CENTRE-BASED - On these riding holidays you are based as at a lodge, camp, ranch or hotel and will ride out on a daily basis. These holidays are normally suitable for both experienced and novice riders as the rides can often be organised to cater to all abilities. Centre-based riding is also ideal for those who are not as physically fit as they ought to be, as if you are feeling saddle weary you can chose to opt out for a day. Many of our centre-based rides cater for non-riders.

TRAIL RIDE - On a trail ride you will ride from point to point, either every day or every second day. Because you have to move on there is no chance to take a rest from the saddle. Accommodation whilst on the trail can be flycamping (sleeping out under the stars), under canvas, or in lodges, ranches, estancias, inns or hotels. Generally your luggage is transported from place to place by a back-up vehicle but on some of our rides pack horses are used so your luggage has to kept to the bare minimum.

SAFARI - The word safari comes from the Swahili and means literally to voyage. These days it has become synonymous with an excursion in the African bush. Safaris can be either centre-based or a trail ride, however on any safari you need to be competent to control your horse if you encounter a potentially dangerous animal and have to take evasive action.

RANCH HOLIDAYS - Ranch Holidays fall into two categories, working ranches and dude ranches. A working ranch holiday enables you to experience the lifestyle of a ranch. This does not mean you will be cattle mustering on a daily basis, but you will be expected to get involved with all aspects of ranch life, such as checking the fencing. Dude ranches tend to be more commercial and will often offer an array of alternative activities, making them idea for parties or families of mixed ability or interest.

EXPEDITION - An expedition is a really challenging ride, which may well entail hardships. It will include long days in the saddle over arduous terrain. Expeditions should only be undertaken by extremely fit and competent riders.

BEGINNER - You will have been for lessons at a riding school or ridden a friend's horse. You are able to mount and dismount a horse, ride at a walk and rise to a trot.

NOVICE - You have been riding for some time at a riding school and are competent at a walk, trot and canter in an indoor school or outdoor arena. You will have done some hacking out and may have been on a riding holiday before.

INTERMEDIATE - You will ride reguarly and will probable own or have owned your own horse. You will probably have been on a riding holiday before or may have competed at local level or done some long distance riding. You will be used to riding out in the company of others and be able to control your horse at walk, trot and canter.

EXPERIENCED INTERMEDIATE - You will own your own horse and will be riding frequently (several times a week). You will have competed, hunted or taken part in long distance riding or Le Trec. You have experience and are confident over difficult terrain and can control a horse at all paces including galloping and jumping over small obstacles.

PROFESSIONAL - You will have spent many years either working with horses, riding on a daily basis or competing at a National or International level.