General Questions
1.
I have never been on a riding holiday before. Will I be able to cope?
We have holidays available for less experienced riders and we have some available for those who have never ridden before. We can talk to you about your worries and your abilities and find the right destination for you. You may enjoy your trip more if you have a few lessons before you go but we will be able to advise you and discuss your needs so we can give you all the help you will need.
2.
I would love to go on a riding holiday but I have no one to travel with and am worried I will be on my own.
Most of our holidays are perfect for the lone traveller. We can arrange for you to be collected at the airport and you will almost certainly be riding with like minded people. There are holidays that do not implement single supplements. Your hosts will make you very welcome and you will certainly make new friends.
3.
How will we know that all the horses are well looked after and fit enough to cope with the riding?
You can be assured that the health and well being of the horses is paramount to our suppliers. Husbandry practises differ from country to country but welfare of the horses is one of our top priorities, particularly as we are a company of horse owners and riders. Our rides are visited by members of our team who are experienced in equine health and welfare. In the unlikely event that you should have a welfare concern regarding the horses you encounter on your holiday, then please contact us immediately on the numbers provided in the holiday information you receive before your departure.
4.
Do I need my own riding hat and how can I ensure the one I purchase is suitable?
We strongly recommend riders wear their own hard hat. In the interests of safety this should always be fitted by a qualifed person and comply with safety standards. All major saddleries should offer this service and details to some of these can be found linked on this website. To those who do not regularly ride, some of our suppliers do have hats available but we would need to discuss this with you when you book.
For more advice on what to take read our article on
what to pack for a horse riding holiday.
5.
I have never ridden before but fancy a riding holiday. Can I go on one ?
Certainly. Some of our rides cater for the complete beginner and after your holiday you will hopefully walk away feeling confident you have learnt some new skills and have a new found passion.
6.
I ride frequently but my partner doesn't. Can you offer a holiday to suit both our requirements?
We have destinations that cater for riders and non riders. Some of which whilst offering alternative activities for non riders also offer them the chance to 'have a go' should they wish.
7.
Can we take our children with us?
Yes we have some destinations suitable for youngsters. Some places have suitable riding facilities for young riders or even beginners Others can arrange suitable fun activities for your children allowing you to ride in peace knowing they are well looked after and having fun. It is important that you discuss this with us before booking as not all our destinations will be suitable,
8.
I would really appreciate a holiday without children. Is this possible?
Certainly - whilst we do offer destinations suitable for children, we have a range of rides for adults only.
9.
A riding holidays sounds like a fantastic experience but also expensive. Is this true?
A riding holiday is a fantastic experience but does not have to be expensive. As your main activity is included in the price you will find that you will not be paying for many extras. Many rides are inclusive of food, accommodation and even drinks making your holiday no more expensive than an average package holiday. Possibly even cheaper! Our rides are competiively priced as commission is not added onto your holiday and you are paying the same price as if you booked direct but with the added bonus of knowing the holiday has been tried and tested by us and the stress of booking arrangements has been handled by experts.
10.
What sort of holiday insurance do I need?
Your insurance is most important and we will need full details of your insurance cover before departure. You must check that the insurance covers riding activities. We are happy to advise you on appropriate insurance cover and there are also details linked to this website.
You should read our article on
choosing travel insurance for a riding holiday.
11.
What sort of financial security do I have when booking my holiday with you?
As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), Far and Ride has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.
In the event of insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding pre arranged travel to and from your destination. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased directly with Far and Ride.
In the above circumstances, if you have not yet travelled you may claim a refund, or if you have already travelled, you may claim repatriation to the starting point of your non-flight package.
12.
I have got special dietary requirements. Is this a problem and can they be catered for?
Provided we have full details of your requirements we can almost always guarantee you can be catered for. We always check this out thoroughly with our supplier before booking is confirmed.
13.
What is included in the price?
Many rides are inclusive of riding, food, accommodation and drinks. We specify on each itinerary exactly what is and is not included. Sometimes transfers and gratuities are paid locally and sometimes the occasional meal on excursions but you will be informed of any extras before booking so there are no surprises.
14.
Does the price include flights?
No the price does not include flights. We find that because of the many excellent deals to be had the low cost airlines it is indeed cheaper for you to book your own flights. We are, however, more than happy to help you arrange these and can advise you on suitable flights.
15.
How do we pay for our holiday?
We ask for a 20% deposit to secure the booking. The balance is due eight weeks before departure. If booking within that time then the whole payment is due at once.
You have several payment options - by cheque, bank transfer,credit or debit card. Please note Credit cards are subject to a 1.5% fee.
We are now pleased to announce that we now have a euro account so can accept payments in euros.
16.
What currency will my holiday be charged in?
All rides will be charged and must be paid in GBP sterling.
17.
Is is cheaper if I book the holiday direct?
No - the price is the same as if you booked direct with the ride and you have the added advantage of Far & Ride's TOPPS cover which means you are covered in the unlikely event of financial failure. We also pay for the cost of transferring the money in the correct currency and ensure that all the paperwork is in place.
18.
Ride Questions
19.
Can I be assured that the horse I ride will be suitable for me ?
Before you reach booking, we take every step to ensure that the level of riding required and the temperament of the horses is made clear. Your riding experience details will have been forwarded to our supplier well in advance so they are able to assess which of their horses may suit you. A test ride on arrival will ensure they have made a suitable choice and you feel happy and confident in the choice of mount. We are, of course, always happy to discuss any worries or specific requirements you may have.
20.
Are the rides safe?
All our rides are assessed by experienced members of our team. We personally ensure before sending any clients that the guides are experienced and safety is their prime concern. However our rides vary in pace, terrain and difficulty so it is essential that clients are accurate when they complete their ride experience forms to ensure safe choices can be made We give comprehensive details of the terrain,speed of the ride and the ability required for all our rides. We are very happy to discuss all safety aspects and we do, of course, recommend you wear a properly fitted hard hat which complies to relevant safety standards.
21.
Are there any weight and age restrictions on the rides?
Provided you are an experienced rider and are of good physical fitness there are usually no upper age restrictions. Some of our riders do cater for chidren although restrictions vary so clients are advised to discuss this with us.
For the health and safety of both horses and riders all of our rides do have weight restrictions. Again these vary from ride to ride. Weight limits are displayed on the ride description pages but we are of course happy to discuss this with you should you have any queries.
22.
Are all of the rides accompanied by a guide or is it possible to go on an unguided trail?
Currently all of the trails we offer are guided. However, we are looking into new possibilities which will allow us to offer unguided options to experienced riders in the near future.
23.
Will I be expected to groom and tack up my own horse?
This largely depends upon your experience and choice. On many of the rides those wishing to take part in the grooming and tacking are more than welcome to do so. Some packages include instruction on horse care and how to tack up for those who would like to learn.
24.
Will I be required to mount unaided?
For some rides it is preferable that riders are able to mount and dismount unaided as varying terrain sometimes requires you to dismount and walk beside your horse. In these instances such requirements are stated in the ride itinerary pages. On the majority of rides help is available for both mounting and dismounting. However, should you have any condition making either mounting or dsimounting difficult we advise that you discuss this with us so that we can make necessary arrangements to ensure that your needs are accommodated.
