German
FrenchA horseback journey to the Scottish Highlands
By: Gyöngyi Molnár Posted: 24/04/2020
Ampascachi only offers horse riding holidays in Argentina.
Horse culture is part of Argentina’s traditions.
Exploring this country on horseback is an unforgettable experience.
Today, we will discover Scotland, a country with an exciting history, where castles hide great legends and the high mountains and green meadows are an invitation to unforgettable equestrian trips.
The Scottish history is as fascinating as complex. From the first Celtic tribes, the Romans and the Vikings, to the arrival of the British nobility, Scotland has been in constant struggle for the conquest of this land.
Ancient and mysterious rocks, castles and luxurious lordly manors, stunning architecture, abandoned fortresses , and much more awaits us on our horseback journeys.
On horseback, relive the past and witness the wonderful monuments that now proudly mirror their history. Thus, you can understand what they mean when talking about Scotland and its people.
Water is a vital element in this green and charming country. That is what makes its landscapes so diverse, special and appreciated by those who like exploring the world on horseback.
Magnificent coasts of open beaches where you can ride in freedom; lakes and water streams wherever you look or ride, will leave an indelible mark of your horse riding holidays in Scotland.
Below, you will find further information on two of the many Horseback Riding options you have in Scotland.
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Equus Riding Center
Equus is very conveniently located between the towns of Elgin and Forres, just a 10 minute drive from either.
Since 2008, Equus Riding Centre has been providing riding lessons to people from all over Moray, in northeast of Scotland.
Welcoming and friendly to everyone, whether regular customers or holiday ‘drop-in’ riders. Equus definitely has a family feel that we are sure you will love.
At their stables, they have a wide selection of horses and ponies so, together with their guides, they can pick the right one to either get you started or develop your skills.
What do they offer?
Visiting them is an absolutely captivating experience. Imagine riding through the forest on a crisp winter’s day; being on the beach watching a summer sunset from the back of your horse; or feeling exhilarated getting on your horse for the next step in learning to ride. There are experiences for all levels of riding, including first-timers.
Equus Riding Centre has horses of all sizes and capabilities. Complete beginners, both adults and children, are well catered for. For more proficient and experienced riders wishing to improve their skills in jumping, dressage or general riding, they have programs designed for that purpose.
The full size all weather arena and round pen ensures a good educational environment.
They provide professional instruction to all standards of riding lessons, from novice to advanced level.
Pony and Saddle Clubs give children a wealth of experience in keeping, riding and caring for a horse, whilst having fun in a safe environment. School and youth groups provide the perfect outdoor activity to open their minds to new ideas, a close relationship with nature and these noble animals – horses.
Their Staff
Equus has excellent instructors and staff who can cater for all riding standards and help you progress at a pace that suits you, assuring you of an exciting but safe riding experience, for both Rider and Horse.
They also have a fantastic group of teenage assistants who are key to the success of the Cubs, Saddle and Pony Clubs.
They are all at various stages of their own horse riding development and some will even go on to be instructors of the future.
What riding activities do they have?
Events for children – “Pony Camps & Pony Days”
A number of children’s “Pony Days” are held throughout the year. There are also week-long “Pony Camps” held during the Easter Summer and Autumn school holidays, which include a variety of horse activities that are great fun and educational for children.
Events for adults – “Beach & Forest Hacks”
A forest or beach hack is a great way to de-stress after a day’s work or just to enjoy the scenery and the outdoors. They have many options and although they don’t offer accommodation, you can stay in a nearby hotel and try a different trail with them each day. Their main advantage is that, since they are a riding centre, their guides and qualified instructors can help you improve your riding style.
Beach hacks times are tide dependent, but you can combine beach and forest rides, so you will always have something to do!
Most riding activities that they can offer at Equus can be arranged as group or individual lessons, plus they can also tailor theory and practice sessions to meet your needs if you have something specific in mind.
Lessons
Lessons in the school are aimed at all abilities from first sitting on a pony up to experienced riders. They can do private lessons where you can focus on a specific element of your riding. Or you can join a group lesson which will be more general and based on riding ability and the group’s needs.
Forest hacks
You’ll spend your days exploring the picturesque and folklore-filled Roseilse Forest, all abilities can be accommodated in order to take advantage of this wonderful forest adventure. With the help of their qualified guides who, in turn, are also riding instructors, everyone can enjoy the amazing trails at a pace that suits them – a walk, trot, canter or exhilarating gallop. Groups are easily accommodated, plus children as young as 4 are able to go along together with family to enjoy this riding experience.
Beach hacks
At Equus, they are fortunate enough to have access to Roseilse Beach, kilometres of beautiful white sands, for you to enjoy freely for hours.
All their horses and ponies are very well behaved and controlled, so the most novice rider can enjoy the beach at a leisurely walk, or a more skilled rider can enjoy a breathtaking experience as they gallop over the sands, unencumbered and safe.
Horse Care Package
A highly recommended activity for all horse lovers is the Horse Care Package.
At Equus they offer this package which can be taken in isolation concentrating on horse care or it can be incorporated into part of your riding lesson.
