Report - Section 4.3

4.3   Types of riding holidays

The holiday market for horse-riding can be broken down into five categories, as follows:

• General holidaymakers taking a ride as an activity whilst on holiday. Quite significant numbers of people, dominated by families, looking for an hour/half day trek in the immediate area (2-5 miles);
• Pony-trekking holidays are the most popular form of equestrian tourism and probably accounts for 90-95% of the market where horse-riding is the main purpose of the trip. It has strong appeal to groups and school parties. Generally geared to novices and centre based (5-10 miles);
• Trail riding for the experienced rider. This can take the form of circular rides or distance rides linking in with accommodation. It may be self-organised or be based on group led trails. Generally on a designated trail, usually escorted and on a hired horse, attracting more advanced riders than pony trekking (10-30 miles);
• Horse touring is generally accepted to mean touring with your own horse, usually unescorted, as is common in France (10-30 miles);
• Specialist holidays for people wanting to learn dressage or advanced techniques.