How to Travel Light on a Horse Riding Holiday
Nicky Hoseck
Horse riders aren't known for their ability to travel light. Many are used to taking their horses and half their tack room to local shows and seem to find it difficult to change their approach when embarking on an overnight horse trail.
Cramming all your riding gear, swimwear, casual clothes, and toiletries into a small overnight bag can seem like an impossible challenge for those accustomed to travelling with a fully loaded horsebox. The trouble is, many horse trail operations need to keep luggage to a minimum so there’s enough space to transport the vast quantities of food required to fuel the horses over long distances.
While it's not always possible to travel light on a horse-riding holiday, there are ways of minimising your luggage without compromising on comfort or safety.
5 Useful Packing Tips Designed to Lighten Your Load
#1 Pack Riding Tights, not Breeches
Even if you're riding for three weeks or more, limit yourself to two pairs of lightweight riding pants - one to wear, one to wash. While you might be tempted to throw in that super-comfy pair of perfectly fitting breeches, remember that bulky traditional breeches take up precious space and are slow to dry in humid conditions. Instead, opt for lightweight, quick-drying riding tights that can be washed in the evening and be ready to wear again by morning.
#2 Wear Your Boots
While your riding boots may not be the most stylish footwear to display at an international airport, nor the most comfortable for an overnight flight, wearing them is a surefire way of lightening your load.
If you’re combining your horse-riding holiday with an overland safari, hiking tour, or a bit of sightseeing, opt for a versatile design suitable for all your planned activities.
You can find some really comfortable riding boots that won’t look completely out of place in the airport, nor on a hiking trail (don’t tell anyone, but my Terrain Waterproof Ariats are just as comfortable in the stirrup as they are traipsing around the shops or walking the dogs).
#3 Choose a Lightweight Helmet
Not only will a lightweight helmet lighten your load, but it will also prove much more comfortable in hot and humid conditions.
Traditional velvet helmets look great in the show ring, but when you’re cantering along the Wild Coast beaches with the sun beating down on you, the sweat pouring down your face will soon detract from their classic charm.
Opting for a modern, well-ventilated helmet takes a few ounces off the weight of your luggage and keeps you cool and comfortable, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the ride rather than the heat.
#4 Opt for Multi-purpose Clothing
Focus on packing clothes that are suitable for several different situations. For instance, a pair of lightweight cargo or utility pants can double up as riding wear if push comes to shove. They’re also suitable for exploring the local area, whether that means clambering up hills, strolling through villages, or ambling down a deserted beach.
Similarly, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt is perfect for riding, but also smart enough for a casual evening out at a local restaurant or relaxing by a beachside campfire. Its versatility ensures you stay comfortable while protecting you from the sun during the day and keeping the evening chill at bay.
Another benefit is that, like your lightweight riding tights, these shirts can be rinsed and dried overnight, meaning you can survive a longer holiday with fewer items. This makes packing more efficient and leaves extra room for other essentials. Not only that, but it also makes it easier to adapt to different activities and environments.
#5 Leave the Jeans Behind
Jeans are bulky, heavy, and take forever to dry—plus, they become incredibly uncomfortable if they get wet or sandy. While their durability is undeniable, they’re far from ideal for active adventures like riding or hiking, making them a poor choice for your travel wardrobe.
Even the lightest jeans weigh over 10 ounces, while a typical pair of leggings usually weighs less than 6 ounces, significantly reducing the weight of your luggage and freeing up space for more versatile essentials.
Size Matters - How to Maximise Space and Minimise Bulk
#1 Leave Toiletries Behind
I'm not suggesting you should spend your entire horse-riding holiday quietly fermenting in your own body odours but leaving behind your full-size toiletries will free up considerable space—it could mean the difference between lugging a cumbersome suitcase and carrying a nimble, travel-friendly bag.
Toiletries are often provided at the accommodation and even when they're not, carrying just enough for your holiday reduces unnecessary weight and simplifies your travel experience. You also get some great 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel combos that reduce bulk even further and will still leave you feeling as fresh as you would at home.
#2 Roll Your Clothes
My mum taught me this trick years ago and it's been a game-changer for my packing strategy, saving space and reducing wrinkles in my travel wardrobe. It works especially well when packing a backpack or duffel bag and means you can squeeze in an extra pair of socks for that day when you cross the river and end up with soaking-wet feet, desperate for something dry to change into.
#3 Use Compression Cubes
Compression cubes are a great way of reducing bulk. The double zipper system means you can squash your clothes into more manageable sizes while keeping your luggage organised, compact, and blissfully free from the chaos of clothes exploding everywhere the minute you open your bag.
Conclusion
Travelling light on a horse-riding holiday doesn't mean you necessarily have to compromise on either comfort or style. By applying these smart packing strategies, you can transform your luggage from a cumbersome burden to a streamlined travel companion. The key is to be intentional—choose versatile clothing, minimise unnecessary items, and focus on multi-purpose gear that adapts to different conditions.
Remember, every ounce you save is an ounce you won't have to carry, and every bit of space you free up is potential room for adventure.
So the next time you're packing for a horse-riding holiday, challenge yourself to pack smarter, not harder. With these tips, you'll be ready to ride into your adventure unburdened, comfortable, and fully focused on the journey ahead.