Active Riding Trips - Equestrian Vacations

10/23/2026

Is there a protocol for trail riding?
Great question – and YES – there is indeed a protocol for trail riding. Check with your guide if you are unclear or need more info, but here’s your “cheat sheet”:

Never overtake another horse without calling out and asking permission
Leave at least the length of one horse between you and the horse in front of you
When riding around fields, always stay to the edge
Never hold your horse back so you can trot/canter to catch up with the group (among other things that will get you excused from the trip – no refund allowed).
Never pass the front guide
If the guide shares information, pass it back
Call out loudly if you need help or to slow down/stop
When riding in an arena, pass left to left (just like driving) (generally)
If someone or something is out of control, follow the lead of the guide, or if safe, stop your horse and stand quietly until the matter is resolved
Watch the guide for hand signals to indicate slowing of the pace
When in doubt – call/speak out – it’s better for all riders to know what you need/are doing than to not know

10/23/2026

What’s my riding ability?
No worries – that’s fairly easy! But you can rest easy as before we book you on any of the riding trips, we’ll have a nice chat with you to discuss all of this and ensure you are picking the right trip for you. But in a nutshell, here’s how we look at it:

Beginner: You are entirely new to riding or just beginning your journey with horses. You have no or very little experience working with or around horses and have ridden little if none. But don’t worry! We’ll have you acquainted, familiar and mounted in no time. The best trips for you are any of our lesson programs – they cater to all ages and all ability levels.

Intermediate: You have more experience with or around horses. You’ve ridden presently or in the past and are confident at the walk and trot and canter on a steady horse or some extended faster cantering on easier terrain. Most of our rides are yours for enjoying – as they have at minimum 50% walking and 50% trotting/cantering.

Advanced: You are an experienced horse person, are comfortable and confident around horses and all aspects of tacking/untacking as necessary as well as all riding at gaits including long and fast canters and even some galloping. Some of our advanced rides may include optional jumps along the way. The best rides for you are the safaris, the ones with longer days in the saddle or the ones with the most varied terrain, such as Scotland, etc.

10/22/2026

WEBSITE SPECIAL - Jumping Clinics in Ireland
All Levels of Riders - Accepting 2027 inquiries now

Already jumping and want to get to the next level?
PERFECT – we’ve got a week for that!
Getting back into riding and want to build your nerve and learn to jump? PERFECT – we’ve got a week for that!
Looking to take your XC up a notch – or, if you already jump and want to try XC (maybe as prep for a good ole Foxhunt)? PERFECT – we’ve got a week for that too!

Whatever you level and wherever you fit into one of those 3 descriptions above, our week long clinics in Ireland are precisely the ticket to help you on your journey. You’ll have 6 nights of lovely rest and relaxation in the town of Adare (featured in every book on Ireland literally everywhere) at either a very well appointed B&B or at the incredible Dunraven Arms Hotel (a small luxury hotel of the world – yes, that’s actually a legit designation IRL). Over the course of 5 days of riding, you’ll have 3 hours a day of instruction, all arranged by ability – to meet you where you are – but more than that, to get you to where you want to be.

So if you’re already doing an Irish jig in front of your screen just thinking about this, call or email us to grab your saddle seat!

Already jumping and want to get to the next level? PERFECT – we’ve got a week for that! Getting back into riding and want to build your nerve and learn to jump? PERFECT – we’ve got a week for that! Looking to take your XC up a notch – or, if you already jump and […]

10/22/2026

Monarch Butterfly Migration Rides in Mexico
5- or 7-Day Horseback Adventures Amid Nature’s Wonders
2026/2027 Dates: This 5 or 7 day getaway invites you to connect with nature, improve your riding skills, and create lasting memories in the heart of Mexico’s countryside. The best times to see the butterflies run from late November through early March, with the best viewing conditions usually between December and February.

Embark on a 5-day escape at Rancho Las Cascadas, crafted for riders of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced rider, this trip offers tailored experiences that match your skills and aspirations. Riders will be divided into groups based on their level to ensure the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. Each day, explore scenic trails that highlight the beauty of Mexico’s countryside. Our experienced guides will adjust the pace and complexity of the rides to suit each group, ensuring a fulfilling experience for everyone.
The highlight of your adventure is a magical excursion to witness the monarch butterfly migration. Be captivated as thousands of butterflies create an awe-inspiring display in the forest—a moment of wonder that will stay with you forever.

Back at the ranch, indulge in farm-to-table Mexican cuisine, unwind with spa treatments, and soak in the tranquility of your surroundings.

