On the hoof: readers' favourite horse riding breaks in Europe
Sierra Trails, run by Dallas Love and her brother, Mordecai, based in Bubión, two hours' drive from Málaga, offers exceptional village-to-village rides in the Sierra Nevada. Dallas paired us with well-schooled Spanish horses that we rode across varied terrain, stopping to picnic under trees and staying in lovely family-run hotels. After a long day riding, soaking in a hot bath, followed by amazing meals with wine (vegetarians no problem!) was a treat. Five nights' accommodation with four full days riding, including pick up from Málaga airport, was €1,465. Rucha Eldridge
Burrowhayes Farm campsite near Porlock in north-west Somerset is a family-friendly campsite on the edge of the beautiful Horner Wood. We have been multiple times, and love the location and the horse-riding. It has a good range of horses and ponies to hire for escorted rides across the Exmoor hills. All riding abilities are catered for and even our eldest, with years of riding experience, had a fun and challenging ride. From £35 an hour for an escorted ride; camping pitches from £19 a night.Juliet
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We return to Freerein in Clyro (Cleirwy), Powys, every year. It's a fantastic way to view the Welsh countryside; you can self-guide with the maps and instructions provided or have an experienced guide with you. Everything is included, including your meals and stays in beautiful country inns or guesthouses. Holidays are from 2-7 days with prices starting at £699pp.Vanessa Jones
Ride the ancient tracks of the Monte Ferru mountain range (meeting bareback Sardinian riders), canter across the empty sandy beaches of the Sinis peninsula or just have a riding lesson at Country Hotel Mandra Edera near Abbasanta. The west coast of Sardinia is still underdeveloped, so it makes for a relaxing riding holiday. It's best to ride in the morning or evening, and relax by the pool in the heat of the day. The countryside is dotted with the remains of bronze age nuraghe buildings, which are also worth visiting. The highlight, though, is the beach riding.Chris Allen
Galloping along the limitless beaches south of Bordeaux (professional photographer to hand), riding across dunes and through shady pine forests, and cooling down in the sea or in the pool back at the comfortable chalets on the Unicorn Trails' Atlantic coast trek (eight days from €1,439) made for a holiday of a lifetime for my 16-year-old daughter. It was all about the horses and riding (all day every day), but there was time enough for riverbank picnics and evening dinners. The camaraderie of a diverse (and dusty) group of riders and expert guides was essential to an exciting and unforgettable week.Simon
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Horses and ponies have privileges in the New Forest due to ancient laws that defend the rights of animals and commoners to roam freely. Our riding holiday last summer was a brilliant way to explore the paths, forests and free land of this lovely area. I based myself with the friendly and helpful Burley Villa Riding School, which rents out ponies or horses with a guide for £99 for a couple of hours. The horses often have right of way, so being in the saddle was a peaceful way to see the countryside. There are plenty of watering holes – for man and beast – such as the White Buck in Burley. One tip: get the New Forest Card for just £10 to access discounts at shops, pubs and cafes – for riders and roamers.Will
I did a ride in the western Sierra de Gredos mountains with Jerebeque Trails, which is run by a couple, Emilio and Mamen. This involved a five-day trek across a variety of terrain in rural central Spain: mountains, villages, farms and rivers. What made it unique was Emilio's expertise. He is next-level in his knowledge of the area, and the training of his horses … they don't even use bits. He perfectly matched me with one of his horses, which made it all the better. Be specific about the kind of horse you want to ride and the experience you're after. Celine
Northfield Farm's two-day ride (£400pp inc lunch and transfers) offers fantastic variety in the Derbyshire Dales. Day one's route crosses the viaduct over Monsal Dale, continuing through a former railway tunnel. Spine-tingling echoes of hooves reverberate. After a welcome lunch stop at Edensor, it's time for Haddon Hall and a gallop through Chatsworth park. Think period drama vibes without the dresses. Day two is stunning, taking in the High Peak Trail and Staffordshire moorlands. Unflappable horses and guides, and a huge variety of terrain in a weekend. Charlotte
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