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 Soulutions By Elli’s Horsey Experiences, you must 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? 

? Will 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?

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 Elli an e-mail. It is generally best to estimate on the conservative side, especially if you haven’t ridden with Elli in the past. Elli does her very best to ensure that her guests have a fantastic experience and that no one feels pushed beyond their limits or held back by other riders. Please help her by being realistic about your own ability. The local ride guide will have full authority to exclude a rider from a trip for inability to ride or behavior that endangers the other riders or the horses.

Almost anyone can learn to ride well enough, but one must be prepared to make the effort. Soulutions By Elli offers some great riding experiences worldwide that cater to guests wanting to work up to more challenging rides in the future. 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.

Less Experienced?

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, Elli’s 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. 

Elli looks forward to helping you live your dream with riding adventures around the world!