The difference between an ok and an absolutely brilliant experience on a riding holiday is how interesting the guide is. That’s what it all comes down to.
People are looking for care-free freedom on a riding holiday. They want to be spoiled, bathe in nature, and make new friends.
Some rides lock into a pattern and fixed way of doing things, cutting down on risk and following a plan. Sometimes they forget to look back and see if everyone is actually enjoying themselves.
I’ve certainly been on a few rides that were so dull I wanted to stop. One time I asked to go home after hours of road riding behind a guide chatting to her friend.
It all comes down to the social skills of the guide - are they aware and in-tune with the needs of the guests or are they focused on ticking the boxes and getting home? Is the guide delivering the ‘product’ exactly as it says to on paper with no checking-in or flexibility?
It’s up to the guide to unlock the guests. They should ask them questions and let them be a bit naughty. A playful spirit will allow everyone to open up.
Here are some tips:
Always go as fast as the terrain allows
Allow riding two by two so guests can chat
Match horses to riders by ability obviously but also by image, don’t put the tall, photogenic, glamorous rider on a short dumpy pony with a bad haircut. You just killed their dream of how this ride (and the photos) will look.
Bring fruit and chocolate on rides more than 3 hours
Have carbs at lunch. Guests are not used to riding this much and need fuel.
Carry a thermos of coffee or serve coffee at breaks. Some of us live on coffee at home and going through withdrawal on a ride can be hard!
Carry a gourd of wine for a pick me up on long rides.
Take photos of individuals, not just group shots. People want pics of themselves. They don’t know these other people. Take good ones too! Look at what people post from your rides and recreate the best ones.
Communicate riding time and repeat yourself (at dinner the night before,before you set off) this is so important! Don’t infantalise your guests. If you see them stuggling after a long day let them know it’s only 45 minutes until their next glass of wine.
If there is a delay communicate this clearly with as much info as you have. Not sharing what’s going on can make people feel helpless and as adults it’s not a feeling we allow in our lives often.
Try not to get in past six pm unless it’s totally necessary
Alternate long days with a shorter day the next day. Pacing is so important. Riding after a certain duration isn’t for pleasure but for the accomplishment. Type 2 fun is great but you must communicate that that is the vibe of the ride.
Offer a selection at lunch/ Avoid dry sandwiches. Fresh is always best. Add fruit, baked goods, and a juice box for variety. Find a balance between energy and dopamine giving food. Always have something sweet on the menu.
Remember if these people can afford a holiday that costs thousands they are eating well at home. You can’t give them an unbalanced meal and retain goodwill. Simple can also be good. Avoid processed foods always.
The biggest thing is just to let people ride together. Riding single file for hours on end is dreadfully boring.
We don’t have a single ride on Black Saddle that requires you to be in a single line the entire time. We don’t have a ride on Black Saddle that isn’t honest about the hard points in a ride.
So, how not to be boring? Unfortunately it takes a lifetime to cultivate a personality so if the guidance is needed it’s probably too late. in fact, great guides are born with it.
Most of the boring rides I’ve been on have been guided by seasonal employees that don’t have the depth of knowledge about the place and just don’t feel for the experience like owners whose reputation is linked to guests feeling of a ride. It’s so much more personal when the owner is guiding. There are exceptions of course but if you want the best experience possible - go owner-guided.