Where can I take my horse on holiday?
Many people that own a horse work very hard to keep their equine friend beautifully looked after and spend much of their free time at the yard. Often the idea of going on holiday is a tough one for horse owners – a week on the beach wondering how your horse is doing back at home without you, or never venturing off away from your local area. But there is another option – taking your horse on holiday with you. Many of SEIB’s horse insurance specialists do this every year, in this article we’ve summarized some of their advice and ideas for a memorable break.
Staycations are all the rage at the moment and nothing could fit in better with that than setting off with your horse in tow, for a few days – or a week or two – of joint adventuring. The options for where to go and what to do are endless.
From Airbnb to equestrian centre camps
There are plenty of Airbnb style setups across the country that come with a stable or field (or both). The inventiveness of people running such businesses is impressive. There are options for guided riding across some of the most beautiful areas of the country. Some places will look after your horse on full livery whilst you are staying, so you simply head out in the morning, get on and hit the hills. Alternatively, there are many more ‘hands on’ options where you cook for yourself and take care of your horse. Many people head off on these type of trips with just their horse in tow, some bring family and others will go with friends – both human and equine – from the yard. They offer the opportunity to explore many stunning parts of the UK from Dartmoor, to the Lake District, to some beautiful remote beaches.
Camps with horses or ponies are no longer limited to pony club members. Many equestrian centres run camps for any age of rider and their horse. Camps can vary from a few days’ up to a week. Most will have a BHS qualified instructor – always ask to check that the instructor has the relevant qualifications and equestrian freelance insurance. There are a myriad of activities on offer at camp – from having a go at polocrosse to cross country, right through to stable management and dressage demonstrations. Some camps will specialise in a particular discipline whereas others will have a range of activities.
Feeling competitive?
Amateur riders with a competitive streak could consider a holiday at the SEIB Trailblazers Championship. This is a competition that covers the disciplines of showing, dressage, combined training and jumping with a championship that takes place over two weeks in August at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. Qualifying rounds are held nationally and the series is for true amateur riders, for many the championship becomes a summer holiday. Horses and ponies are stabled at Stoneleigh and the evenings are filled with barbecues, lecture demonstrations and the opportunity to socialise with likeminded people. Many people return for their summer Trailblazers holiday year after year.
If you do decide to take your horse on holiday with you, always remember to make sure you have the necessary insurance for your horse. SEIB are able to tailor policies to ensure cover is in place even when your horse is staying away from home.
About SEIB
SEIB have been providing horsebox insurance and insurance for horses for over 50 years. This experience allows us to tailor policies to suit your circumstances and ensure that you and your horses are covered should the worst happen. If you’d like advice on your insurance please call us on 01708 850000.
