This beats cantering across the Malverns (From Worcester News)

This beats cantering across the Malverns

10:34am Monday 18th January 2010 in

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IF you’re fed up with battling through the ice and snow why not take the time to book a riding holiday in sunnier climes?

South Africa, Kenya and the Azores are especially popular with riders – and some are even planning their next Christmas break.

Olwen Law, of Cleobury Mortimer, near Bewdley, started In The Saddle riding holidays 13 years ago and she expects business to be buoyant over the coming months.

She said: “At the moment everyone is busy trying to get on with their lives in this dreadful weather but some clients, who have just returned home from abroad, are re-booking their next Christmas riding trip.”

Although long haul destinations such as South Africa and Kenya remain popular, the Azores is only a three-hour flight away.

Olwen said: “The Green Island trail is on Sao Miguel, the largest island of the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

“The various riding trails take people to the dramatic areas of the island where there are other rides suitable for all abilities.

There, people can also learn to ride in a week.”

If you are fond of wildlife with a bit more adventure thrown in how about trying a riding safari in Kenya? The variety of game you are likely to see in Amboseli is equal to anywhere else in Kenya. However, due to logistics the safari usually only runs once or twice in a season. There is a fabulous lodge in the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Chyulu Hills mobile safari is based in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.

It is also possible to book a riding holiday in Argentina, Chile, Mongolia, Jordan – even India – the horse-riding world, these days, really is your oyster.

Olwen said: “If you want something closer to home there’s always France, Italy and Hungary, although one of the perennial favourites is Spain.

“People usually think of Spain as a beach holiday destination but it has a long history of equestrianism and there is some fabulous riding to be had.”

One word of advice, although competent riders will know this, if you are going riding as part of a holiday make sure you pack some suitable clothes, such as a pair of lightweight jhodpurs and appropriate footwear. They won’t take up much room in your suitcase, but they’ll be worth their weight in gold after three hours in the saddle.