If you’ve booked one of our riding holidays in Sicily, Italy and have allowed yourself some time to explore Palermo, prepare for a sensory feast! Palermo is a city where Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes, bustling markets and the tantalising scents of street food collide in glorious chaos. Wandering its streets feels like peeling back centuries of cultural layers – and trust us, you’ll want to savour every moment.

First things first: Palermo is a city best explored on foot. The historic centre is compact enough to navigate easily and largely a pedestrian zone. You’ll stumble across hidden piazzas, faded palazzi and crumbling churches simply by letting your feet – and your curiosity – lead the way. Public transport is also available, with buses and trams covering most areas, but traffic can be chaotic and services a little unpredictable, so walking remains the best (and most rewarding) way to take it all in. We really enjoyed this free walking tour.

Sights and activities

Places to eat

Ristorante Quattro Mani offers a cosy atmosphere where you can enjoy high-quality Italian and seafood dishes. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients to create flavourful meals that reflect the essence of Sicilian home cooking.

Seafood enthusiasts can’t go past Osteria Mercede. Situated near Teatro Massimo, this unpretentious eatery is renowned for its fresh, locally sourced fish dishes and warm, attentive service.

For a modern twist on Sicilian cuisine, Sesto Canto offers a creative menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free options. The restaurant’s jazz-inspired ambiance makes it especially charming.

For fine dining, L’Ottava Nota presents a sophisticated menu that artfully combines traditional Sicilian flavours with contemporary techniques. Recognised in the Michelin Guide, you know this place is the real deal.

Cannoli is practically a religion in Palermo – it would be a crime not to indulge! Pasticceria Cappello is a short stroll from the historic centre and widely considered to produce some of Sicily’s best cannoli. Their chocolate cake (Setteveli) is also legendary.

And for a taste of Palermo’s lively nightlife, head to Taverna Azzurra in the Vucciria district. This no-frills, always-buzzing bar is a true local institution.

Accommodation

Your best bet at finding a good and affordable place to stay in Palermo is to jump on Airbnb and look for a room in (or very near) the historic city centre. If you haven’t used Airbnb before, never fear, it is brilliant! Just make sure you read the reviews carefully before you book.

We loved our time at this beautiful suite within what was once the residence of the Prince of Castelnuovo. The hosts, Claudia and Stefano, are a delight, and will organise your transfer from the airport, too.

Have fun, globetrotters!

Image credits: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com, illpaxphotomatic/Shutterstock.com, Jan Ohrstrom/Shutterstock.com, Milan Sommer/Shutterstock.com.

The post A Day Spent in Palermo, Sicily appeared first on Globetrotting.

That there is the face of a globetrotter who is deep in a state of pure bliss! Donna Rawlinson joined us on the very first Grand Tetons Ride in Wyoming, USA, and believe us when we say she didn’t stop smiling the whole six days! If you sign up for this riding holiday, you’ll soon see why.

It was such a pleasure getting to know Donna when we rode together that we wanted to introduce her to all of you, too. Read on to find out all about her journey with horses and why The Grand Tetons Ride filled her cup to overflowing!

What is your day job?
I retired early after taking a “gap year” – the horse thing kicked in!

How have horses influenced or changed your life?
Having some incredibly talented (and patient!) trainers work with me and my horses over the years – learning the importance of determination, consistency and resilience for the ups and downs of life with horses – good life lessons.

What is your earliest memory of horses?
My earliest memory is being about 3 years old, and my family taking me for a lead rein pony ride in the park. I refused point blank to get on the Shetland pony I was offered, and made them wait until a horse was available. Diva in the making…

What was your first horse or pony called?
My “first pony” (a 16.2 chestnut warmblood) arrived when I was 27 – his name was Rupert.

What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
Living with horses becomes  a way of life in itself. Definitely being in the saddle or just in the stables is my happy place – stepping out of the real world for an hour or two. A balm for the soul.

What have horses taught you the most?
Humility and the art of negotiation.

