My horse is great in the arena, but easily distracted as soon as we go out of the ring. He’s good when he’s by himself, but when there are other horses around, my horse’s mind is not with me. My horse is fine when his herd-mate is nearby, but as soon as we try to separate he loses his mind! Sometimes he’s with me… and other times it’s like I’m not even there. If you can relate to any of these statements, the tips in this article will help you understand your horse – the ultimate tourist – and how to get his attention.

How clear communication and great preparation is your best support for an easy transition.

How to keep the horse moving by modifying work routines. When an injury occurs, it is prudent to inactivate the horse for a short period. In less defined scenarios, however, we owe it to our horses to understand that movement itself is therapy, or at least certain types of movement can be. Exercise is not always something that reduces or diminishes a horse’s well-being. More often, it improves overall welfare, and for this reason eliminating exercise must be reserved for only extreme scenarios.

Reflecting on all of the wonderful opportunities I have had in my career as a photojournalist specializing in horseback riding vacation articles, I treasure the memories and am thankful for the opportunities. Experiencing little pockets of the world that the typical tourist never sees and meeting wonderful people from all over the planet with one thing in common — the horse — has been an exciting venture. In my opinion, the saddle of a native equine is one of the best seats one could have to breathe the scents, take in the views, and experience the nuances of a different culture. After the pandemic forced us all to stay close to home, I am sure many of you are itching to get out there again. If a riding vacation is in your future and you are wondering where to go, hopefully I can give you a few things to think about and help you narrow down your options.