Are you the kind of rider who’s always scanning the landscape for logs, fences and hedges to pop over? Then keep reading, because we’ve curated a collection of horse riding holidays with jumping that are designed for riders who love a horse that’s happy to fly. From cross country riding holidays to point-to-point adventures with spontaneous jumping opportunities woven throughout the route, this is a standout lineup for confident riders looking to add a little air time to their next horseback riding holiday.
Castle & Estate Ride, Ireland
Pictured above is one of the 200-plus cross country jumps dotted across the magnificent 1000-acre grounds of the Irish estate where this ride is based. Needless to say, the scenery is drop dead gorgeous! The cross country trails wind through fields, forests, lakes and streams, and the itinerary can be customised to suit your riding desires. There’s an indoor arena where you can hone your technique with expert instructors and if the included three hours of riding per day aren’t enough for you, there’s always the option to book more riding hours (at an additional cost). On top of this, you’ll have a big herd of schoolmaster sport horses to choose from and you’ll be housed like royalty in The Lodge – said to be some of Ireland’s finest accommodations. Non-riding guests are also welcome, with a plethora of activities available to ensure their holiday is as fun as yours!
Cross Country in Tipperary, Ireland
The perfect complement to the Castle & Estate Ride, this itinerary is situated in the beating heart of Irish horse culture – County Tipperary. We designed it to appease the die-hard jumpaholics among our globetrotters! You’ll spend four full days in cross country heaven, with Irish Sport Horses, Irish Draughts and Thoroughbreds at your disposal, not to mention two top-level coaches with decades of experience. Even if you’re relatively new to jumping, as long as you’re an intermediate rider or above (if you’re not sure of your level, click here) you will THRIVE on the learning environment at this equestrian centre. Off the horse, you’ve got a full day of sightseeing and cultural experiences, culminating in a night at ‘Ireland’s Best Pub’! Your accommodation is nothing less than a 300 year old Georgian mansion, where your hosts will have you loosening your belt buckles in no time.
The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Scotland
Continuing the theme of luxurious estates, fine horses and rich cultural experiences, we proudly present The Thirlestane Castle Ride in the heartachingly beautiful Scottish Borders. Another exclusive Globetrotting holiday, we created this one with the intention of providing an epic Scottish experience that’s open to riders of all abilities – as well as non-riders. It’s named after the 16th century castle that you’ll call home for the week, where the five-star South Wing apartments, sumptuous catering and fascinating history will knock your socks off. The scenery here is mindblowing, and your guides will point out chances to pop over hunt jumps during your trail rides.
The Borders Riding Academy, Scotland
With the same fantastic horses, guides and scenery as The Thirlestane Castle Ride, this itinerary is your invitation to choose your own adventure: you decide your dates, how many nights you stay, and what sort of riding you do each day. There are glorious trail rides in every direction, many with jumping opportunities along the way, and indoor and outdoor arenas are at your disposal if you wish to work on your riding or horsemanship skills, whether jumping or on the flat. The week can progress at your pace, and riders of all abilities are welcome. Accommodation and meals are arranged by Cringletie House, a lavish country house hotel set amidst a glorious estate.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Jumping certainly isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you picture the expansive wilderness of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, but the talented horses on this safari love nothing more than a spot of cross country! In fact, champion British equestrian Lucinda Green says this particular ride is one of the best cross country clinics in the world. You’ll never forget leaping over fallen trees pushed over by elephants and thorny ‘boma’ fences built by the Maasai as you ride amidst a Garden of Eden of animalia. The team of guides here are incredibly skilled at maintaining everyone’s safety while getting you up close and personal with Africa’s wild game. Picture yourself swimming across the Mara River while hippos blow bubbles upstream, cantering alongside herds of wildebeest and eyeballing larger-than-life elephants. Seriously, this ride HAS to be on your bucket list.
The Bushveld, South Africa
If you’re not quite ready to face up to lions and elephants in the saddle, or you want a mix of on-the-move days and lodge-based comfort, The Bushveld in South Africa offers three different itineraries to suit riders of all levels. Whether you stay in South Africa and explore vast wildlife reserves free of dangerous game, or split your time between the Bushveld and the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana (plenty of elephants up there!), you will be utterly spoiled by your hosts and chefs, and have incredible wildlife encounters, to boot. A range of cross-country log jumps have been set up for guests’ enjoyment in South Africa, so you can get your jumping fix with a willing equine partner.
Do any of these holidays tickle your fancy, globetrotters? Would you be game to try jumping on your next horse riding vacation? Let us know in the comments!