What was your first Globetrotting ride?
The Grand Tetons Ride! I wanted an adventure, and it was certainly that. I’ve always wanted to see those big skies and the scenery was truly breathtaking. Days of riding in pristine wilderness – no signs of humanity – it was heaven. Incredible horses, taking me places I wouldn’t have thought possible, never missing a step and never giving me a moment for concern. I was very sad to say goodbye to my wonderful horse, Spur, at the end of the trip. And it was an enormous privilege to spend time with our hosts in Wyoming – listening to campfire stories about the land, the wildlife and the people. Their love for the land and their way of life shone through every day. They were warm and caring, and worked so hard to ensure we all had a great trip. It was my first horse riding holiday, and I was travelling solo, but it never felt like it. I was lucky enough to be on a guided trip, with Steve and Aimee, who were great at looking after us all. My fellow guests brought a wealth of equestrian experiences from all around the world and there was a great feeling of comradeship.

Was this ride celebrating or marking a significant moment/milestone/achievement in your life? And if so, would you mind sharing?
It was a life affirming moment for me – I needed some adventure!

What was your most memorable moment on this ride?
There were so many – but I think it was the night we camped out in pup tents high up in the mountains, after an amazing climb up through a gully to over 3000m, watching the sunset with our horses turned loose for the night, sitting round the campfire, with the sound of the bells on the mules in the distance. Going to sleep looking out at a sky full of  stars, feeling so close that you could reach out and touch them, and waking up to sunrise in the mountains.

What made you take the plunge and sign up for a Globetrotting holiday?
I discovered the Globetrotting website, and it was like opening Pandora’s box!  All these amazing places and so little time, it was an easy decision – what was I waiting for?

Why choose this type of travel? As in exploring a new country from the back of a horse?
Seeing the world in partnership with a horse brings a unique perspective – for me, it’s feeling immersed in the landscape, rather than just observing it.

A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride…
Don’t worry about a thing in the run up to your trip – you will be well taken care of every step of the way, and you are in for an incredible experience.

Finish this sentence: Don’t leave home without…
Your hip flask!! 😂

If Donna has inspired you to see the Grand Tetons for yourself, check out all the details and book your saddle seat here!

The post Meet a Globetrotter: Donna Rawlinson appeared first on Globetrotting.

One thing we pride ourselves on here at Globetrotting is the detailed packing advice we offer for all our horse riding holidays. And top of every packing list is riding boots! Think about it: how many times have blisters or wet socks ruined your day? And more than likely, a good pair of boots has saved your bacon once or twice, too.

So – we’ve done a bit of matchmaking with our new partners, Ariat, to help you choose THE perfect pair of boots for your next adventure. We LIVE in our Ariat boots, and have done so for decades. Every member of Team Globetrotting has their own favourites! Just remember, your comfort always comes first.

*Aussies and Kiwis – keep reading to the end for a special gift when you book a riding holiday with us!

English Boots

Countries: England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Spain, Portugal, India, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand.

Short boots: we LOVE the Womens Heritage IV paddock boots (above). They’re super comfortable, fancy enough to polish and pair with matching chaps for riding events, tough enough to last many years, and well-designed for easy maintenance.

Half chaps: unless you’re dolling up for The Scottish Borders Ride, it’s your choice whether you pair your short boots with half chaps or not. They’re great for ensuring your stirrup leathers don’t rub or pinch your calves during long days in the saddle, and offer additional weatherproofing and warmth. The Heritage Contour Half Chap is a very sleek option that certainly stands the test of time.

Tall boots: a word of warning: these are not recommended in hot summer climates, so consider your ride location and season to ensure you won’t be sweltering in full-length riding boots. That said, our favourite tall boots are the Heritage Contour II field boots (below). They’re quite an investment, but they’re premium quality, super comfy, and look stunning, to boot (pardon the pun).

Western Boots

Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Italy.

From the saddle to the dancefloor, Western boots won’t let you down. For full-height show-stoppers, check out all the variations of the gorgeous Round Up boots (above). The Heritage Ropers (below) are a super functional mid-height option that will keep you comfortable all day. And if you’re going globetrotting somewhere warm and dry, Ariat’s range of VentTEK boots have some great features to keep you cool.

Hiking & Riding Boots

Countries: Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Argentina (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego), Iceland, USA (Grand Tetons), Canada (Rocky Mountains, Whistler Wilderness), Australia (Snowy River).

