it justice. The views, the people, the horses and the accommodations made it one hell of an experience.’
Shelagh D
‘I did the Scottish Borders Ride with my very good friend, my cousin, and my husband, who came along as a non-rider. All four of us really enjoyed the experience and were included in activities together. I love the horses! They can really cover the ground, and other people on the common rides told us that the stable has a good reputation. All the staff, both at the stable and the manor, felt like family whom you were visiting for your holiday. This was definitely a trip of a lifetime that the four of us will never forget!’
Megan W
‘I’m still having a hard time adjusting back to normal life after my Scottish Border Ride. Every day was great; the horses are so well cared for, and the scenery is fantastic. I felt more like a dream than real life. Of all the rides, the final common ride was my favourite; it was a core memory moment for me. The ride was through the beautiful Lauder countryside, riding with over 200 horses and people. I rode Quinnston; he was always so eager to go. After the first canter, I actually said, ‘Ok, I can die now; that was the best experience of my life.’ As a history lover, I felt like I became part of history, and it brought a tear to my eye. It’s a memory I will never forget! I loved meeting new people and friends all over Peebles. I can’t wait to go back!’
Laura S
‘The Scottish Borders Ride featured fantastic horses, a beautiful place to stay with great food, and amazing scenery, plus a huge dash of history thrown in. I love Scotland; it was so much fun. I had a fabulous experience at Cringletie House. The rooms were super nice, the staff were very helpful, and the meals were amazing. I love that place. All meals were excellent, and the Scottish dinner was fabulous. I rode Churchill, Sky, and Ramble; they were excellent. I really loved Ramble for the common ride; he was so comfortable. Gemma, our guide, did a fantastic job. She is amazing. I don’t know how she gets all those horses braided and ready. (Speaking of one professional to another: great job!) My favourite day was the border ride, which is just so beautiful. Participating in the common rides was unbelievable. Did I say I love Scotland? It was lovely to have time to explore the area around Peebles and enjoy the wonderful rides. Perfect!.’
Kerry H
‘I had an absolutely amazing week on the Scottish Borders ride. I rode 4 lovely horses who knew their job and were in great, fit condition. My daughter was also riding, and my husband came as a non-rider. He kept himself busy getting across the countryside, taking photos and videos of us all riding, which was greatly appreciated by the whole group. The common rides were great fun and very special to be a part of. The accommodation at Cringletie House was exceptional, and our mini Highland Games were so much fun! I would totally recommend this ride to any confident rider; I enjoyed every second!’
Joseph S
‘Globetrotting really has a skill for arranging the perfect Equestrian Vacations! This was our second time, although going back for the same Border Rides Trip. The second time was so, so much better, knowing what to expect and being able to soak it all in. We are PROUD to be Globetrotting participants.’
Lorraine S
‘Riding the Scottish Border Rides will change your life; it changed mine! To be able to ride along with 200 local riders is unbelievable! To experience Scottish weather—how fun! We truly had one day of all 4 seasons in one day; it was great! Globetrotting does a terrific job with all the preparation suggestions, full details of the rides, and provides top-notch accommodations at Cringletie Estate. The horses, oh my! The best horses I have ever ridden in my life, and I have been riding my entire life. Every horse is more perfect and beautiful than the next! I still dream about riding them. My husband and I can’t wait to do another ride in Scotland and on Susy’s horses!
Michelle N
‘The Scottish Borders Ride was an absolute joy every day, from the care at Cringletie to the wonderful stables, to the magnificent horses that we had the absolute pleasure of riding. I cannot express enough how galloping in the countryside in Scotland brought so many dreams come true.’
Kara K
‘The Scottish Borders ride was my first Globetrotting trip. The planning and communication leading up to the trip were excellent. The horses are absolutely stunning and well cared for; they ride great and are anything but trail horses. Gemma does a great job matching you with a horse who suits you best. These horses are athletes and one of a kind. I think everyone in my group wanted to bring at least one of the horses they rode back home. The hacks are great, and the common rides are unlike anything I’ve ever done! They’re fast-paced, exhilarating, and not for the faint of heart. I highly recommend this trip for experienced and confident riders not looking for a run-of-the-mill relaxing trail ride. It was an honour to take part in such a historic ride, and it was great to see the Borders region of Scotland in a traditional way. It was an experience unlike any other! Accommodations were also top-notch, and I would definitely return!’
Natalia M
‘The best Holiday I have had so far. Riding through the hills and rivers, galloping on the beach with a group of excellent horses, fun guests and outstanding guides. It was snowing for a few days which turned our holiday into a winter wonderland. I enjoyed every minute of it and cannot thank the staff and guides enough for this outstanding experience. Martin, Susy and Gemma made this holiday IMMACULATE!’
