In The Saddle — horse ridingAlentejo Horse Trails — horse ridingLuxor West Bank Riding — horse ridingExmoor Trekking Centre — horse ridingRide World Wide — horse riding

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

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🇬🇧United Kingdom · Est. 1993

In The Saddle

£££

luxury

5.0overall

One of the UK's most respected riding holiday specialists, with an exceptional reputation for horse welfare and superb worldwide itineraries.

EuropeAfricaAmericasAsia+1 more
🇬🇧United Kingdom · Est. 1988

Unicorn Trails

££

midrange

5.0overall

A long-established UK operator with a strong ethical reputation and excellent range of rides across four continents.

EuropeAfricaAmericasAsia
🇫🇷France · Est. 2000

Equus Journeys

£££

luxury

5.0overall

A French-founded worldwide specialist with a particularly strong portfolio in Central Asia and Africa, and excellent welfare standards.

EuropeAfricaAmericasAsia+1 more

Around the world

Local stables & centres

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Dartmoor Riding CentreMoorland
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿Devon, England

Dartmoor Riding Centre

5.0

One of Dartmoor's best-regarded riding centres — open moorland, granite tors, and miles of freedom right from the yard gate.

Alentejo Horse TrailsCountryside
🇵🇹Évora, Portugal

Alentejo Horse Trails

5.0

Lusitano horses through cork oak forests, vineyard estates, and rolling Alentejo plains — Portugal's finest riding country.

Luxor West Bank RidingDesert
🇪🇬Luxor, Egypt

Luxor West Bank Riding

5.0

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

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