On some of our more adventurous rides, there are moments when you’ll need to walk over tricky terrain on your own two feet. For these rides, a pair of boots that you can ride AND hike in is essential. The good news is that these boots are the comfiest of all! Among globetrotters, by far the most popular option is the Terrain boot (above), which comes in a number of different styles and widths. The Heritage Lacer (below) has the look of a riding boot and is a good choice for fitting under a pair of chaps. And for those with wide feet, you’ll appreciate the wiggle room of the Barnyard Twin Gore II, which is also completely waterproof.

Off the Horse

No matter how good your boots, there’s nothing quite like that moment when you take them off at the end of the day! To keep your trotters happy in your down time, we LOVE a good pair of Hilos, and the Cruisers (below) are also super popular. Both styles slip on and off, which is especially handy if you’re camping.

Which boot style will you choose? And where will they take you? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: you’ll be well-shod!

And for our Aussie and Kiwi globetrotters, the next time you book a Globetrotting holiday, you’ll automatically receive an exclusive discount code to use in the Ariat Australia / Ariat NZ store! How good is that?!?

Check out our whole trove of gear and packing guides HERE. You’ll also receive a ride-specific packing list when you book.

Oh, and don’t forget to checkout our GT x Ariat Apparel, meticulously designed to be your go-to kit for equestrian travel!

The post Best Boots for Globetrotting appeared first on Globetrotting.

Brad Taylor and Michaela Lawless guide two fantastic Aussie Globetrotting holidays: The Kosciuszko Ride in New South Wales and The Grampians Ride in Victoria. Yep, that’s them in the middle, with the matching outfits! This extraordinary pair have the know-how, the wisdom, the stories, the charisma, the culinary skills and the horses to give you the ride of a lifetime. Oh, and did we mention they make their own tack?! There’ll be no sore bums on these rides!

While they had a quiet moment in between their saddlery endeavours in the off-season, we asked Brad and Michaela a few questions to help you get to know them ahead of your epic Kosciuszko or Grampians ride.

How long have you been running your riding outfit? And what was the background, history, reason for starting?
We have had our own outfit for about 3 years now [as of 2025]. Prior to that, we both worked as a mountain guides for John Rudd (Brad for 10 years, Michaela for 2), who also used to run multi-day rides through Kosciusko National Park. We both also learnt saddle making under Peter Brophy in Queensland. We love the mountains and believe we have some of the best places in the world to ride.

[Below: we all start somewhere!]

How many guest horses do you have?
We take about 10 guest horses, a pack horse, 3 guide horses and a spare or two. The current herd consists of horses that we have bred and bought. Quarter Horses, Stock Horses, Clydie crosses, warmbloods, Brumbies, Gypsy Cobs. The horses we’ve bred have strong cow horse bloodlines, including Dually Cool and Chyna Plate.

Describe your herd of horses in four words.
Beautiful, willing, cooperative, surefooted.

What is the philosophy or ethos behind your horse riding experiences?
We want the experience to be a challenge, and we want people to see these incredible, history-rich landscapes. We want people to be amazed at the places horses can go, and to understand that the area they’re riding through is absolutely unique with its amazing flora and fauna and ancient landscapes. We want people to connect with their horses, leave with some new tricks, and come back for some more…

What do you love most about your job?
We love watching the groups meet each other, then their horses, and how the horses can help people understand themselves. We love seeing the dynamic evolve into a group of lifelong friends with memories of one of the most beautiful places they have ever seen, on some of the most capable horses they have ever ridden.

What is the most challenging part?
Getting people to decompress quickly from their busy lives so they can connect with their horses, their new-found friends and the mountains. Whilst being safe!

What has been the most memorable or significant moment of your guiding careers?
Every day is significant. Staying in the moment is what horses do for us, and that’s why we love our work. We keep you in the moment, and that’s a real experience.

Why should globetrotters sign up for this ride?
Kosciuszko: It’s a part of our cultural identity, it’s like no other place in Australia. It’s expansive, breathtaking, and we want your mind to drift back to our expeditions years later.
Grampians: You have the luxury of riding on a historically significant working cattle station, with the impressive rise of the Grampians in the background. Pair that with chef prepared meals from local producers, Grampians Estate wines and luxurious rooms, and you’ve got the ultimate holiday.

