Our Go-To Guide for Female Equestrian Travellers

BEFORE YOU GO

• The laws, religion and cultural attitudes towards women
  
• Healthcare for women and medicines available in the country
  
• Up-to-date, general travel advice for your destination
  
• General safety and security advice for the country
  

ON YOUR RIDING HOLIDAY

• Avoid wearing jewellery on rides in case it gets lost or caught.
  
• Cut long nails ahead of a trip so they don’t break or cause discomfort.
  
• Tie your hair back under your helmet, for safety (as well as comfort).
  
• Consider taking a small bag for personal items (lip balm, tissues, travelled sized-suncream, etc.) that you can carry with you in saddle bags.
  
• Remember to wear high factor sunscreen, particularly on chest, back of the neck and other sensitive areas.
  
• Protect your eyes – sunglasses are essential – remember to look for the UV 400 mark (this ensures they protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays) and also the CE mark – meaning they meet European standards. 
  
• Wear gloves -- your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding!
  
• Wear good socks -- your feet are your foundation -- take care of them and make sure you wear the most appropriate socks for the weather.
  

• Have your travel document to hand when you arrive at the airport, so you know how to find your driver (and who to call if you can’t find them). The travel document will also have the address and contact number of your hotel / first night’s accommodation.
  
• If travelling independently, book your first night’s accommodation and have the address and contact details to hand. 
  
• Use only official, licensed taxis. (Remember you can arrange airport transfers and some extra tours through Equus, check with your travel advisor).
  
• If possible, plan to arrive in the daytime -- not only is it considered safer but you'll get to see much more of the scenery!
  
• Don’t carry large amounts of money or wear expensive or excessive jewellery. (We recommend leaving expensive stuff at home so you don't lose it).
  
• Stick to busy, well-lit areas.
  
• Stay with friends, fellow travellers or guides.
  
• Let friends and family at home know your plans and whereabouts.
  
• Avoid leaving bags or drinks unattended.
  
• Be aware of the rules for drinking alcohol and smoking, and in general, try to be a responsible traveller and be respectful of local customs.
  

PACKING

• You may want to consider a sports bra or special equestrian sports bra – for proper comfort and support while riding.
  
• Equestrian underpants or padded shorts – these could be an option if you’re prone to saddle soreness, chaffing and rubbing. Some underwear claims to help riders stay warm and dry in cold and hot climes respectively.
  
• You could also consider taking a seat saver?
  

• Footless tights or thermals to wear under jodhpurs could be helpful if you have a tendency to get cold.
  
• Jodhpurs or riding tights. Riding tights may be cooler and more comfortable if riding in a hot climate.
  
• Half or full chaps – if travelling to a hot climate, we would recommend half chaps. For a cold climate, you could consider full or even fleece-lined, waterproof chaps to wear over jodhpurs (for extra protection/warmth).
  
• Comfortable trousers for the evenings – some options could be jogging bottoms, yoga pants, loose fitting ‘elephant pants’, leggings or jeans, depending on what you prefer and the climate.
  

• Base layers. If you get cold easily or you're riding in a cold climate, go for thermal base layers to keep your core warm.  
  
• Long sleeved shirts or tops – to provide protection from the sun or as an extra layer.
  
• Lightweight fleece and/or a warm fleece depending on your destination (and a spare in case one gets wet).
  
• Body warmer/gilet if needed.
  
• Lightweight puffer jacket (if needed) and a waterproof jacket or windbreaker.
  
• Comfortable, light tops for the evening.
  
• Lightweight cashmere or wool jumper / warm cardigan if you're going to experience cool evenings. (Warm jumper for colder climes).
  

• Riding boots (short, to wear with half chaps). Don't take your best pair. But make sure you've worn them in and that they're comfortable!
  
• Or, riding/hiking boots – for some of our rides you may need to dismount and lead your horse or walk over rocky terrain, and you could consider hiking boots that are suitable for riding. Some brands offer special, trail riding/hiking boots that are ideal for this kind of trip and terrain.
  
• Flip flops - for camping, beach trips, communal showers, wearing in the hotel.
  
• Sandals – for evenings on warmer rides.
  
• Trainers – for the evening on cooler rides.
  
• Gloves – 2x pairs (waterproof) for cold climates. Thinner riding gloves for warmer climates.
  
• Consider feet and hand warmers if you’re prone to cold feet and hands and you're going somewhere cold.
  
• Sunglasses.
  
• Sunhat if going somewhere warm (for non-riding hours and days).
  
• Wool scarf/buff/hat – for cold camping.
  
• Buff -- to protect your face, skin and eyes from wind and dust while riding.
  
• Shawl – to cover your head or shoulders if visiting a religious site.
  

• Thermals or pyjamas.
  
• Eye mask and ear plugs – essential if you’re a light sleeper or possibly sharing a yurt / shelter with others.
  
• Sleeping bag if needed. Check what comfort rating you'll need before the trip. Please note that on some trips you may be able to borrow one from the local team, you can check with your travel advisor. A sleeping bag liner and mattress may also be required (some expeditions require you to bring your own).
  
• Camping pillow or pillowcase you can stuff with a jumper.
  

• Swimming costume or bikini.
  
• Towel (quick drying) and or/flannel – for camping trails and even hotel stays (you may prefer your own in certain locations where amenities are basic).
  
• Water bottle.
  
• Book (maybe about the country you’re visiting) and notepad and pen – so you can take notes and remember your trip.
  
• Foldable, cotton bag you can take on day trips and bags to separate dirty/clean clothing, pack out any rubbish or recycling.
  

• Phone. Camera if needed.
  
• Headphones.
  
• Power bank.
  
• Head-torch.
  
• Charging cables and travel adapter.
  

• Medicines and vitamins you normally take – remembering that you may be riding in a remote area with no access to amenities.
  
• Feminine hygiene products (remember to pack out disposables and take zip-lock bags for wet items) and birth control if you take it.
  
• Creams for intimate areas.
  
• Cystitis sachets.
  
• General antibiotics (and/or suitable for UTIs).
  
• Ibuprofen and paracetamol.
  
• Migraine tablets (if you're prone).
  
• Buscopan and diarrhoea relief.
  
• Small tiger balm or arnica, mini sudacrem.
  
• Insect repellent.
  

• Suncream high SPF – face and body, consider travel-sized or roll on to carry on rides. After-sun if needed.
  
• Biodegradable Wipes.
  
• Deodorant and body/clothes spray.
  
• Nail file, nail scissors, tweezers and razor.     
  
• Lip balm and moisturiser.
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste. 
  
• Compact mirror. EJ Tip: You can also buy a phone case with a mirror on the back! Very handy!
  
• Hairbrush/comb and hair ties.
  
• Shampoo and conditioner – shampoo bars or small bottles can ideal for travelling, or dry shampoo.
  
• Hair serum/cream and sun protection spray for your hair (if needed).
  

More information:

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