Trekking and riding holidays

What trekking is

Trekking centres take groups of riders out on hacks, treks and trails, led by a ride leader. The British Horse Society (BHS) describes the ride leader as something like a tour guide: navigating the route, organising rest breaks for riders and horses, pointing out landmarks and local history, and keeping everyone safe. Some centres focus on hacking and holidays rather than lessons, and some offer accommodation, and stabling or grazing if you want to bring your own horse.

New to riding? See Riding for beginners.

Choosing a centre

The licence

In England, any business that hires out horses for riding, or gives riding instruction, needs an animal activity licence from the local council. Before granting one, the council has the premises inspected by a vet, and it may inspect again at any time. The licence must be clearly displayed. Hiring out horses without one can lead to an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison.

To get a licence, the business must show the council that its horses are kept in suitable accommodation, fed and watered properly, exercised, and protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. The statutory guidance from Defra adds specific conditions, including:

• No horse under three years old may be hired out, nor a mare heavy with foal, nor a mare whose foal isn't yet weaned.
• A daily record of each horse's work, in hours, must be kept, and records must show the maximum rider weight for each horse.
• Every horse needs a yearly care plan covering feet, worming and veterinary care, and a dental check at least once a year.
• Saddles and tack must be checked regularly for safety and fit.
• Nobody under 18 can be left in charge, and horses can only be hired out under the supervision of someone aged 16 or over, unless the centre is satisfied the rider can ride without supervision.
• The licence holder must hold public liability insurance that covers clients.

These rules apply in England.

BHS approval and ride leaders

The BHS runs an Approved Centre scheme for riding schools, livery yards and other centres. Its inspectors look at the care of the horses, the standard of coaching, the client experience and safety. Approved centres are listed on the BHS website.

Ask who will lead your ride. The BHS's minimum qualification for working as a ride leader at a centre is the BHS Stage 2 Ride Leader; once employed, a ride leader can work towards the Stage 3 Trail Leader, which covers planning rides of more than four hours and judging whether a horse is suitable for trekking.

Riding holidays abroad

The BHS points out that standards of horse care vary around the world, and that responsible tour operators only sell holidays at stables they have visited and checked themselves. Ask your operator whether they have.

Riding in the hills

Many upland bridleways are ancient tracks between valleys, and a ride in the hills is usually a longer adventure. Your horse needs to be fit enough for it. The BHS's advice for hill and upland riding:

The terrain

• Steep slopes. Your horse must be confident going up and down steep gradients. Downhill is often harder, so you may prefer to get off and lead.
• Stony ground. Think about your horse's feet: does it need shoes or hoof boots? Lead in hand over rock slabs and loose scree.
• Water and bridges. You may meet fords, streams and shallow river crossings, and bridges to ride or lead over.
• Bog. Soft, boggy ground is the most widespread hazard. Avoid patches of dark brown, wet peat by going carefully round the edge. If your horse won't go forward, get off and check the ground on foot. On peat moors, keep to "trods", the old stone slabs laid along some routes, or you may sink.

Staying safe

• Never ride alone. The BHS recommends a group of three, so there's help if something goes wrong. Tell someone your route and how long you'll be, and let them know if you change your plans.
• Check the weather. High winds and poor visibility make riding hard. If conditions get worse, it can be safer to go back the way you came.
• Leave dogs at home: this is sheep country, with ground-nesting birds, and you can't fully control a dog from the saddle.
• Expect noise. Grouse shooting runs from 12 August to 10 December, and bridleways stay open; if you meet a shoot, wait while a drive is in progress. Military training areas can mean gunfire or soldiers appearing suddenly, and the RAF trains at low altitude: hi-vis helps pilots see you.
• Leave gates as you found them, and allow plenty of time.

What to take

• hi-vis for you and your horse, and windproof, waterproof clothing
• a charged mobile phone with an emergency contact, and a medical armband with details for you and your horse
• a headcollar under the bridle, with the lead rope clipped to a D-ring or tied round the neck with a quick-release knot, for leading over rough ground
• a breastplate, to stop the saddle slipping back on steep climbs
• a saddle bag with food, drink, spare clothes and maps
• basic first aid for horse and rider, a hoof pick, a penknife and baling twine
• a hoof boot in case your horse loses a shoe
• a whistle, a torch and a foil survival blanket
• sun protection, including for any pink skin on your horse, and a sponge to cool it at streams

Bringing your own horse

Long-distance promoted routes, shown with diamonds on Ordnance Survey maps, are usually more than a day's ride, which makes them ideal for a holiday with your own horse. See Leisure riding for finding routes and your rights of way, and Travelling safely for getting there.