A tip that every globetrotter must know for this ride:
Kosciuszko: Because you can drive into camp, you can bring your guitar, spoons, joke book, paintbrushes, jousting sticks – and warm clothes! It is the Snowy Mountains after all!
Grampians: Rug up! Victoria has four seasons in one day: in winter, you can have a beautiful blue sky day, but still have a crisp breeze, and then rainfall later on. Also, Drizabones aren’t always ‘dry as a bone’! If you’re bringing your own rain gear, make sure your jacket is waterproof. [Note: you can borrow heavy duty raincoats on both of these rides.]

Finish this sentence: Don’t leave home without…
Some warm gear! [This applies to both rides!]

Ready to ride with Brad and Michaela? Click HERE to book your saddle seat on The Kosciuszko Ride, or HERE for The Grampians Ride!

The post Meet our Guides: Brad and Michaela appeared first on Globetrotting.

Jayd teaches swiftwater rescue, search and rescue, vertical rescue, rock climbing, whitewater guiding and remote area bushwalking, and has guided in Mongolia, India and Malaysian Borneo. For many years, he was a professional horse breaker in Queensland, training horses for cutting, campdrafting, reining and cowhorse disciplines. He has also worked in the Western horse industry Texas and Oklahoma.

Jane has travelled the world working with horses, taught many others the art of horse trail guiding, and organised and guided many horse treks herself. She and Jayd have run countless trips for recreation, education and guide training involving not just horse riding, but also rock climbing, whitewater paddling, snow camping, remote area hiking, canyoning and more! Their daughters Luca, Lilli and Indiana are always eager to lend a helping hand.

Together, Jayd and Jane have masterminded this unique horse riding holiday in Alpine National Park, where the Snowy River twists and plunges through ever-evolving bushland. If you’re booked on (or drooling over!) The Snowy River Ride, why not get to know your guides? We’ve asked them a few questions to kick things off.

How long have you been running your riding outfit? And what was the background, history, reason for starting?
Jayd: We started around 2016. I have a background in outdoor guiding and teaching people to be outdoor guides – not just in horse situations, but on cliffs, in whitewater, snow and remote terrain. We wanted to be able to share adventures in beautiful and inspiring locations with others.
Jane: We wanted to create a family business that could take other families on adventures. We too often hear that adventure stops when you have kids. We wanted to prove that having children only makes adventures better. Jayd and I have been working with horses most of our lives [that’s us back in the early days below] and thought we could share our knowledge and beautiful country.

How many guest horses do you have?
Jane: On The Snowy River Ride, we usually take around 13 horses: 8 guest horses, 4 staff horses and a pack horse.

Describe your herd of horses in four words.
Jane: Willing, tough, team workers, gorgeous.

What is the philosophy or ethos behind your horse riding experiences?
Jayd: Share, explore, teach, enjoy.
Jane: We want people to not just go on a ride, we want them to understand how horses think, and to work with them through challenging situations. We have horse/people training sessions throughout our ride to create better relationships and understanding.

What do you love most about your job?
Jayd: Hanging out with friends and meeting new people.
Jane: I love meeting new people and showing them our beautiful mountains and amazing team of horses. I love sitting around the campfire after a hard day in the saddle reminiscing on our day and hearing people’s life stories.

What is the most challenging part?
Jayd: Dealing with some socks occasionally migrating into the toe of my boots.
Jane: Keeping spirits high when the weather comes in bad.

What has been the most memorable or significant moment of your guiding careers?
Jayd: Evacuating someone with altitude sickness in a remote part of the Indian Himalayas at night over an icy pass, firstly strapped to a mule and then on my back.
Riding a very surefooted horse in Mongolia over ice-covered boulders on a mountain, and also high above a fast flowing river, with slippery logs with hoof-sized gaps in between them forming a bridge.
Jane: Moving a herd of 150 horses and mules from the Californian Sierra Nevadas to the desert over 4 days with 30 riders, having to stop a major highway 3 times to cross.

