Horsey holiday of a life time

[Thequeenofthetypis]

I'm currently on holidays with 2 temperamental tweens, an oh who wants to sleep all day and my mother in law! Tbf, the mil is probably the easiest company of all them.
But I'm dreaming of a holiday where I get to do exactly what I want all day every day. If money was no object ( I can start saving) where would you recommend for a horsey holiday? I would like lovely scenery, pretty much riding all day every day, but near coast or lakes for regular swimming, so good weather also. Don't need luxury accommodation, basic is good enough. I'm a horse owner/ advanced rider, can sit on pretty much anything and up for anything really.
Also will be on my own do safe for woman solo travelling a must. Is this too much to ask?? Maybe I should put in aibu 😁

Sounds like a week trekking in Wales I’m sure there are stables that would let you join a group, google it

Baie de Somme. Hack around the country then onto the coast, lovely long beach, swim with your horse. Have a good meal, repeat.

Thanks @Crazykatie Wales definitely has the potential to tick the boxes, but I'm thinking more guaranteed good weather.... and a teeny bit more adventure/ exotic feeling.
I'm googling away here, looking at 7 nights in Andalusia, which looks amazing. Also a week trekking in Morocco, but not sure if I'd feel safe on my own...

What about a trail through the Rockies in Canada or a horseback safari in Africa?

https://www.farandride.com/riding-holidays/canada/canadian_rockies/

https://www.inthesaddle.com/region/africa/

Thanks @DiDonk
Not planning to actually bring my own horse, not sure the funds would stretch to that!!! I was thinking more trekking with an organised group.

We fulfilled a lifetime ambition last year and went on a horseback safari at a luxury game resort in South Africa, which would fulfill a lot of your asks. We stayed in a nice lodge although luxury safari tents were also available, either option very comfortable. There was a lake although swimming in it was off most days due to the presence of the resident hippo family, but we did get to take the horses swimming one day when the hippo were elsewhere. Absolutely fabulous riding, cantering across plains filled with wildebeest and zebra, wandering casually up to giraffes and eland, amazing stuff! I was a bit put off by the idea of it being an enclosed reserve (I was thinking Woburn safari park style) but this place was vast, you could ride for hours without going off the reserve and the animals lived as though. Lots of fast riding and jumps too if that's your thing, and option for other horsey activities too (horseball, polo, western tasters) and some off-horse activities too. Plenty of solo travellers so no issue there. Only downside was the ££££. I've done lots of other riding holidays so can have a think about other recs but safari was definitely the most special...

One of the people who runs my stables is always telling me how nice it is, but we do live about an hour's drive from there, so it's more feasible! The idea of swimming with the horse is pretty cool, even if it's not your own horse.

TBH I'm not nearly good enough to go in the sea barebacked but it's something to look forward to.

Thanks @maxelly , give me all your recommendations! I trust Mumsnet more than TripAdvisor 😁
The safari really does sound like the absolute dream. But I might not ever manage to save quite that much....

Missed your suggestions there @CaveMum , also love the Canadian Rockies suggestion. Might be a tad over budget though too, maybe I need to rethink the budget 🤔

Hippos in the lake an added bonus 😄

I hear you can do that sort of thing on ranch stays in Montana

Dude ranch

@EineReiseDurchDieZeit
@cocksstrideintheevening
Any personal recommendations?

I don't ride horses but Argentina?

Mongolia- these guys are great
http://www.horsetrekmongolia.com/

Try looking up Equestrian Escapes. I've just booked to go to Iceland with them for a riding holiday. I've chosen to go in November but they run them most of the year I think. They also cover other locations both UK and abroad.

I did this trip a few years ago - not the slightest bit luxurious but unforgettable!

https://zavkhan.com/trips/mongolia/mongolian-altai-mountain-horse-trek-and-eagle-festival/

I did a three day day horseback trek through mountains in New Zealand (longer options available). A truly wonderful experience!

Catalonia or Andalusia are both excellent options if you're thinking more Europe (helps that I'm in love with Spanish horses). I'd consider a based stay, perhaps one where you can take some schoolmaster dressage lessons or try some equitation work as well as hacking out. The advantages of a based ride as opposed to point to point is you have more flexibility to choose how much and what riding you do each day rather than being on a fixed agenda. No matter how riding fit you are you probably will be surprised at how many aches and pains you get after multiple days of 6 hours + in the saddle as many rides have, it's nice just to have the option of a steadier or rest day. Portuguese options on lusitanos are a good choice too.

I've also done great rides in France (expensive), Italy (lovely but uncomfortable), Ireland (wet), Wales (wet), Scotland (wet and midgey) and also Jordan - amazing desert riding but did require plenty of stamina as very, very hot (we rode in the early mornings and evenings but even so) and Arab horses aren't for everyone, I absolutely loved their speed and sensitivity but they are dinky and narrow so take some adjusting too. Next on the agenda is to explore Eastern European options as you seem to get a lot more value for money than in western Europe. I'd highly recommend Catalonia though...

I also have friends who stayed here, it sounds amazing but £££££

http://www.estancialospotreros.com/

I had friend a few years ago who did a riding and cooking holiday in Italy. Sounded amazing!

https://www.free-rein.co.uk/
Try this - 2 of my DDs went earlier this year (when the weather was good!) - it was a treat from all the family's accumulated birthday/Christmas moneys. It is not cheap - definitely not free, in spite of their name!

However they had the most fabulous time - like living in a pony book from their childhoods! The arrived at the stables and were allocated their horses, maps, directions, lunchboxes - and off they went. They arrived at their destination stop each evening where a lovely meal awaited them, and stabling for the horses. Their baggage had been delivered there ready. I think they did 3 nights. They absolutely loved it!

I've also done great rides in France (expensive), Italy (lovely but uncomfortable), Ireland (wet), Wales (wet), Scotland (wet and midgey) and also Jordan - amazing desert riding but did require plenty of stamina as very, very hot
This is basically a summary of my fears. You spend all that money and then it doesn't live up to expectations 😔

It is in mid Wales by the way.

@Sexnotgender cooking = work, not holiday! Maybe when my kids have grown up and moved out I might consider it fun again, but right now, not so much!