
Saddle & Compass
Built by riders, for riders.
First-hand reviews of riding holiday companies and stables around the world — from someone who actually rides them.
Honest reviews
No sponsored content. Every review comes from a real riding experience, and we're honest when something falls short.
Worldwide coverage
From Dartmoor to Kyrgyzstan, from the Egyptian desert to the Portuguese plains. Equestrian travel reviewed wherever riders go.
Horse welfare first
Every review rates horse welfare separately. It's the first thing we look for and the fastest way to know if an operator is worth your money.
Reviewed operators
Riding holiday companies
In The Saddle
luxury
One of the UK's most respected riding holiday specialists, with an exceptional reputation for horse welfare and superb worldwide itineraries.
Unicorn Trails
midrange
A long-established UK operator with a strong ethical reputation and excellent range of rides across four continents.
Equus Journeys
luxury
A French-founded worldwide specialist with a particularly strong portfolio in Central Asia and Africa, and excellent welfare standards.
Around the world
Local stables & centres
Dartmoor Riding Centre
One of Dartmoor's best-regarded riding centres — open moorland, granite tors, and miles of freedom right from the yard gate.
CountrysideAlentejo Horse Trails
Lusitano horses through cork oak forests, vineyard estates, and rolling Alentejo plains — Portugal's finest riding country.
DesertLuxor West Bank Riding
Ride through the Valley of the Kings and across the ancient West Bank of Luxor — one of the most archaeologically rich landscapes on earth.
From the community
What riders say
Amazing
Delfina M.
Cairo Pyramids Stables
An extraordinary morning. We rode at dawn across the West Bank plain, with the temperature still cool and the light turning golden over the Theban hills. Our guide — a local man whose family has farmed this land for generations — took us along routes most tourists never see. Passing the entrance to the Valley of the Kings on horseback, with no other visitors around, was one of the most quietly powerful experiences I've had. The horses were wiry Arabians, sure-footed on the desert paths.
Delfina M.
Luxor West Bank Riding
There are few moments in riding that stop your breath completely — cantering past the Sphinx at sunrise is one of them. The horse I rode was a chestnut Arab called Layla, spirited but responsive. The guide knew the terrain well and took us off the main tourist path to quieter desert. Horse welfare is adequate rather than exceptional — these horses work hard — but the ones I saw were in reasonable condition. The experience itself is utterly unforgettable.
Delfina M.
Cairo Pyramids Stables
Absolutely outstanding from start to finish. The organisation was flawless — every detail had been considered. The horses were in remarkable condition, well-trained and clearly well cared for. Our guide had ridden the route dozens of times and knew every shortcut, every good lunch spot, every family who'd welcome us in for mint tea. I've ridden with several operators worldwide and In The Saddle is in a different league.
Sarah M.
In The Saddle
We're not experienced riders but we wanted to try a beach ride during our holiday. The guides were patient, the horses were gentle, and the canter along the beach at sunset was magical. The Algarve coast from horseback is extraordinary. Would be wonderful for more experienced riders too — but absolutely perfect for our level. A highlight of the holiday.
Tom & Lucy W.
Lagos Beach Rides
A brilliant experience overall. The Icelandic horses were incredible — sturdy, willing, and remarkably smooth in tölt. The landscapes were otherworldly. Organisation from Ride World Wide was straightforward and professional, if not particularly personal. Good value for the quality of experience delivered.
Caroline B.
Ride World Wide
Get new reviews in your inbox
I ride, I review, I share. No spam — just honest write-ups when I've been somewhere new.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe any time.
Ridden somewhere remarkable?
Share your experience and help other riders find the best places to ride in the world.
Submit a review