Info, FAQ and Tips
Do you have questions about trail rides, riding trips, or working with horses abroad? Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions, helpful insurance information, and my personal tips for packing your suitcase.
Table of Contents
Working with Horses
There are several options, for example:
- Did you enjoy a stable so much because you once rode there? Write a speculative application, as not every position is advertised.
- On the stable’s website, Instagram, or Facebook page
- On the website "riding-vacations.info/job-market" mainly internship positions are listed. Sometimes you can also find paid jobs.
- In various Facebook groups, you can find internships and paid jobs worldwide. Here’s a list of groups I am part of:
- Urlaub gegen Hand & Hilfe für Pferdemenschen
- Pferdejobs-Jobs with Horses Europe
- Equestrian Jobs Worldwide
- Jobs with Horses
- Work with ICELANDIC HORSES in Iceland/Europe/Asia/USA/Canada/Australia
- Work with ICELANDIC horses in Iceland
- Work with ICELANDIC HORSES in Iceland – workers group –
- Equestrian Jobs – US
- Equestrian jobs NZ
Yes, some stables have interns throughout most of the year.
For examples:
- Spain, Tenerife "Finca Estrella"
- Germany, Amrum "Reiterhof Andresen"
- Italy, Toscany "Hotel Refugio Prategiano"
- Spain, Andalucia "El Refugio"
- Portugal „Entre Amigos Turismo Equestre“
- South Africa "Kap Karoo Horse Safaris"
- South Africa "Pakamisa Private Game Reserve"
- Chile "Fundo Laguna Blanca"
Basic experience with horses is required.
- If you’ve never ridden or only ridden a few times, I recommend choosing a stable that offers lessons in exchange for help.
- If you are confident in walk, trot, and canter, it depends on whether you want to improve through lessons or accompany and sometimes lead rides.
- Some postings require a minimum dressage level. Only apply if you meet the requirements.
- Stable
- Location
- Requirements
Not all information is always provided. My list of points to know in advance:
- What does a typical workday look like?
- What is included? (Board, lodging, pay)
- Duration? (From when can I start, and how long can I stay?)
- Other relevant information?
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Some positions require a minimum of 21 years
- Rarely, there is a maximum age of 27 years
- For “Work and Travel” (e.g., Australia or New Zealand), the maximum age is 30 years
For the welfare of the horses, there is a weight limit.
This varies by stable. Please check the stable beforehand.
Weight limit can start as low as 58 kg.
You should at least understand and speak English (basic school level is sufficient).
In some stables, communication in German is possible if they are run by German-speaking hosts.
Some stables specify if a certain language is required.
Depending on the country, this could be French, Spanish, or Italian.
Yes, it ranges from 2 months to up to a year.
The first 2–4 weeks are considered a “trial period” to see if it suits you.
It’s completely okay if it doesn’t work out. Reasons can include:
- Feeling uncomfortable
- Poor interaction with colleagues or boss
You have two options:
- Stick it out until the end.
- Leave, and nobody will hold it against you—bad work environments are not worth it.
Usually, you have to cover travel costs (flight, train, fuel).
Some internships or “Working Holidays” require a fee for participation.
If the position is unpaid, you’ll need pocket money for leisure and souvenirs.
Check in advance if a credit card is sufficient or if local cash is required.
I work as an internshop. Why do l have to pay extra?
The fee often covers food, lodging, laundry, and transfers.
Some stables are remote, making supplies and transport more expensive.
“Working Holidays” usually involve light work so you can enjoy your free time fully.
For an internship with horses is always good to have:
- Own riding helmet
- Riding pants / leggings
- Sneakers / ankle boots and chaps
- Riding Gloves
- Work gloves
Sanitary facilities may differ from what you’re used to.
Trail Rides / Riding Trips
There are several options, for example:
- Recommendations from family, friends, or acquaintances
My website reports experiences from trail rides and riding trips - Google search “horse riding in/on …”
- For riding trips
- Stable websites
- Pegasus Horseback Riding
- Pferd und Reiter
Yes. I first research reviews on Google or Tripadvisor, especially neutral 3-star reviews.
The reason why I didn't was there:
I avoid stables with low ratings and repeated negative comments.
Stables that l didn't visit because of the low ratings:
- Germany
- Amrum -> "Gerhild Ude - Reiten für jedermann"
- (List in progress)
It depents on the programm.
- Most stables offer beginner rides with staff walking alongside to assist.
- Some offer rides for those confident in walk and trot, sometimes combined with lessons.
- Advanced riders can find rides in all three gaits.
- Experienced riders may face rides requiring stamina and navigating challenging terrain.
Yes, there is a minimum age, and the maximum age depends on physical fitness. This varies depending on the program.
Here is a general overview. Please note that each stable handles this individually, so check directly with the stable for specific cases.
- Children’s pony rides start at age 3 (parents usually lead)
- Walk-only rides from 6 years
- Rides for confident riders from around 10 years
For the welfare of the horses, there is a weight limit.
This also varies from stable to stable. Please check the stable’s website in advance.
The weight limit generally ranges between 75 and 110 kg.
You should at least understand and speak English (basic school level is sufficient).
In some stables, communication in German is also possible if they are run by German-speaking hosts.
For every ride, the following applies:
- Long, comfortable pants or riding leggings / riding breeches
- Sturdy footwear (sneakers, trainers, or ankle boots)
- Riding helmet (usually provided by the stable for free if needed)
Yes, I have designed a fillable photo album myself. You can purchase it here on my website
Packing Tips
- Documents
- Travel papers
- Flight ticket (if not digital)
- ID / passport
- Visa (outside Europe)
- Cash (if card payment is not possible)
- Health insurance card
- Other essentials:
- Foldable backpack
- Chargers
- Travel first aid kit
- Personal medication
- Wound cream and spray
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Riding clothes
- Everyday clothing
Personally, I find it helpful to use a general packing list for riders so I don’t forget anything.
I created one myself and linked the PDF here .
There is one general rule: adapt to the local culture.
For example, in Arab countries, do not wear a crop top or short shorts in public (hotels are fine). Dress accordingly.
Whether you are working with horses in Iceland or going on a riding trip, Icelandic horses are 100% purebred and therefore susceptible to diseases. There are special rules, summarized here:
- Riding helmet and leather ankle boots / leather riding boots must be disinfected or new 5 days before entry
- Riding clothes should ideally be washed at 40°C
- It is recommended not to bring previously used leather items
Insurance
- International health insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Liability insurance
Other insurance you should generally have:
- Health and long-term care insurance
- Pension insurance
Optional insurance for extra security:
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Travel luggage insurance
I have my international health insurance with UKV – Union Krankenversicherung. They offer two travel insurance options:
- Vacation trips (max. 56 days per trip)
- Long-term stays (up to 2 or 5 years)
Since I work with horses abroad, I have a specific liability insurance for “Equine-Assisted Personal Development Coaches.” This ensures I am covered in all cases.
I recommend this insurance if you plan to work in this field for several years.
Activities
There are several options, for example:
- Book directly through "Viator*" and pay online
- Book directly through "Get Your Guide*" and pay online
- Research online which excursions are available
- Ask directly at the hotel
You should at least understand and speak English (basic school level is sufficient).
Sometimes excursions are offered with German-speaking guides, which is explicitly stated.
Yes, I have designed a fillable photo album myself. You can purchase it here on my website