A 5 or 7 Day Journey into Horseback Adventures and Nature’s Wonders Embark on a 5-day escape at Rancho Las Cascadas, crafted for riders of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced rider, this trip offers tailored experiences that match your skills and aspirations. Riders ...

10/22/2026

WEBSITE SPECIAL
Great W**es of Bordeaux Luxury Ride in France
2027 ONE WEEK ONLY: Oct. 31-Nov. 7
THIS is your week – one time only – and all the great w**es Bordeaux is famous for producing! Add to that exceptional riding for our strong intermediate and advanced riders – and THIS is the itinerary and level of service that makes this trip truly one of the absolute best in our cache of trips.
7 nights only – luxury hotel accommodations – the famous w**es of Bordeaux – and of course, exceptional horses! Grab your saddle seat ASAP!

Where are all of our oenophiles? Our w**e connoisseurs? THIS is your week – one time only – and all the great w**es Bordeaux is famous for producing! Add to that exceptional riding for our strong intermediate and advanced riders – and THIS is the itinerary and level of service that makes this ...

10/22/2026

SOLD OUT Croatia's Krka Trail, Nov 7-15 but don't worry there are 2027 dates to choose from on this increasingly popular ride!

Mar. 20-27, Mar. 27-Apr. 3, Apr. 3-10, Apr. 10-17, Apr. 17-24, Apr. 24-May 1, May 1-8, May 8-15, May 15-22, May 22-29, May 29-June 5, June 5-12, June 12-19, June 19-26, June 26-July 3, July 3-10, July 10-17, July 17-24, July 24-31, July 31-Aug. 7, Aug. 7-14, Aug. 14-21, Aug. 21-28, Aug. 28-Sept. 4, Sept. 4-11, Sept. 11-18, Sept. 18-25, Sept. 25-Oct. 2, Oct. 2-9, Oct. 9-16, Oct. 16-23, Oct. 23-30

But don't take our word for it. Ellen C.'s review calls the Krka Trail an "Excellent trip for those looking for fast paced riding and delicious food. Gorgeous countryside and lots of canters, they had a variety of well trained horses that fit into whatever type of horse you were looking for on your trip. Food was never ending and very delicious. Everyone was extremely kind, welcoming and trying to make our stay as wonderful as possible – especially Angela, Bosko and Marco. Really enjoyed the two national park excursions as well. Beware it does get very hot and absolutely bring a swim suit for the numerous swimming opportunities."

10/22/2026

And here's Slovenia Horseback Trip #3
✨ The Best of Slovenian Riding — For those who believe the best adventures combine wonderful horses, beautiful trails, authentic local culture, and a generous helping of the unexpected, Slovenia delivers a fresh perspective on European riding.

Friends – this is a crazy special ride – from the Alps to the Adriatic – and we LOVE it!!! This unforgettable horseback adventure takes you deep into one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, where every day reveals a new landscape and a new story. Ride beneath the soaring peaks of the Julian Alps,...

10/22/2026

From Austria to Norway, writes CondeNast Traveler, winter transforms medieval streets into living storybooks beneath a fresh dusting of snow. Christmas markets turn historic squares into glittering wonderlands, and cozy cafés become an excellent excuse to linger over a rich hot chocolate or mulled w**e while the world passes by. It's like stepping straight into your own magical snow globe.
We'd agree -- many of their destinations are ours, too. Plus by horseback (hint hint)

Where mulled w**e and snow-dusted canal houses far outweigh the summer crowds.

10/22/2026

Meet Slovenia Riding Trip #1
🐎 The Coastal Dreamer
Discover the sun-kissed landscapes of the Adriatic Coast and Slovenian Istria, where vineyard trails, olive groves, charming villages, and sparkling sea views make every ride feel like a delicious little secret.

Experience a side of Slovenia that few travelers ever discover on this exclusive equestrian journey through the sun-drenched landscapes of Slovenian Istria and the Adriatic Coast. Here, Mediterranean charm meets centuries-old equestrian tradition, creating an unforgettable adventure for riders seeki...

10/22/2026

We have a little confession to make
We’ve fallen a bit (more like a LOT) in love with Slovenia
We have a feeling you will, too
And we have THREE ways for you to fall head over heels for it

Imagine swinging into the saddle and riding through rolling green hills, vineyard-covered slopes, ancient forests, and storybook villages where time seems to move a little more slowly. Add in gorgeous horses, delicious local w**es, fabulous food, and those jaw-dropping views that make you want to stop, stare, and wonder how on earth a place this beautiful exists.
Welcome to Slovenia — a little European gem that’s absolutely begging to be explored on horseback! 🇸🇮

https://activeridingtrips.com/tour-destination/slovenia/

And here's the really exciting part: we have THREE different ways for you to fall head over heels for it.