This package allows you to gain experience in handling your horse from bringing it in from the field, grooming, learning how to tack up and leading your horse around to the school. It will build your confidence and enhance your connection with your horse, which will improve your riding.
Visit their web site and see all the details about each program and choose the most suitable for you. Please, go to: https://equusscotland.co.uk/
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Highlands Unbridled
The owners of Highlands Unbridled are Jan and Graham O'Neill.
Highlands Unbridled has been Jan’s dream for 10 years. Having had a love of the countryside and nature since childhood, she loves to get out and experience it up close. Because of this, Jan decided that Trail Riding is what she wanted to do and she embarked on a long process of research and training, culminating in the formation of Highlands Unbridled with her partner Graham.
Jan is a qualified “BET Ride Leader” and First Aider with a NC and HNC in Equine Studies. She has a good knowledge of local natural history, culture and the area in general, mixed with a keen interest in local folklore, legends and Scottish history. It’s simply the perfect combination!
Graham worked in social care for many years, specialising in supporting people with learning disabilities. He enjoys hill walking and wild camping, canoeing and Scottish dancing as well as traditional Scottish music.
Born in Scotland, he is very proud of his family roots in Sutherland and he has a keen interest in Scottish history, especially in the 1745 rebellion and subsequently the Highland Clearances.
Equestrian routes and trails for your Horse Riding Holidays
They provide fourteen different programs, most of them have a duration of six days and each day, and you can spend up to six hours in the saddle.
The route takes you from the north to the south and from the east to the west of the country, and accommodation will be at different inns each day.
Their longest route is the one they precisely call “The longest ride”.
The Longest Ride
It comprises 17 days in all, of which 15 days are spent riding. It includes 16 nights’ accommodation and 2 days off.
Its riding difficulty level is “challenging”. This route requires that all riders must be able to ride at walk, trot, canter and gallop in steep terrain. Some days you may spend long hours in the saddle (8 hours riding) mixed with 2 days off and some other days with fewer hours riding.
You ride in a wide variety of terrains such as beaches, unique paths, forest and mountain trails, and steep slopes.
During this ride, there may be some ditches to jump or few streams to cross.
Terrain can sometimes be boggy or steep and guests may have to lead their own horse periodically.
Approximate covered distance, 250 miles (405 kilometres approximately).
A ride briefing
- Day 1 - Brora to Glen Loth: 12 miles
- Day 2 - Glen Loth to Badenloch: 19 miles
- Day 3 - Badenloch to Crask: 24 miles
- Day 4 - Crask to Altnaharra: 10 miles
- Day 5 - Altnaharra to Tongue: 20 miles
- Day 6 - Tongue to Eribol: 21 miles
- Day 7 - A well-deserved day off
- Day 8 - Eribol to Achfarry: 20 miles
- Day 9 - Achfarry a Kylestrome: 13 miles
- Day 10 - Kylestrome to Clachtoll: 19 miles
- Day 11 - Another day off, this time in Lochinver
- Day 12 - Clachtoll to Lochinver: 13 miles
- Day 13 - Lochinver to Ledmore Junction: 16 miles
- Day 14 - Ledmore Junction to Oykel Bridge: 18 miles
- Day 15 - Oykel Bridge to Bonar Bridge: 24 miles
- Day 16 - Bonar Bridge to Rogart: 23 miles
- Day 17 - Rogart to Brora: 20 miles
The final day, leaving Rogart, you head over the hills with views reaching to the Cairngorms in the east, the hills of the west coast behind you and the high hills of Wester Ross to the south. Descending for a gallop on the long sandy beaches of Golspie, passing beneath the fairy-tale castle of Dunrobin and back to Brora for a final blast on the sand. The perfect farewell to a challenging Scottish horseback adventure.
Horse Care Holiday
If your idea of heaven is just being around horses, or you want to learn more about their general day to day care this could be the ideal holiday for you. It's a chance to have a real hands on experience, spending all day enjoying the company of horses, and learning from and with them.
On the first day and after a short induction, you will be treated very much as part of the team. All abilities are welcome - you do not even need to be able to ride as we will help you to gain basic riding skills during your 6 day/7 nigh stay.
They are only able to offer working holidays for over 16's unless accompanied by a parent.
An average day will start with a hearty breakfast for humans and horses, followed by the inevitable mucking out. Once this is done, the more pleasant tasks follow - catching, grooming, tacking up, helping out on rides and riding. Other tasks might involve bathing the horses, tack cleaning, helping with young-stock.
They try not to work you too hard and give you as much time as possible to spend time riding and enjoying horses. But you’ll have to get the mucky jobs done every day!
At some point around the middle of the day, you will stop for lunch, either at the yard or on the trail.
Depending on weather, you may ride for one to two hours a day, which may be split into two sessions. When you finish riding, the horses are untacked, checked and groomed, then after a short break it's time for feeding and bedding down for the night. You’ll need to recover for the following day.
These are holidays indeed, but very reasonably priced working holidays.
They can offer you a lot and if you want to know more details about their horseback riding vacation options, you can visit their web site: https://www.highlandsunbridled.com/
/ Photos: www.equusscotland.co.uk and www.highlandsunbridled.com /
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