Dina D
‘There are no perfect words to describe this incredible trip, but I’ll certainly try. First, this was a soul-gripping adventure that transformed me. Even as a lifelong frequent rider and horse enthusiast, I had to gain a new set of skills and confidence to take my riding to the next level. I’m so glad I didn’t let fear hold me back! These powerful and well-trained horses allowed me the opportunity to improve my riding but also to experience Scotland as a participant in one of the most honorable Scottish traditions. I became emotional as crowds with small children, teens, and elders from their front porches and windows would clap and cheer, “Hip hip hooray!” I would laugh uncontrollably as we would literally soar through grassy fields, beaches, and hillsides! The smile never left my face. I’m still transformed by the spirit of these wonderful people. Suzy and Gemma were brilliant at making us feel comfortable and pairing us with the ideal mounts. I have been changed in the best way possible. I’ve been given a gift of majestic horses and Scottish beauty all wrapped up in the trip of a lifetime!’
Jule W
‘Just got home from a dream vacation to Scotland! Along with some wonderful old friends, and lots of new ones we enjoyed a week of amazing horses, scenery, and tradition on the Scottish Borders ride. I don’t think I ever stopped smiling, and will treasure these memories for a lifetime! The accommodation was absolutely lovely – from the celebrity chef-prepared meals to the nightly chocolates on our down pillows, it was luxury living! The staff there took impeccable care of all of us. We also fully enjoyed our Scottish night filled with traditional Scottish games (and men in kilts!), a bagpiper, and a full haggis presentation (which I surprisingly ended up enjoying!). The hosts were top-notch as well. Gemma was consistently enthusiastic and engaging and did a great job matching each rider with the perfect horse. The horses were all fantastic – I rode 6 different ones and each one was wonderful in their own way. The Kelso Common Ride was something I’ll never forget, with almost 9 hours in the saddle (and a drizzle rain most of the day) – and I never stopped smiling! Galloping the beach in Dunbar on a full sun day was also a day to remember. Scotland is a painting everywhere you look, with green fields, stone walls, gurgling streams, sheep, quaint villages and cottages, and castles in all directions. I’m ready to go back!’
Anne L
‘This was the riding holiday of a lifetime! Thus I will do it again next summer! I enjoyed all parts of the holiday: The Common Ridings, hacking in the forests and hills and on the beach, The Cringletie with its fantastic staff, the gorgeous Irish horses, Helen’s warm hosting and Gemma’s calm and friendly supervision. I made many new friends with all of my wonderful fellow riders and organisers; in a week’s time we became such a good team to support each other. I was travelling solo and enjoyed every moment. Globetrotters seem to have so much in common despite nationality or background. It is a very well-planned holiday for a fit and experienced rider. You will safely enjoy every moment of the journey!’
Lucinda M
‘If you dream of Scotland and Outlander, this is the ride for you. Running through the mountains atop your trusty steed, you can just imagine what it must have been like in the 1700s in Scotland. This Globetrotting holiday was an absolute delight from start to finish. The accommodation was superb, and with a room that had a much-needed bath after each ride. The food was of a very high standard, and the tack and horses were excellent. I was paired with the beautiful mare, Miss P, who was an absolute joy to ride. Whenever I felt unsure, she knew exactly what to do for me. The guides, Helen, Gemma, and Susy, were wonderful. Helen had exceptional knowledge of the local area, Gemma was a true horse-woman and the tour operator of the future, and Susy was knowledgeable about the horses and joined us for the first ride and several dinners. The common ride and the ride along the beach were particular highlights, but every moment was special.’
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride 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 an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
Stories from the saddle
Meet Our Guide: Susy
If you’re booked on one of our horse riding holidays in Scotland — the Scottish Highlands Ride, the Borders Riding Academy, the Thirlestane Castle Ride, the Scottish Borders Ride, The Scottish Jewel, you’re in for a treat when you meet your delightful guide, Susy McIntosh. Renowned among globetrotters for her team of level-headed, beautifully kept,…
A Day Spent in Edinburgh
If you’re joining one of our five horse riding itineraries in Scotland, there’s a good chance you’ll want to spend a day in Edinburgh either before or after your ride. Scotland’s capital is rich in history, culture and character, and even a short visit offers a wonderful contrast to the time you’ll spend exploring the…
Getting Fit for the Scottish Borders Ride
So you’ve managed to secure yourself a saddle seat on our hugely popular Scottish Borders Ride – well done, that’s half the battle won! But before the adventure begins, you’ll need to ensure you’re fit enough to not just take part in, but wholeheartedly enjoy this ride of EPIC proportions. Ask anyone who’s completed The…
