Ride

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 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.

Hopefully you now feel confident in describing your ability and choosing a ride that’s a perfect fit!

If you have any doubts, or if there’s a ride you’re longing to experience but you’re not sure if your riding level is high enough, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We’re always happy to clarify things and answer all your questions, big or small.

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.

We do not offer refunds.

To view Globetrotting’s terms and conditions, click here.

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 the cancellation fees set out in clause 9 below will be payable.

To read Globetrotting’s terms and conditions, click here.

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.

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 YOU MEET
Typically, when travelling alone, you’re in a better position to meet more people and get out of your comfort zone than if you were travelling with a friend or partner. The wonderful part of a horse riding holiday is that more often than not, almost everyone on the ride is a single traveller. You’ll meet like-minded folk who all share a common love of horses and travelling. You’ll enjoy endless hours of swapping riding stories around the campfire that would bore a non-equestrian to tears!

WE MAKE IT EASY
From the get-go, we make solo travel easy. If you’re going to a foreign country, we ensure that one of our representatives is at the airport with your name on a sign (yep – you’ll feel famous) to collect you, take you to an ATM to get the local currency and drive you to your hotel.

Also, once you’ve booked your holiday, we invite you to join our private Globetrotters Facebook group, a space for all globetrotters who have ridden with us in the past or are about to embark on their first ride. It’s a great spot to ask questions and get first-hand advice. You’ll also be able to correspond with other globetrotters booked on the same ride, so you can make arrangements to meet up beforehand or share transfer costs if required.

We’ll always try our very best to secure you a private room or tent (depending on the style of accommodation) without having to pay a hefty single supplement charge. If you have to share due to ride numbers, we’ll make sure you’re teamed up with a rider of the same gender – who doesn’t snore!

So don’t put off your Globetrotting career simply because you’re flying solo – life is WAY too short and there are FAR too many riding holidays to conquer. To start you off, check out this list of Globetrotting rides that offer single accommodation with no single supplement!

And finally, here are some words of encouragement from other solo globetrotters:

“If you are toying about the idea of travelling on your own, maybe you’re a bit worried, don’t be…JUST DO IT! I had such an amazing time and met the most wonderful people who I anticipate riding with again. Thank you Globetrotting for all your help.” – Carolyn Francis, The Patagonia Trail, Argentina

“‘Just hurry up and do it!’ would be my quote to any fellow horse lovers who, like me, followed all of the Globetrotting posts for over a year but never actually booked one. When I finally did, I just wished I had done it sooner! I attended as a single rider, not knowing anyone when I arrived, but I now have a group of brilliant friends to book with for our next Globetrotting adventure!” – Anne Smerdon, Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand

“I travelled alone and was thrilled to find that many in our group were also solo travellers, so don’t be afraid to go it alone! We were all there for the same reason and have made some excellent friends from all over the country.” – Susen Wettenhall

“Absolutely enjoyed the trip. Everyone in our group had a blast (half of them were solo travellers like me). We became fast friends because of the passion for horses. This was the first time I went out to travel as a solo traveller and I really felt relaxed and pampered, the whole atmosphere felt like a big family.” – Terri Yang, Shell Wyoming, USA

“This was my third ride as a solo globetrotter and it won’t be my last. Such an incredibly grounding way to travel.” – Lucy Dyball, Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand

“As a solo female traveller, I felt safe and fully supported by Christian, Laura and the team throughout the journey.” – Jenny Horner