| Choosing a family holiday to suit everyone can be a bit | | | | that you can all have an enjoyable time. Safety is |
| tricky. There are so many wonderful activities to enjoy, | | | | paramount so it is important to be honest about your |
| however, one activity that the whole family can enjoy | | | | family's ability, you can always move up a level when |
| is trail riding. There are so many wonderful countries to | | | | you get there. When you are there, always do what |
| visit where you can ride over a variety of terrains on a | | | | the trail leader tells you and remain in the order in |
| variety of wonderful breeds of horse. | | | | which you are put. Certain horses may not get on or |
| Trail riding on horseback offers so much choice and | | | | one pair might have to be together and the staff are |
| your family can choose to ride in such varied countries | | | | aware of this, so listen to what they tell you. Stay on |
| as the Rocky Mountains of the USA and Canada, the | | | | the trail, never wander off on your own. You can |
| beaches of Australia and New Zealand or even the | | | | always ask about things you see, just enjoy the |
| magnificent Darjeeling region of India. You can plan a | | | | scenery and of course, the horse. |
| trip where this is your main activity and you ride most | | | | Wear suitable clothes and always wear a properly |
| days or you can just ride once or twice during the | | | | secured safety approved helmet. If you are visiting a |
| entire holiday, it is up to you. Wherever you go, your | | | | hot country, there are many new hats which have |
| trail riding should be fun but do be safety aware. There | | | | ventilation built in to them making them more |
| are things you can do to ensure a safe and happy | | | | comfortable to wear. Suitable footwear, such as long |
| holiday for yourself and your family. | | | | or short boots with a small heel and in the case of |
| Firstly, choose a bona fide reputable company which | | | | short boots, half chaps or gaiters. It is a good idea to |
| specialises in horse riding holidays. They will be able to | | | | wear gloves which will not only protect your hands but |
| give you all the information you need to find just the | | | | will give extra grip when needed. |
| right holiday for your family. They will also be able to | | | | The most important thing, is to find a holiday that suits |
| reassure you that the horses are fit, well and properly | | | | your whole family, so take your time in choosing and |
| cared for. Most companies will have been on holiday | | | | make sure that you book with a properly approved |
| to the stables on offer so will have firsthand | | | | and bonded company. Read all the FAQs and if you |
| experience of the location, facilities, horses, rides and | | | | have any questions, ask. Most companies will have |
| so on. | | | | reviews and it is worth reading those as it will give you |
| Never exaggerate your abilities, not only is this | | | | a bit on insight. Your family's holiday time is important, |
| irresponsible but could be dangerous and the horse | | | | so just go and enjoy yourselves. |
| master always wants to match horses and riders so | | | | |