Whilst the UK offers some great horse riding opportunities, if you’re feeling adventurous why not try a horse riding trip a bit further afield?

Horses have been part of Ecuador’s history and culture for centuries. Imagine the excitement of galloping through an Ecuadorian mountain tundra.

You can ride for a full day or a few hours, whatever takes your fancy. If you opt for a full week tour you get the opportunity of caring for and living with your trusty steed.

The spectacular landscape of Ecuador includes ice-capped volcanoes, Andean mountains and rolling hills with an agricultural landscape of planted crops.

Horse riding expeditions in Ecuador are available for up to eight days at a time. There are many tour operators that can book one for you. Apart from Ecuador you can also book Galapagos tours on horseback.

Temperatures can fluctuate from very cold to very hot weather. You should also take wet weather gear in case of rain.

It is important that you are secure and comfortable to please heed the following advice if you decide to embark on a riding adventure abroad.

Make sure you check the tack of the horse yourself before mounting. Check the stirrup straps, girth and bridle to ensure that they are in good condition and fastened securely.

Check that your horse is fit, healthy and up to the job in hand. It is important for yours and his safety that your mount is comfortable. If your horse appears to be suffering in any way notify someone in charge.

If during the trip your horses behaviour makes you feel unsafe or insecure, dismount immediately and ask for a replacement.

As riding in countries like Ecuador can be physically demanding you would be wise to take measures to increase your own personal fitness and stamina to make sure you are in good shape for the adventure ahead.

Everyone’s feeling the pinch these days, especially horse owners who have increases in horse feed, bedding and livery yard charges to find on top of their own every day expenses.

Unlike the popular myth that we equestrian types are ‘loaded’ when actually most of us make many sacrifices to be able to afford our expensive hobby. We often forego new clothes for ourselves to buy a new rug for our equine. Our ‘mount’ gets new shoes every six weeks. We get to drool over Jimmy Choos in magazines while we save up for new wellies to replace our battered, leaky old ones.

Of course we all drive around in ‘posh’ 4×4’s too! Personally I leave my Overfinch Range Rover in the garage for Sundays and drive around day to day in my beaten up Frontera. Don’t want muddy paws on my 100% wool carpets do I?

Getting back to reality…when your joddies have become so holey that they have their own religion it’s time to allow yourself the luxury of some new horsey gear.

Don’t panic! You can afford to treat yourself. Times are hard for everyone so many equestrian retailers are resorting to sales in order to bring in the punters. Many companies also offer voucher codes that give you discounts at the checkout when you place your order online.

Spend a few minutes on Google looking for ‘promotional coupons’ and you might be surprised at the amount of money you can save.

Happy shopping!

Most horse riders try to avoid road riding but sometimes it is unavoidable. It is important that when you do venture out onto the roads that you take precautions to make your journey as safe as possible.

The Highway Code does advise drivers on how they should act when meeting a horse on the road but unfortunately many are oblivious to the fact that, no matter how well trained, a horse is an animal with a mind of its own and can sometimes react in an unexpected way.

Riders should avoid busy roads if possible and should keep rein contact at all times. Riders should position themselves on the left hand side near the kerb and never ride more than two abreast. In fact putting an older or more experienced horse alongside a young or green horse is recommended. If the road is narrow it may be necessary to move the experienced horse into the lead to allow traffic to pass. Try to allow a gap of one horses length between each horse riding behind another. A bigger gap can make it awkward for drivers to pass safely.

Be aware of hazards and look and listen constantly for things that may alarm or upset your horse. Take a detour if necessary to avoid potential accidents or mishaps.

When approaching a junction always stay positioned left even if you are turning right. Never place yourself in the middle of a road as you could find yourself in the position of having a car either side of you.

Always signal your intention to turn by indicating with your arm. Hold your arm out for at least three second or until you are sure that any surrounding traffic is clear of your intentions. Stop at the junction if necessary before turning.

If you need to ask a driver to slow down hold your right arm out and slowly wave it up and down. To ask a vehicle to stop, hold out your arm with your fingers pointing upwards and the flat of your hand pointing towards the driver.

To pass hazards such as stationary vehicles always check behind before moving into the centre of the road. Always signal your intentions and if necessary wait until the road is clear before passing.

If your horse is reluctant to pass a hazard try and reassure him and if possible get another horse to take the lead. Alternatively try to find an alternative safe route.

It is strongly advisable to wear reflective and/or fluorescent clothing when riding on the roads. Of course an up to standard hard hat should be worn at all times.

Deborah Meaden is showing her support for London based campaign ‘Hoof’ which was launched in December 2007 to promote the sport of horse riding to city dwellers.

The aim of the project is to encourage more people who live in inner city London to get involved with horses and to make the hobby more accessible and affordable.

Celebrity businesswoman Deborah is a keen horse woman and as a child worked summer holidays to raise money to pay for the keep of her pony.

She said “Horses may not be for everyone, but being around them teaches many important life lessons that it is a shame more people are not encouraged to become involved with them.”

For more information on how you can get involved with the project please visit: www.hoof-in-town.com

I thought I’d share a lovely beach ride with you that I went on a couple of weeks ago. My partner, dog and I drove down to the DIY livery yard where my horse is, hitched up the trailer, loaded up Raffles and drove the two hours to Talacre beach near Prestatyn in North Wales.

We had a kind offer of parking at nearby Bridlewood Riding Centre but we found the public car park after taking a wrong turn so decided to stay there. There were a few other horseboxes and trailers already as Talacre Beach is popular with North West horse riders.

I tacked up Raffles in the trailer and when I brought him out he grew a couple of inches with excitement and pranced about. It was really windy and getting on him was a nightmare even with my partner holding onto him.

Finally I was in the saddle and we were off! There is a short ride across the dunes and then you are straight onto a wide expanse of sandy beach. There is a very picturesque lighthouse and then just miles of golden sands.

With it being so windy there were a lot of kite flyers so we chose, wisely, to head in the opposite direction. An excited horse and huge, colourful kites are not a good combination.

My partner was in charge of the camera as well as trying to keep our dog under control. Rolo is a chocolate Labrador and loves to run in front of the horse which can be a bit hair raising when you are trying to have a canter. I trained Rolo to like horses and now he likes them so much I think that maybe he thinks he is one too.

Raffles really enjoyed the beach and showed his gratitude by trying to go in every direction but the one I wanted him to go in. This is quite normal for him and even after 10 years he likes to remind me that he’s the boss. Of course I just let him think he is to keep him sweet. Don’t want to hurt his manly pride.

We spent a couple of happy hours tearing up and down the beach, splashing in puddles and cantering along the waters edge.

Talacre beach is a great place for riders and in my opinion a lot safer than Ainsdale beach at Southport which has many patches of sinking sand.

I hope you enjoy the photos and that they will inspire you to take your own horse on a trip to the beach. They really do love it!