Short Breaks, Weekend Retreats & Mini-Adventures

Are you keen to do a riding holiday but struggling to get time off work, juggle other holidays or manage family commitments? Or perhaps you're looking for an add-on to a longer trip, or a short riding adventure to do while you're already away?

We fully understand! In fact, sometimes short breaks can be the best! And to help you find the perfect trip, we've rounded up our quick getaways for you. From weekend retreats to mini-adventures, we've got you covered. Check out our list below -- all five days or less!

Combine beaches, bays and mountains and discover the gorgeous landscapes of Andalusia on this fun and active riding break. This trip of five days from arrival to departure includes three full days of riding with a great team. Stay in comfortable hotels and enjoy delicious Spanish cuisine as well as some fun, active riding. The location in southern Spain means the weather is good for most of the year.

Ride info: Semi-mobile trail ride, for strong intermediate to advanced riders.

Ideal season: Winter, Spring and Autumn.

Dates available: Year-round, except for July and August.

Fly to: Almeria (LEI) or Malaga (AGP).

Stay: 3* or  4* hotels with swimming pools. 

Ride through open plains, sandy hills and cross beautiful forests on this fun, centre-based farm-stay in Hungary. As well as exploring Kiskunság National Park and its landscapes -- which are ideal for long canters -- you can enjoy a sauna and hot tub: the perfect way to relax after a long day in the saddle.

Ride info: Centre-based ride, for strong intermediate and advanced riders.

Ideal season: Spring and Summer.

Dates available: March - August.

Fly to: Budapest (BUD).

Stay: Comfortable but basic rooms on Maja's farm.

Enjoy an easy weekend getaway in Morocco, staying at a charming eco-lodge nestled in the foothills of the Atlas mountains, a place that works alongside the local Berber community and hires many locals from surrounding villages. You'll enjoy daily trail rides with fantastic views alongside great guides, not to mention delicious Moroccan cuisine. This trip is also ideal for non-riders, with plenty of non-riding activities from cycling and zip-lining to cooking and pottery classes, on offer.

Ride info: Centre-based ride,  for low intermediate riders and above.

Ideal season: Spring and Autumn.

Dates available:  Year-round.

Fly to:  Marrakesh (RAK).

Stay:  Simple but comfortable rooms at the eco-lodge, a 40-minute drive from Marrakesh.

If you’re keen to do a mobile trail but you’re pushed for time, this mini trail in County Kerry (southwest Ireland) could be the perfect choice! As well as riding through the beautiful mountainous landscape (the McGillycuddy's Reeks are Ireland’s highest mountain range), you'll enjoy an exhilarating canter down Rossbeigh beach and experience warm Irish hospitality -- staying in small hotels and B&B's along the trail. What’s more, your evenings are left free so you can soak up the atmosphere of local Irish pubs.

Ride info: Trail ride, for low intermediate riders and above.

Ideal season: Summer.

Dates available: April - October.

Fly to:  Cork (ORK) or Dublin (DUB).

Stay:  Small family-run hotels and guest houses.

Explore the beautiful region of Camargue in France, with fantastic rides across the white sandy beaches of the Mediterranean or along the winding tracks of the national park. You’ll also get to taste traditional home-cooked meals, observe French cowboys herding cattle and spot wildlife in the marshes and open meadows. 

Ride info: Centre-based ride, for strong intermediate and advanced riders.

Ideal season: Spring and Autumn.

Dates available: April - November.

Fly to: Nimes (FNI) or Montpellier (MPL).

Stay: Basic gite accommodation.

This is your chance to view the magical Aurora Borealis and enjoy some of the best-known sights in Iceland, including the Secret Lagoon (where you can relax in its mineral-rich waters), the impressive Geysir Hot Spring and the wonderful Gullfoss Waterfall. Of course, you'll also get an introduction to the famous Icelandic horse and experience the tölt, while enjoying the unique tranquillity of the Icelandic countryside and it's landscapes. This is the perfect trip for those limited on time, but big on adventure.

