Posted on October 29, 2013
Now that the clocks have gone back and the dark evenings are upon us, sunshine seems a long and distant memory! However, now is the perfect time of year to jet off and top up your vitamin D levels in a sunnier climate! Here are some inspiring riding trips to allow you to take refuge against the weather this season…
If you don’t fancy a long haul flight and just want to get away for a short break, Los Alamos in Spain normally delivers pleasant weather during the winter months. The climate is perfect for those wanting to avoid the scorching summer sun, but still get their fix of vitamin D, and the backdrop provides a welcome retreat from the daily grind. Situated on the Atlantic coast of Southern Spain, Los Alamos offers some of the best beach riding in the world with well-trained horses and a relaxed atmosphere giving visitors the chance to escape areas of mass tourism and experience the relatively un-touched rural Spanish lifestyle. Your hosts will ensure you can unwind and de-stress with delicious home made meals using local produce and beautiful surroundings, so you can definitely leave winter behind at the airport!
For guaranteed warmth and winter sun, South Africa is the perfect haven all year round, but particularly during the months of October to March. With a huge selection of holidays to choose from there is something to suit all riders and even their non-equestrian partners. For nature lovers and those wanting to experience the South African bush, you won’t find many places as breathtaking. For the budget conscious, Horizon offers a host of riding opportunities, including the chance to try your hand at Polocrosse, within a small working cattle and game farm in the Waterberg. Alternatively Ants Lodges offer a personal and luxurious safari experience based from two beautiful lodges, Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill, set in their own private game reserve within the Waterberg. Or for a more indulgent experience, on the Cape Winelands holiday you ride amongst the most picturesque winelands in the world.
The beautiful views at Horizon in South Africa
However, if you are looking for a real winter experience, there are some fabulous destinations that offer a chillier alternative! For the perfect mix of exhilaration and something completely different consider Sweden with guaranteed snow, sturdy Icelandic horses known for their great stamina and a night at the Ice Hotel for an unforgettable experience. Here you are likely to see reindeer and moose and even the Northern Lights if you are lucky, as well as experience the Sami way of life, complete with fishing and reindeer herding. Sweden offers a snow-filled adventure and when you are not flying around the country on sleds or snow mobiles, you can experience the wonderful peace and tranquility of being in the wilderness covered in a blanket of snow!
If you are still looking for winter travel inspiration then get in touch with the team at In The Saddle!
