The Big Four Riding Schools of Europe
For centuries, the Riding schools of Europe were established for the Kings and Queens and nobilities for the pleasure to watch the court equestrian games and the classical dressage. Horses were required to be highly schooled, talented, and a strong mount capable of moving swiftly and obediently offering a unique advantage over an enemy. For many centuries, wars were fought and won from the back of the horse and the horse is an important part [...]
The Palio di Siena is a Unique Horse Race
The Italian horse race the 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐝𝐢 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐚 is 𝐚n historical 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 that dates back many centuries in Tuscany. Jockeys ride bareback without a saddle or stirrups, dressed in medieval costume around the Piazza del Campo. The Piazza is prepared with a thick layer of tuff clay laid around the track before the race is held. The race is three laps of the piazza and can last up to 90 seconds with the first [...]
Burghley Horse Trials
Snaffle Travel attended Burghley Horse Trials in September 2022 and 2023. It was a fantastic event to experience and exciting to watch some of the “World’s best riders” with the gorgeous Burghley House and the lake in the background. Land Rover Burghley attracts large crowds to witness top-class equestrian action, with some amazing shopping avenues as well as many other attractions and activities on offer in this truly stunning location. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials [...]
In the Media – Burghley Horse Trials article for Equestrian Hub
I wanted to share my experience of attending the 5-star Burghley Horse Trials in September 2022. I was so thrilled to be finally travelling✈ internationally once again after two years of Covid lockdowns. With a group tour planned to Burghley Horse Trials and minimum numbers already booked for September 2020. It was a huge blow to cancel all the well-laid plans for the tour due to covid. So, it was very exciting to visit in [...]
Travel packing tips
Helpful travelling tips ? Prepare for a safe trip If you are jetting away soon, you should take it into consideration when packing to make your journey as smooth as possible. Keep up with local rules and regulations Be sure to check entry requirements as these can vary from country to country. Check Smart Traveller AU or Safe Travel NZ, and the official government sites for the latest restrictions and requirements for the country you [...]
More Than Just Horse Shows
Many of us don’t aspire to or have the opportunity to compete at the high level but it is so amazing to watch some of the World’s top riders in action with such charisma and precision. There are many competitions around the world that the World’s best riders and horses compete. The top events are the Olympics, and the World Equestrian Games which are held every four years, World Cups, Nation Cups, Global Champions Show [...]
In the Media – London International Horse Show
The London International Horse Show was a Christmas extravaganza 🎅and one of the most popular horse shows in the UK. I wanted to share my experience of attending the London International Horse Show in December 2022. Snaffle Travel was thrilled to bring some guests to the London International Horse Show and it was even more special as it snowed while we were there which added to the Christmas magic. London was so festive 🎅with the [...]
Icelandic Sheep Round-up
Every September, Icelandic farmers, riders on Icelandic horse's and entire communities take part in the annual tradition of the sheep roundup called the réttir. This may mean scaling mountains and valleys to collect their sheep and before Iceland’s long dark winters sets in. The sheep roundup is one of the most important events in Iceland’s countryside and visitors are most welcome. Sheep are important to the farmers and their livelihood as well as important to Iceland: [...]
Stay in your very own Castle at “Castle Leslie”
Have you ever dreamed of staying in a Castle? The beautiful Castle Leslie in County Monaghan, just 90 minutes north of Dublin, has a history of rock stars, war heroes, equestrians, aristocratic heritage and its surprisingly affordable. Castle Leslie Estate and its world class Equestrian Centre, nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes. The Estate offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activity and adventure. It is the [...]
How to Travel Safe & Avoid Scams
How To Avoid Pickpockets on your Holiday A trip away is a time to unwind, recharge and take in new experiences and the last thing you want is to be come of a victim of a horrid pickpocketing experience. You don't want to be the one wistfully talked of as ‘that cousin who was robbed in Madrid’ at family gatherings to come! Pick pocketing is rampant around the world and their techniques are so highly [...]
