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Have you chosen your horse riding holiday yet? No? Not ready for a full-blown horseback riding vacation? Ok, let’s see how to get that horseback ride in during a vacation you are already taking! Horse rental is just the key! This may also be called a horseback trail ride.

Horseback riding is something that is done almost everywhere you can think of in the world. So, why not find a way to explore where you are already going on vacation?

Find a vacation! >

What is a Horse Rental?

A horse ride where you pay an hourly fee is a rental. Usually the minimum rental is one hour and the cost will usually be between $25 to $50 per hour, although depending where you are renting the horses it can be more. The most common form of horse rentals are for horseback trail rides. A stable will offer rides ranging from one hour up to a full day of riding.

Who Can Rent a Horse?

Pretty much anybody over 18 years of age! Some places may take 16+ but you’ll have to call first and make sure. There may also be weight limits so if you think there’s a question there, make sure you know that before you get to the tour or stable to avoid wasting time or embarrassment. If you have the will to go on a horseback trail ride, you can make it happen!

Where Can I Get a Horse Rental?

Just about anywhere in the world! I love to get on a horse on every beach I go to. As a result, I’ve gone for a horseback trail ride in

St. Croix USVI
Jamaica
South Africa
Cabo San Lucas
Playa del Carmen
Riviera Maya
Dominican Republic

… to name a few! So obviously Mexico and the Caribbean are great places to ride horses on the beaches, or in jungles. But what about other destinations?

Tell me how I can travel for WHOLESALE!

Let’s look at where North Americans travel to mostly, other than Mexico and Canada, which by far are the most popular sites.

Well, it looks like you can take a horseback trail ride just about anywhere! I’m going to add to that list Iceland, which is on my bucket list as well. I mean, who wouldn’t want to ride an Icelandic pony?

Horseback trail rides and horse rentals are not limited to other countries. If you are visiting family in another US state, for example, or even a couple hundred miles away from your home, look it up and see what you can find! Horseback trail rides are a great way to explore any area, not necessarily only exotic ones!

What Preparations Are Necessary for a Horse Rental Excursion?

Payment & Tipping

Pretty much a credit card and yourself is all that is needed at most horse rental places! Most places around the world accept most major credit cards nowadays. However, you should probably bring a little bit of cash to tip your guides after the trip! Most of them don’t get paid much, and a lot of countries are pretty poor comparatively, so the guides or wranglers are very appreciative of that little extra you can give them in appreciation of a great ride! If they don’t actually ask for it by passing around a hat or something similar, you can always slip your favorite horseback trail ride guide a few bucks to show your gratitude.

Depending on where you are in the world, you should give them cash in their native currency; however, in places that are very touristy – like Mexico or the Caribbean – they love to have American dollars. Some people suggest tipping 15-20%, just like you would a waiter, but that is really up to you and how much fun you had on your horseback trail ride! I tend to tip on the high side, because I know they probably need it and I like to show my appreciation.

Clothing

Always be prepared for extreme weather when you do horse rentals. No matter where you are in the world, on horseback you are more exposed to the elements than ever. You should always check the weather before you go to see what it might be like the day you plan your horseback trail ride. That way you can bring rain gear if you need it. Here is a great lightweight riding duster and here is a heavier one for more inclement weather. I also like this one for all around use.

No matter what time of year you are going to be riding, it’s good to have a hat to protect your face from sunburn, or from a downpour of rain. Here is a great lightweight hat:

Or this cute shapeable hat:

Or this awesome water resistant Australian hat that will crush right into your suitcase and come out great! You can also get a chinstrap with it:

There are so many to choose from! I’d love to see a picture of you in your new hat!

Horse Riding Helmets

There are so many horseback riding helmets” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>here.

Pants/Breeches/Shorts

What you wear on your legs for your horseback trail ride is a matter of choice as well. I was raised riding Western, so I always wore jeans. But I also rode English in horse shows, so I learned to appreciate the stretchy-ness of breeches. And as I’ve gotten older, I REALLY appreciate stretchy, comfy clothes, so I prefer the breeches to jeans, now.

I would say, though, that having a cell phone pocket is a mandatory option for me nowadays, so you may want to consider that in your search for Boots/Footwear

This is another area I will devoting a post specifically to. Nowadays the options for awesome horseback trail riding footwear are endless! As I said before, sneakers were never an option. Only cowboy boots, or English boots when I rode English. Now, you can get what they call Womens paddock boots” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>cowboy boots but I must warn you: these boots listed may not be the best for riding. Do your research and read the reviews. Fashion cowboy boots seem to have taken over the market!

Other types of horseback trail riding shoes can be found

That way I can be as sure footed as my horse in all terrain!

Other Things to Know for Your Horse Rental Trip

• Make sure you have bug spray and sunblock! Remember, you will be exposed up there on a horse and the sun will likely be hot!

• If the horseback trail ride tour operator offers a secure location to leave your keys, purses, etc., definitely do so. I like to bring a small fanny pack or SMALL back pack to bring water, camera, etc. DON’T bring a large, bulky backpack as that might get you off balance, and/or spook the horse. DEFINITELY make sure keys, cell phone, etc. are all tucked in securely before taking off on the ride.

• You will more than likely have to sign a liability waiver before the start of the ride. This is standard and after a brief perusal, should be fine to sign. If you don’t, you won’t get to ride.

• Wear layers. It may be chilly in the morning, then warm up nicely by the end of the ride.

• Always listen to and follow the guides’ directions. Even if you are a seasoned horse rider, this is their territory and they are there to keep you safe.

And of course, wherever you go on vacation, don’t forget the travel insurance! I recommend either World Nomads or SafetyWing, depending on what kind of traveler you are.

So go ahead! Plan your vacation and add a horse rental to it! Gotta get ready for your horse riding holiday!