Report - Section 4.8

4.8   What are riders looking for on holiday?

Research undertaken in 1997¹⁵, indicated that a significant proportion of respondents had an interest in going on a residential horse-riding holiday in the future (76%), with just over half having been on such a holiday before. Most interest was shown in organised horse touring holidays (42%), and in going on touring holidays which involve self guided bridle riding (42%).

Most horse owners would prefer to take their own horse (75%). On average, they would be prepared to travel 119 miles to their holiday, the majority would prefer both stabling and grazing facilities (78%) and would like to look after their horse themselves (42%).

The most popular length of holiday was 6-8 days, riding about 17 miles or 4 hours per day on 5 of the days. Spring (35%) and autumn (39%) were identified as being the preferred times of year for a riding holiday.

It is reasonable to assume that handling agents that have traded successfully in horse-riding holidays have a good understanding of the requirements of their clients. 'Bridle Rides' is one such company¹⁶, offering self-guided bridle rides in fifteen areas in the UK. Bridle Rides organise a planned route and accommodation for 2-4 horses and riders, for holidays lasting two to eight days. Each day’s ride lasts 5-6 hours and covers 15-20 miles.

Factors contributing to the attraction of an area for visiting horse-riders include:

• Few roads and little traffic;
• Where there are roads, wide grassy verges;
• Wide tracks (which are not flinty or coated with chippings);
• Few gates and little stock on fields with tracks through them;
• Series of routes contributing to 3 or more days away or circuit rides around one centre;
• Rides of 15 - 20 miles with long canters;
• Beautiful views; and
• Accurate and detailed route guides.

Areas are selected therefore on the basis of their route infrastructure, terrain, path surface and accommodation. Bridle Rides base their holidays mostly on bridleways, in order to ensure that the network they have selected is not subject to whim or chance. They ride all their routes every 3-4 years. Their brochure suggests that bridle riding is "quite within the capability of most riders" from "happy hackers" to experienced endurance competitors. Charges are £60 per person per day (2003 prices). Stabling and luggage transport are offered as optional extras.

There are also operators specialising in handling incoming clients, for instance from the USA. Worldwide Riding Holidays offer product in continental Europe, the UK and Ireland. European destinations include Finland, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Only two UK areas are offered: Cumbria and Wales. Horses are provided, which considerably increases the cost (typically $1595 for six nights).

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¹⁵ The Rural Development Commission in association with BHS, a survey on horse-riding holidays, prepared by ADAS Market Research Team.
¹⁶ www.bridlerides.co.uk