Lucy - Travel Consultant

My areas of specialism are Asia and the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Southern Africa.

I have always loved animals, especially horses. Before starting at In The Saddle I worked on the livery/riding yard where I had learnt to ride as a child, whilst also studying Animal Management and Welfare at college. I currently have an Irish Draught cross that I event and hunt and an older horse for hacking. I have always loved to travel. I planned my first holiday with a friend when I was just 11 - a riding holiday in France. I also went on trip around Europe, a study tour in Africa and yearly skiing holidays.

Since joining In The Saddle in 2014, I have ridden in Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Ireland, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa and India.

Throughout November and December 2019 I was a back-up guide at Estancia Los Potreros in Argentina. This was a great opportunity for me to experience a riding holiday from the other side and I now have a great insight into this lovely destination.

Interview with Lucy

What's your favourite destination… so far?
I fell madly in love with India when I visited back in November 2015 - the people, horses, sights, the smells, colour and excitement of the whole country. When I visited the Wild Coast last November 2018, I could have taken my horse ‘Taitum’ home with me - such a lovely, gentle and friendly mare who showed me the beautiful beaches of South Africa.

Future travel goals?
Having loved India so much, I plan on visiting Sri Lanka as soon as possible. I would also like to travel more in North America - particularly Alaska and Canada. On my bucket list is to see the Northern Lights in Scandinavia.

What sort of horse do you like?
I own two mares and love the character mares have - they are usually more independent. I like riding a horse which is forward going, but safe. Something that will look after me and knows the job, whether that be riding in an area of lions or navigating a steep shingle pass.

What’s your most memorable travel moment?
I show everyone the photo on my phone - I was riding at Wait A Little in South Africa and we came to a wall of rocks. High up on top of these rocks was a lioness with her cubs. They were only a couple of weeks old and I managed to get an amazing photo of a cub lying across it’s mothers front paws. Such an incredible sighting off horseback which I don’t think we would have seen in a vehicle.

What do you love about your job?
The obvious answer is being able to travel the world on horseback. But for me, it’s being able to meet people from all over the world - from different cultures and backgrounds. I love learning new techniques in horsemanship and applying them to my own horses at home.

I wouldn’t travel without...
My face-wipes. After a long day in the saddle, being able to clean my face from dust or sand makes everything feel better. Having a fresh face in the morning also wakes me up quicker for an early morning safari or sunrise ride.

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