Why should globetrotters sign up for this ride?
Jayd: A great adventure in awesome country with the opportunity to make new friends.
Jane: It is the quintessential Aussie ride. The country we cover is so unique and stunning. It changes dramatically each day. The horses are well bred and trained, and the staff love their job.

A tip that every globetrotter must know before signing up for this ride:
Jayd: Merino wool thermal clothing is great for all weather conditions.
Jane: This ride is not for the faint-hearted. The terrain is challenging, with some long days in the saddle. Be prepared to walk on some of the steeper slopes. Always bring sturdy shoes and waterproofs! You never know when the weather’s going to turn in the mountains.

Finish this sentence: Don’t leave home without…
Jayd: Blistex and a pocket knife.
Jane: A sense of adventure.

Keen to follow Jayd and Jane into the Aussie wilderness? Click HERE to sign up for The Snowy River Ride!

The post Meet our Guides: Jayd and Jane appeared first on Globetrotting.

At Globetrotting, we believe in absolute clarity from the outset. You’ll always see the full amount payable upfront, so there are no surprises, no surcharges, and no hidden fees once you begin your booking.

For all new bookings made from Thursday 11 December, 2025, the total amount payable will include:

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Image credits: Shutterstock

The post Total cost transparency appeared first on Globetrotting.

If you’re eager to book a horse riding holiday, but haven’t quite got the full ride price bundled up in your savings account, our payment plans are here to help! We’re determined to make the magic of Globetrotting accessible to everyone, no matter your budget. With three different payment plans to choose from, there’s bound to be one that suits your cashflow. Let’s break it down:

10 x 10% payment plan

Undoubtedly the most popular option, this plan allows you to pay off your ride in 10 installments of 10%. You pay a 10% deposit to secure your booking, then 9 more payments of 10%.

5 x 20% payment plan

Hitting the sweet spot between bite-sized installments and solid chunks, on this plan you’ll pay off your holiday in 5 lots of 20%. You pay a 20% deposit to secure your booking, then 4 more payments of 20%.

2 x 50% payment plan

For the ambitious and the spontaneous, this option splits the ride price right down the middle. You pay a 50% deposit to secure your booking, then 1 more payment of 50%.

The payment schedule

No matter which payment plan you choose, your instalments will be spaced out evenly between the day you book and 10 weeks before your riding adventure begins. This means you’ll be fully paid 10 weeks prior to your ride, giving our ride partners time to prepare for your arrival.

The minimum gap between payments is 1 week, so if you’re booking a ride that’s only a few months away, some or all of our payment plans may not be available. Here are the cut-off dates:

– 10 x 10% payment plan: must book at least 20 weeks before the ride.
– 5 x 20% payment plan: must book at least 15 weeks before the ride.
– 2 x 50% payment plan: must book at least 12 weeks before the ride.

If you book within 12 weeks of your ride, you will need to pay in full to secure your saddle seat.

“What payment methods do you accept?”

We only accept payment by credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard – American Express is not accepted at this time).

“What if I forget to make a payment?”

Payments are automatic (rest assured, your credit card details are very securely encrypted), and we’ll email you a few days prior to each payment to remind you to make sure you’ve got the necessary funds ready to go. If the transaction fails for any reason, we’ll let you know and ask you to make payment as soon as possible (don’t worry, we won’t cancel your booking right away!). If you have any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to help.

“Can I pay ahead of schedule, if my situation changes?”

You sure can! Head to your member portal (accessible once you’ve made your booking) to view the details of all your upcoming rides. In the ‘payments’ section, you’ll see all of your remaining installments, and the option to pay as many of them as you like at any time. This is also where you can update your credit card details, if needed.

Hopefully that answers all your payment-related questions, globetrotters, and gives you the confidence to go ahead and book that ride of a lifetime. You know what they say: money returns, but time doesn’t. Let’s spend it wisely, doing the things that make us feel alive!

The post Globetrotting’s Payment Plans appeared first on Globetrotting.

The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride is the perfect ride to upskill and build your confidence in a safe and encouraging environment, with top-class creature comforts along the way. Kirsty Thys had such a great time she is already planning to do this ride again!

