Our Top Family-Friendly Equestrian Vacations

For those lucky enough to be born into a family of equestrians, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the trail together on horseback. But finding the perfect destination for your clan can be a challenge, especially if you’re looking for a getaway that caters to a variety of ages and abilities. That’s where family-friendly equestrian vacations come in. These trips offer the chance to bond with your loved ones while exploring new places and cultures, all while enjoying the freedom and joy that comes with riding horses.

At Unicorn Trails, we offer family-friendly equestrian vacations tailored to your unique circumstances, experience, and ability to guarantee that every member of the family will leave with lasting memories and a life-long passion for horses.

Travelling with Young Children

We understand that travelling with young children comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why we offer plenty of family-friendly equestrian vacations that expertly cater to the needs of younger children. Our experienced guides and gentle horses ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, including the little ones. With shorter riding sessions, fun activities, and child-friendly accommodations, we make sure that even the youngest riders have an unforgettable time on their first horseback riding holiday.

We believe that a based stay is an excellent option when travelling with younger children as there is no need to pack and move daily. This gives them a chance to get comfortable around horses and learn about their care before heading out on trail rides. It provides them with a home away from home, where their family can relax, assured that there are abundant activities and safe riding options available.

Family Riding Holidays with Teenagers

From the age of 12 onwards, most children will be ready to experience adventure and resilient enough to cope with the challenges of point-to-point trails, in which one or more nights are spent in a different location. They could learn valuable life skills such as how to care for their horse, pitch a tent, light a fire, and socialise with guests of all ages and abilities. They will learn when to take the lead and when to hang back. They will learn to read their horse, to trust in their abilities and their confidence will flourish.

Point-to-point trails are an excellent way for parents and children to bond while stepping away from the trappings of modern life and experiencing life as it used to be for nomadic travellers. These trails may even offer a compulsory digital detox, depending on the destination chosen. The vast open spaces provide untapped opportunities for honest conversations, to find common points of interest, and to share ideas and praise.

Ranch Holidays

Ranch holidays are an excellent choice for families, offering the perfect blend of equestrian activities, family life and relaxation. Whether you’re an experienced rider, or just starting out, there are plenty of options designed to suit all ages and abilities. Riders are split into age groups, so children can safely learn and ride at their own pace, while parents can enjoy the freedom to explore the ranch and all it has to offer. And, for those with younger children, some ranches even have camp counsellors on hand to keep them entertained while parents take a break or saddle up and ride with their little ones.

In fact, as so beautifully narrated by Louise Carpenter in her article in The Telegraph, Unicorn Trails’ family ranch vacations will push you to your limits, help you to discover the best of yourself and create unbreakable bonds, not only with your own children, but the other riders with whom you will experience the highs and lows of life in the wild.’

A splendid example of a family-friendly ranch is the stunning Wyoming Paradise Ranch. Paradise by name and by nature, this ranch holiday gives guests the perfect base from which to relax, take in the breathtaking surroundings, and get some serious saddle time. Paradise Ranch is home to 18 log cabins, each boasting a verandah that offers spectacular views over the Fan Rock, creating the perfect home-from-home for discerning travellers. The horses are predominantly quarter horses, although paints and appaloosas are also available. All of our horses are Western-trained and available for two-hour, half-day and full-day rides. For those wanting a break from riding, there is an extensive and fully supervised children’s programme, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a hot tub, fly fishing and plenty of evening entertainment.

Safari Holidays

A safari horseback vacation can be the ultimate adventure for those seeking a unique and exhilarating experience. But did you know that it can also be an ideal choice for families? Sosian Lodge in Kenya is one such destination that ticks all the boxes for riders wishing to have a relaxed adventure, while also travelling with non-riding companions or families. And with its 24,000 acre private wildlife conservancy, Sosian offers a safe and luxurious base stay for all. The horses at Sosian live a very natural life with plenty of herd-based turn-outs, interacting with each other and the wildlife that they live alongside. Ranging from Ethiopian native ponies through to thoroughbreds, all are expertly trained, willing, and riddable for even the most nervous novice rider, although will happily step up a gear when piloted by a confident rider.