Ride info: Centre-based ride, for intermediate and novice riders.

Ideal season: Autumn and Winter.

Dates available: February - March, and October - December.

Fly to: Reykjavík Airport (RKV).

Stay: Basic but cosy chalet accommodation overlooking the River Thjorsa.

Covering 70 miles of idyllic Welsh countryside, this mini-adventure is a chance for intrepid riders to explore the unmarked tracks and trails through the remote hills and valleys in the heart of mid-Wales. On this trip, you’ll discover a route steeped in mystery and historic tales, dating as far as back the 1st century. You’ll stay overnight in traditional countryside inns and family-run bed and breakfasts – ideal for those seeking an authentic riding holiday with rural charm.

Ride info: Trail ride, for strong intermediate and advanced riders.

Ideal season: Summer.

Dates available: May - September.

Fly to: London (LHR), Manchester (MAN) or Birmingham (BHX).

Stay: B&Bs and Inns along the route. 

This is the perfect opportunity for a short but fun trail, also in Wales, but this time riding along the Welsh-English border and the Wye Valley, with unbeatable views of the Black Mountains and Radnor Hills. Along the trail, riders will discover historical landmarks and enjoy panoramic views atop the Hergest Ridge, not to mention some fun canters and long trots along miles of grassy tracks. Of course, for a taste of the Welsh hospitality, you’ll stay in quirky, family-run establishments.

Ride info: Trail ride, for strong intermediate and advanced riders.

Ideal season: Summer. 

Dates available: May - October.

Fly to: London (LHR), Manchester (MAN) or Birmingham (BHX).

Stay: B&Bs and Inns along the route. 

With its enchanting landscapes and rich history, Slovenia is a wonderful option for a quick getaway, especially for those who wish to combine cultural exploration with relaxed trail riding. From the heart of the Karst Plateau, guests will explore ancient forests and visit some of the region's most iconic castles (Kalec and Prem), while enjoying a western-riding experience and getting to sample authentic Slovenian dishes.

Ride info: Centre-based ride, for strong intermediate and advanced riders.

Ideal season: Late Spring or early Summer.

Dates available: March - October.

Fly to: Ljubljana (LJU).

Stay: Simple rooms on a farm in Bac. 

The rugged coastline and picturesque countryside of Northern Ireland is just waiting to be discovered by equestrian travellers. From the Antrim Plateau, guests will ride along gentle hills and valleys before stumbling upon stunning beaches. As you canter along the golden sands, you can enjoy the unique views out to Scotland. You’ll later visit Dunluce Castle before finally reaching Northern Ireland’s famous UNESCO world heritage site – the Causeway Coast!

Ride info: Centre-based ride, for intermediate riders and above.

Ideal season: Summer.

Dates available:  February - December.

Fly to: Dublin (DUB).

Stay: Local B&B.

If you’re looking to canter along deserted and wild beaches, this trip could be a great choice! On horseback, you’ll discover the stunning coastline of the Eastern Cape, with a chance to spot dolphins and whales out at sea. Stay in simple hotels and enjoy relaxing evenings after half-days spent in the saddle. Tag this mini-break on to a safari and you’ve got the perfect African holiday! 

Ride info: Trail ride, for intermediate riders and above.

Ideal season: Late Autumn, early Winter.

Dates available: Year-round.

Fly to: Johannesburg (JNB).

Stay: Local hotels along the coastline.

On this memorable trip, you'll visit a place still unspoilt by tourism -- another ideal add-on to a safari ride in Africa. With its shallow turquoise waters and white sands, Mozambique is the perfect place to walk your horse through the ocean, climb dunes, visit islands and enjoy long canters along pristine beaches. Non-riding activities, such as snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the beach, are also available.

Ride info: Centre-based ride, for intermediate riders and above.

Ideal season: Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Dates available: Year-round.

Fly to: Vilanculos  (VNX).

Stay: Luxury beach house.

To find out more about our short breaks, please visit our website.

You can also contact us directly at info@equus-journeys.com or +44 (0)1905 388 977.

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