Check out Kirsty’s feedback below.

Which horse(s) did you ride? And would you mind elaborating as to why you were happy/unhappy with them?
T-Rex was my very able steed. He was as steady as can be, especially down the mountains, thankfully, as at certain points I just shut my eyes and prayed! Once we got the go-ahead to canter, he was just brilliant. He picked up and flew along, but was easy to stop, which was important to me as I’ve been run away with way too many times!

Please tell us how happy you were with the standard of accommodation on this ride.
Very happy. It exceeded my expectations. Absolutely everything had been thought of, from the extra thick doonas and milky blanket to the boot rack at the door, right down to the lantern lamps and even tissues on the bedside tables… in a tent, no less! I had the best sleep every night as the tent was so cosy and the beds so comfy.

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the meals that you would like to mention?
Dan the chef was THE best. The food was out of this world. Huge portions and everything from creamy garlic prawns to pavlova for dessert. Breakfast was a buffet and always served with a smile. I wish I could give him a Michelin star for awesome cooking in a camp kitchen!

In respect to your guides, please elaborate as to their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality.
All of them were so good! Jacqui’s cheery phone call a few days before the trip made a huge difference. I had been a feeling a bit apprehensive about the whole thing, but she quickly made me more excited than nervous. Andrew is a guru at his job. He personally made sure I was comfortable all the way down the mountain, realising I was anxious even though I didn’t explicitly say so. Rod then stayed beside me and chatted to keep me happy for the rest of that ride. Zac and Georgia were both so sweet – they were professionalism personified!

Did you have a favourite day or experience while on your Globetrotting holiday?
It is really difficult to pick out a favourite because it was all so good. I loved that every day was so different and built on the previous day’s experience – it was very well thought out. I didn’t swim the horses as I was unsure of my personal riding fitness, but the canter along the beach was still so brilliant!

In terms of value-for-money, how would you rate this particular ride?
Excellent.

Do you have any further comments or suggestions?
I mentioned to the camp some suggestions to add a large map so we could see the whole area, and a wildlife camera so we could see the animals we were hearing all night! But with regards to Globetrotting and your trip administration, you are spot on. Just keep up the good work!

Are there any other services or inclusions you would like to see added to this itinerary?
Just that I loved it so much! I am planning on going again next year if I can. I will be a little braver this time and definitely a lot fitter, too.

We would LOVE a testimonial about your Globetrotting experience to share on our social media channels.
Where to even begin with the best ride ever! First and most important is Globetrotting. Nothing was too much trouble for them, this is definitely NOT a set-and-forget travel company. Their communication from booking right up until the day of the ride was fabulous. When Jaqui from the ride partners rang me a couple of days before the ride to introduce me to my tent buddy via the WhatsApp group, she made the nerves disappear and I went from worried to excited in one fell swoop. What a brilliant idea to chat with your guests a couple of days before just so you feel like you already made friends.
The riding began that same afternoon with a show and tell and then a quick tryout of the same techniques. Lucky me, I got to experience my trusty steed without a bridle on day one.
Then we were shown to our glamorous accommodation. To call them tents is not an accurate description. These are 5 star bedrooms under canvas! Absolutely everything had been thought of, down to clothes hangers in the tent eaves and packets of tissues on the bedside table. I had the best night’s sleep under the cosiest doonas. Then came the food… OMG. I wish I could give out Michelin Stars for the most amazing, huge and delicious concoctions cooked in a camp kitchen. Dan the man would get all of the stars!
Sundowners on the verandah after a strangely invigorating tin shack shower became a nightly occurrence. Then the campfire was lit and tall tales told until we all fell into bed. I woke early most mornings and had at least two coffees before breakfast in my PJs as anything goes with these guys.
The whole experience has been a bucket list item fulfilled that I didn’t even know I needed or wanted, but somehow they all knew and made it happen. I’ve made some awesome friends and can’t wait for my next trip.

We can’t wait to see you on your next ride, Kirsty! Thanks so much for the brilliant feedback.

Looking to expand your horsemanship or build up your confidence in the saddle? This is the ride for you!  Click here to learn more.

