#2 Consider Your Current Fitness Level

Our ability as riders also depends on how much time we’re actually spending in the saddle. When I was riding five days a week, I was far more confident about riding for six hours a day than I am now, for example!

It’s essential to take an honest assessment of where you are now, rather than relying on past experience or outdated confidence. Physical fitness, flexibility, and balance all play key roles in your riding ability, and if you’ve had a long break from riding, your muscles might need time to adjust. 

A slower, less challenging ride will allow you to ease back into it, while a more advanced ride, like our signature Wild Coast Horse Trail, could quickly become overwhelming or even lead to injury. 

It's always a good idea to talk to an agent or holiday provider about your current skill level and discuss your riding background with them before booking. They can help you choose an itinerary that’s both challenging and manageable, ensuring you enjoy the ride without feeling overextended. 

Starting at the right level will not only boost your confidence but also guarantee you make the most of your horse riding holiday experience.

#3 Know What’s Expected of You

I've been riding the Wild Coast for over 20 years and there are few places I'm unwilling to go, but put me on a 17hh horse in the middle of a game reserve, and my confidence will evaporate!

The truth is, even after more than 20 years of riding horse trails, there's a big difference between cantering along a beach and riding into a pride of lions. It's all about experience and every environment has its own unique set of demands. What feels comfortable in one setting might feel completely foreign in another.

For some, performing complex maneuvers in a dressage arena comes as naturally as breathing, but climbing a steep incline or navigating a narrow cattle path along the edge of a cliff could leave them trembling with nerves. Riding is not a one-size-fits-all skill and every riding holiday presents different challenges, some of which will be easier to conquer than others.

The key is recognising where your strengths lie and choosing a riding holiday or trail that aligns with those strengths, while still pushing you enough to grow. Whether it's mastering the elegance of dressage or confidently tackling rugged trails, each experience offers something valuable for your riding journey.

#4 Work on your Fitness 

In your mind’s eye, you’re riding effortlessly along the Wild Coast in perfect harmony with your horse, but in reality, even four hours of riding a day can be physically demanding if you're not used to it. 

The excitement of the adventure might carry you through the first few hours, but as the days wear on, you may start to feel the strain in your legs, back, and core. That picture of effortless harmony requires preparation—not just mentally, but physically. 

Building your endurance and strength before your holiday will help your body keep up with the demands of riding for hours on end, without discomfort or fatigue. So, while the scenic beauty of the Wild Coast may take your breath away, it's your preparation that will keep you from being out of breath and make that vision of effortless riding a reality.

#5 Exercise Tips for Riders

Even if you can’t get on a horse before your riding holiday, at least try to get some kind of exercise under your belt.

Lunges and squats will firm up your legs, preparing them for long days in the saddle, while push-ups will increase your core strength and improve both hip and arm mobility. 

Walking, running, swimming, and cycling are all great ways to improve cardiovascular fitness, and increase stamina. Incorporating these activities into your routine will help you build the endurance you need for a long day in the saddle. 

If you already ride a couple of times a week, you’ll find our mini and Qolora trails provide just the right amount of riding time and challenge. If you’re considering the longer Wild Coast Horse Trail, however, you’ll need a little more preparation and fitness. 

#6 Build your Confidence 

Confidence is just as important as physical preparation. Even experienced riders get anxious about riding an unfamiliar horse in a different environment. The key is to acknowledge these feelings and address them proactively.

Start by talking with your agent or holiday provider about your concerns. Don’t forget, they do this for a living so are familiar with the common concerns of their riders.

They’ll also be able to answer any questions you have about the horses, terrain, or itinerary. Sometimes a little extra explanation is all that’s needed to put those concerns to rest and allow you to focus on enjoying the experience.

If you usually ride your own horse in a familiar environment, try joining a short outride or even a lesson, just for the experience of getting on an unfamiliar horse. The more different horses you ride, the more confident you’ll feel about tackling a new mount over a longer period. Even if the horses you ride at home are different from those you'll meet on holiday, the experience of adapting to different mounts will boost your adaptability and confidence.

Remember that it's perfectly normal to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension before your riding holiday. Focus on the aspects that excite you – whether that's exploring new landscapes, meeting fellow riders, or connecting with horses in a different environment. 

Building confidence isn't about eliminating all nervousness; it's about developing the tools you need to handle the challenges that arise. Don’t forget, trail horses are a special bunch, dedicated to looking after their riders come what may. The key is learning to trust not just in your own abilities, but in the partnership you build with your mount.

#7 Keep an Open Mind 

While horse riding holidays often exceed expectations, they rarely unfold exactly as planned. Weather conditions might force a change in route, the terrain could be more challenging than anticipated, or you might find yourself paired with a horse whose personality is different from what you're used to. The key to enjoying your adventure is maintaining flexibility and embracing these unexpected moments as part of the journey.

Being adaptable allows you to make the most of whatever situations arise. Perhaps the planned trail is too wet to ride, but instead, your guide takes you through a beautiful valley that you would otherwise have missed. Maybe your assigned horse isn't the forward-going mount you typically prefer, but they teach you valuable lessons about patience and different riding techniques.

Remember that horse management practices and riding styles may differ from what you're familiar with at home. Rather than comparing or judging, approach these differences with curiosity and respect. You might discover new approaches to horsemanship that enhance your riding journey or gain insights into how horses are kept and trained in different cultures.

An open mindset not only helps you adapt to changing circumstances but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, creating memories and forming connections that go beyond just the riding itself. After all, some of the most memorable moments often come from the unexpected turns your adventure takes along the way.