“Ireland beach ride”
HAVE NEW ALWAYS WANTED TO RIDE IN IRELAND The Clew Bay ride is a unique ride on the West Coast of Ireland and offers trail riding on quality Irish-bred horses. This includes visits to historical sights, riding along stoned walled ancient roads, visits to quaint Irish villages meeting the locals, and riding on the beaches of the Atlantic Way. Ireland is known as “The Land of The Horse”. A temperate climate and good soil conditions [...]
Some interesting facts about the Household Cavalry
Interesting Facts about the Household Cavalry The Household Cavalry consists of two regiments, armoured reconnaissance and mounted ceremonial, with both units manned equally by soldiers from two regiments, the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. It is one of the oldest regiments in the British Army and has taken part in every major campaign since 1660. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is based in Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and provides ceremonial troops for all state [...]
Newmarket the UK, Racing Capital of the World
Newmarket is the heart of the horse racing world and is known as the capital of the horseracing industry in the UK, both in national and international terms. This arises from the range of horse racing interests in the town covering all aspects of the racing industry. There are more racehorses, trainers, stable staff, stud farms and racing organisations based in the town of Newmarket. Than anywhere else in the world. If you like horses [...]
The Royal Stables of Cordoba
Córdoba is a city in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia. It was an important Roman city and a major Islamic centre in the Middle Ages. Cordoba also has some very impressive historical Royal Stables, located next to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. History of the Stables The stables were first built in 1567 by the royal decree of Felipe II, the Spanish King to breed sturdy horses for the service of the Royal house. [...]
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna
Vienna's world-famous Spanish Riding School is something not to be missed if you are visiting Vienna. It is an absolute must to see the riding hall truly reminiscent of the imperial Habsburg era and the Lipizzaner stallions dancing to the music. This equestrian show is performed by Lipizzaner stallions that originated from the imperial stud in Lipica, Slovenia. The graceful stallions perform classical dressage movements to a classical-music program while the audience watches from pillared [...]
Do you know what the Kladruber horse is bred for?
The National Horse stud of the Czech Republic, Kladruby nad Labem, is one of the oldest operating stud farms in Europe and the Kladruber horse is one of the oldest breeds of horses that have not been modernised in keeping with its origins for over 400 years. Today it is one of the top breeds used for carriage driving and royal ceremonial celebrations due to the horse’s nobility, temperament and high-stepping knee action. History of [...]
The Kelpies Horse Head Sculptures of Falkirk
Have you seen photos of large horse sculptures and wondered where they are located? If you are travelling to Scotland and heading from Edinburgh on the road between Falkirk and Grangemouth look out for the Kelpies. I am sure you won't miss them! The Kelpies are the largest equine sculpture in the world at 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures, situated in Helix Park near the M9 Motorway and are a monument to Scotland’s horse-powered industrial heritage. The [...]
Jerez Feria del Caballo such an amazing experience
I had the most amazing and colourful experience recently at the Feria de Jerez, also known as Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair) in Spain. This is one of the most important celebrations in Jerez de la Frontera, only comparable to Easter religious celebrations. Its origin is from the medieval ages when, for over one week, farmers gathered to sell and buy beautiful animals, although in Jerez mainly beautiful horses and usually drinking to celebrate the deals. Nowadays at [...]
Chantilly’s Living Museum of the Horse
Paris is only a 25 minute train journey from Chantilly, known for its picturesque castle dating back to the Gallo-Roman period, its forest and park. Today the Chantilly Chateau houses the Musée Condé, where collections of the Duke of Aumale, its last private owner, are open to the public. Raphael, Botticelli, and Ingres are only some of the impressive art treasures on display in the museum. But even these gems are seemingly upstaged by the [...]
Packing Cubes & Suitcase Organisers
PACKING CUBES Article courtesy of Zoomlite Every traveller knows that space in your suitcase is premium real estate. If you go over your limited weight allowance this can cost you a small fortune. So, we squeeze and push and sit on our suitcase to try to cram it all in. I must admit I was one of the biggest culprits until I discovered packing cubes Then along came packing cubes. They meant that all the [...]