The post Feedback on the Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride appeared first on Globetrotting.

We’ve always known that the Castle & Estate Ride in Ireland is THE perfect ride for globetrotters looking to fast-track their horsemanship, especially beginners and those new to jumping. And Hope Towle is living proof! Earlier this year, Hope boosted her trail riding confidence on the Thirlestane Castle Ride in Scotland. Buoyed on by her success, she then turned her gaze towards the Emerald Isle. More well-trained horses, luxurious accommodation and magnificent countryside awaited, with one major difference: the chance to focus on jumping. With an indoor arena, over 300 cross country jumps scattered across the estate and expert instructors on hand, the Castle & Estate Ride took Hope’s riding to the next level!

Read on to see what she thought:

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the accommodation that you would like to mention?
All staff at the lodge were friendly and accommodating. The rooms were clean and very cozy!

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the meals that you would like to mention?
The five course tasting menu was phenomenal. And the ease of reserving tables made the experience much smoother. Breakfast was always lovely.

Which horse(s) did you ride? And would you mind elaborating as to why you were happy/unhappy with them?
Predominantly, I rode Arnie. He was big, comfortable, and I felt 100% safe to really take myself out of my comfort zone and try things like galloping, jumping, and cross country for the first times. He is a schoolmaster extraordinaire!
I spent the remainder of my week with the beautiful Blueberry. She is very sweet, strong, and willing. She was a nice contrast from my personal push-button lease horse, but I always left my rides/lessons with her feeling accomplished.

In respect to your guides, please elaborate as to their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality.
The guides far surpassed my expectations for the trip! Steven, Gemma, and Orla are world class and I don’t believe I could think or speak of them more highly. Given how busy they are and the amount of rides/lessons/people they work with on a daily basis, it speaks volumes to their talent, level of service and care for the horses that they were still able to personalize our whole week to the point that we all felt comfortable and safe to leap out of our comfort zones. We all had so much respect for them!
I mostly had my estate jumping rides with Steven, as well as my first jumping lesson; he really made me feel comfortable enough to try to get the most out of my experiences aboard the trusty Arnie. All the lessons were small and focused, leaving me, at least, with a laundry list of things that I can improve moving forward. I wish I could have made this a month long holiday!

Did you have a favourite day or experience while on your Globetrotting holiday?
The balance of arena and estate work was my favorite part. If I had to narrow it down, I would say  the indoor jumping lessons were my favorite experiences. It was something I had not done before this trip and the instructors did a phenomenal job, working with me to make sure each attempt felt better than the previous.

In terms of value-for-money, how would you rate this particular ride?
Excellent.

We would LOVE a testimonial about your Globetrotting experience to share on our social media channels.
I could not possibly find any critique of this ride! The instructors are extremely knowledgeable, approachable, and know exactly how to push you out of your comfort zone while keeping you feeling totally safe. I rode Blueberry and Arnie. Both horses were big, comfortable, and trustworthy; but different enough that I left with plenty to work on back at home. The horses and the team of instructors made me feel 100% safe to try many things for the first time. We arrived on Wednesday, my first ever jumping lesson was on Thursday, and I was clearing some cross country jumps by Sunday! I only wish I could have made this a month-long holiday! The staff at the Lodge and restaurants were lovely, the food was second to none, and the accommodations were beautiful. This ride was recommended to me as a confidence booster, and I truly believe that was an understatement.’

If the Castle & Estate Ride sounds like your kind of holiday, click here to learn more and book your ride of a lifetime!

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Mike Barker kicked off his Globetrotting career with a safari ride in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Now, anyone who’s experienced that ride will agree that it sets the bar pretty high! Here at Globetrotting HQ, we were more than a little curious about which holiday Mike would book next. But when he chose the Scottish Borders Ride, we knew he’d have a blast!

Check out Mike’s entire feedback form below:

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the accommodation that you would like to mention?
Cringletie Hotel was delightful. A charming, cosy, relaxed and stylish home away from home. The rooms were large, immaculately finished and so comfortable. The staff were always helpful and fun and there were plenty of whiskeys to choose from, as one would expect. A beautiful example of stunning Scottish estate architecture and atmosphere.

