If you are interested in coming on a horsey experience to Arizona, Moab, Spain, Iceland, Switzerland, or Italy with me, but don’t know if your riding skills are up to par for it, this should help you pick the right adventure for you. Matching your riding ability with the demands of a horsey experience is a critically important first step in choosing a riding trip, both for your own safety & enjoyment but also for the safety & enjoyment of your assigned horse as well as the other members of the riding group.

For most of my horsey experiences, you need to have a good knowledge of the riding basics and some experience in trail riding.

Important factors to take into consideration as you choose a horsey experience are:

❓Do you ride in English or Western tack? Would you feel comfortable switching?
❓How much riding can you realistically do to prepare for the ride, and can you ride more than your usual comfort level during the trip?
❓Do you ride in the controlled conditions of an arena, or on trails with varied terrain, and are you willing to branch out of your usual comfort zone?
❓What is your level of physical strength and stamina?
❓Are you willing to ride with a helmet?

Rating System: 1-5 Horse Shoes

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A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot, and cannot yet canter.

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A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted & from the ground, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length rising trots, and short canters.

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A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including rising trots, two-point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.

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An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.

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All of the mentioned abilities, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and a desire to handle a spirited horse in open country

As you browse through my 2026 horsey experiences, I made it easy for you, and a simple click on the horseshoes at any given moment in time will take you to the rating system details, so you won’t have to return to this blog.

Soulutions By Elli’s Experiences are rated according to the level of riding skill and physical fitness required to participate, as well as the pace. There are always variables involved, so when in doubt about how your riding ability measures up to the rigors of a ride, call or send me an e-mail. It is generally best to estimate on the conservative side, especially if you haven’t ridden with me in the past.

I do my very best to ensure that you have a fantastic experience and that no one feels pushed beyond their limits or held back by other riders. Please help me help you by being realistic about your own ability.

If you have a particular ride in mind but do not yet meet the riding criteria, consider joining an instructional program or a less challenging ride where you can gain the necessary skills and confidence.

One great option for less experienced riders to consider is the Snow to Sunshine Escape at Kay El Bar Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. The ranch has a great string of horses to learn from, both in the arena and on the trail, that will give you a chance to stack up some hours in the saddle in a safe and friendly environment. Alternatively, my Rocky Mountain Retreat, a private horsemanship vacation with your own horse or a lease horse, brushing up on your riding skills, could be the perfect preparation for one of the more exciting experiences near or far as well!

Imagine how much more comfortable you would feel on an international riding trip with the added experience from the prior practice session closer to home under your belt. Part of the joy of riding is the lifelong opportunity to learn and improve.

I look forward to helping you live your dream of riding adventures around the world!