Abbie - Travel Consultant

My areas of specialism are South America, southern Africa, Canada, Europe & Australasia.

I began riding in Scotland at the age of three and have enjoyed a wide range of equestrian activities ever since. I gained a BHSPT qualification during my year out, before reading Politics at Loughborough University. In 2016 I attained a Certificate in Professional Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.  Since joining In The Saddle in 2006, I have ridden in Spain, Romania, France, Hungary, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Closer to home I enjoy hacking and Riding Club activities on my part-bred Welsh pony.

Talking Travel with Abbie

Your favourite destination… so far?
This is a tough one, but I think it would have to be the Namib Desert ride for its incredible landscapes, fast riding, sense of space and sleeping out under the stars. Riding in the Torres del Paine national park in Chile and the Colonial Haciendas ride in Ecuador would also have to be amongst my top three.

What's on your travel bucket list?
Kenya, Iceland & our winter ride in Sweden. My non-riding holiday wish list includes New Zealand & driving the North Coast 500 route in Scotland.

What sort of horse do you prefer?
I am a real pony fan – I love the amount of character they have. When I’m away on trips I usually ask for something on the smaller side.

What's your most memorable travel moment?
Before starting University, my best friend and I went back-packing through the Canadian Rockies. It was a great adventure and something that we both still look back on and talk about nearly 20 years on.

What's the best part of your job?
There are lots of ‘best bits’, from meeting In The Saddle clients on our trade stand at shows and hearing about someone’s trip of a lifetime when they get home, to having the opportunity to travel and research new riding destinations. Having in the past worked with horses through many a UK winter, it is also nice to have a horse-related office job, away from the worst of the weather!

I wouldn't travel without...
A good book…. a proper one, no Kindles for me!

See More Travel Experts