Were there any stand-out experiences (good or bad) with the meals that you would like to mention?
I thought the food was excellent throughout the stay. Tasty, fine dining, but homely and filling as well. I did love the little picnic bags they made for us on our riding days – great sandwich fillings for my taste!
But the highlight was the Scottish night. A true feast, and we were honoured to share in Scotland’s traditions.

Please tell us how satisfied you were with the quality of horse(s) you rode.
Ecstatic! The horses were predominantly Irish Draught. There were so sturdy and fun to ride.

In respect to your guides, please elaborate as to their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality.
Gemma was our lead guide on all the rides. A great horsewoman, person, mother, and a fun personality to be with. She knows all the horses intimately and their likes and dislikes – seriously impressive. She was great to chat to and gave us excellent information about the countryside, its history, the traditions and life in the Scottish Borders, and of course the Common Ridings and their history.
Susy, who runs the equestrian centre, is a wee gem of a lady. You can just see how much she cares for all her horses and that the Globetrotting guests get a truly amazing riding experience. She’s not one who stands for any nonsense – from horses or people! Her passion for horses, Scotland, the Common Ridings and for doing the right thing by people is contagious. Several times during the trip, I had thoughts of packing it up and coming to live and work at Susy’s stables and being part of that wonderful life. And Susy is tireless with her exemplary work ethic.
And finally, I have to mention Helen, our tour admin extraordinaire. Helen was super organised – and did a great job of organising us – and she has a funny, dry sense of humour and witty stories to recount.

Did you have a favourite day or experience while on your Globetrotting holiday?
I had my first beach ride on this trip, so that was a personal highlight. Galloping along the wide open beach with the ‘Chariots of Fire’ movie theme song ringing in my ears is a lifelong memory for me now.
But you cannot go past the Common Ridings. Ours was at Kelso. A truly unique experience. Where and when can you ride with a130+ other horses and riders, all roaming through rolling hills, vast cropped fields, country laneways and towns, cantering through the countryside, while supported by vibrant local communities who watch all along the route and dress in their best finery? A dream day. So much so, I have booked The Scottish Borders Ride again for May 2023.

In terms of value-for-money, how would you rate this particular ride?
Excellent.

We would LOVE a testimonial about your Globetrotting experience to share on our social media channels.
Well what can I say about the Scottish Borders Ride? Kate Pilcher and Laura Rae said I would love it and have a ball. And how right they were!
Neither words nor photos really give you the true sense of joy, freedom, warmth, contentment and excitement that this whole experience gave me. That bond and emotional connection you get with your horse, and then with the earth while riding over it, is so good for the soul. I wish one could bottle that up and take it home.
The scenery in the Scottish Borders is beautiful. You ride up over the hills, down into the valleys, through farms, forests, rivers and estates, and into towns and villages. It feels as if you are going back in time to when the horse was the main form of transport, but with the comforts of modern life!
Gemma was such a magnificent guide, friend and organiser, looking after us all. Susie, who manages the stables, is a beautiful horse lover, great host and such fun to chat with. Helen, our tour admin guru, was so organised, happy and always energetic.
Galloping along the beach with the theme tune from ‘Chariots of Fire’ ringing in my ears was a highlight. But the pinnacle of the week was the Common Riding. Riding with 130 other horses and riders, all dressed up in fine regalia, starting in the town of Kelso and riding out behind a pipes and drums band to a big community reception, then galloping through fields and across country lanes all day. Where else in the world, literally, can you do that? What a heartwarming day and lifetime experience! So much so that I have booked to go back in 2023 and do it all again.
Finally, a Globetrotting trip is nothing without the friendships you build meeting fellow horse lovers. I had a ball on my trip with eight women from Texas. I learnt, laughed, rode, ate and drank heaps with them all. Thank you Lindsay, Steph, Tara, Shari, Knoxy Knox, Emma, Jen and Jessica. It’s awesome to know you all now and I’ll see you in Texas next year.’

If you’re eager to learn more about the Scottish Borders Ride, click here.

Or click here to read a Q&A with Mike about his life with horses and introduction to the world of Globetrotting.

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