Tips for Travelling with Children

Family-friendly equestrian vacations need not be all about the horses and riding. They are intended to allow families to enjoy a leisurely break from the everyday, so they must meet the needs of everyone in your party. Unless your entire family is happy to live and breathe nothing but horses for the duration of your stay, consider choosing a base with a swimming pool, park, or other activities.

Some Unicorn Trail sites offer activities specifically designed for non-riders and those who want a break from the saddle, including reading, dancing, photography, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, bocce ball, and archery. Many family ranch vacations offer child-appropriate mealtimes, babysitting facilities, and riding tuition separate from the spectacular trekking that makes up the mainstay of the holiday.

Some of Our Top Family-Friendly Riding Holidays

Netherlands: Tershelling Island in the Netherlands is a great destination for families looking for a unique and enjoyable riding holiday. Here, visitors can ride super gentle giants; coal-black beautiful Friesian horses that make for a pleasant experience. Whether you are experienced in riding or a beginner, there are various horse riding options to suit every level of expertise and preference. Families with small children can opt for donkey rides, while those new to riding can take part in the beginner’s program. For non-riders, the covered wagon ride is an excellent choice to enjoy the stunning scenery at a more leisurely pace. With no set arrival day and week-long stays available all year round, families can plan their holiday at their convenience.

Greece: Greece is a remarkable Mediterranean destination, offering clear seas, mountain views and wonderful cuisine. The people are warm and welcoming, and nowhere more so than at our two Crete-based holidays; Beginners Riding Course and Panoramic Rides.

Relax in beautiful hotels situated alongside the stables, with infinity swimming pools and stunning views over the Lagada Valley. The Beginners Riding Course offers a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained, from mountain climbing to paragliding. And if you choose the Panoramic Rides trip, you’ll experience all of the best things Cretan life has to offer. Relax on the beach, visit ancient sites, meet friendly locals, and enjoy mouth-watering Greek food. For children between 8 and 11 years old, they even offer a “Children’s Fun Week”.

Spain: Immerse yourself in the world of Baroque horses with our Andalusian Hacienda in Spain. Just picture it – their beautiful thick manes and tails swaying in the breeze as you ride out into the countryside. Any rider from the age of 6Expert guidance along with fun – Andalusian Hacienda – Spainupwards can experience the majesty of these incredible

animals, regardless of their ability level. With Andalusians and Andalusian crossbreds making up the majority of the herd, there are also ponies available and the option for less balanced riders to ride the more substantial Breton X horses that are available

Even non-riders and those with disabilities will enjoy the many activities on offer on this trip. From exploring olive groves, forests, and vineyards on horseback, to swimming in the on-site pool or relaxing with a good book in the secluded courtyard, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a rental car out to visit nearby historical cities like Antequera, Seville, Cordoba, and Grenada.

Italy: The Tuscan countryside is a welcoming and relaxing experience for families, and our Chianti Castles holiday allows visitors to ride and relax in complete luxury. Catering to children from the age of 7, this remarkable destination is home to 17 hand-picked horses with unrivalled temperaments and the ability to look after their riders, whatever their experience and skill level. Recommended by retired eventer Ian Stark, the horses are the lifeblood of the centre, with those deemed suitable enjoying a home for life.

This holiday guarantees every family the personal touch, with accommodation set within a farmhouse in a private valley near to Siena. Rides tend to happen before the heat of the day, with the afternoons being set aside for non-equestrian activities, such as swimming, sightseeing, hiking and cycling. This venue is ideal for families who want to unwind in stunning scenery with the option to enjoy time with well-trained equine companions.

Summary

Travelling with children can be a rewarding and memorable experience, especially when you choose the right destination. A family-friendly equestrian vacation not only provides the opportunity for horseback riding, but also offers a range of activities and accommodations suitable for all ages and interests. If you’re considering planning a horse riding holiday for your family, take the first step by contacting our experts today. Our team will discuss your preferred destinations, dates, and budget to help you find the perfect holiday for your family.  So, don’t wait any longer! Start planning your family-friendly equestrian vacations today!

 

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