Dreaming of galloping along a beach, cantering through an exotic forest or exploring ancient landscapes from the saddle? Before you climb aboard, vet Wendy Hofstee explains the simple checks that could make all the difference to a horse’s welfare, and help you make the right choice on holiday.

There is a moment, on many riding holidays, when the dream meets reality.  You have travelled thousands of miles. The scenery is spectacular, the opportunity to ride somewhere completely different is right in front of you and a local horse, donkey or mule is waiting to take you exploring.

But then you look more closely.

Is the horse too thin? Does the saddle fit? Are there sores beneath the tack? Has the animal got access to water and shade? And, perhaps most importantly, would you be happy to ride it if you saw the same horse at home?

For vet Wendy Hofstee, those are questions every rider should be asking.

Hofstee has spent more than 25 years championing equine welfare around the world. Her own experiences of seeing poorly treated horses while travelling inspired her to establish Unicorn Trails, a specialist riding holiday company that selects experiences with horse welfare at their heart.

“The vast majority of tourists who hire horses on holiday do not prebook them through a specialist operator but impulsively while they are there,” says Hofstee.  “They are often not regular riders and may have no idea of what constitutes a horse in an acceptable condition.”

“In poor countries there is very little spare money for horse care and a horse may be the only source of income for an already very poor family,” explains Hofstee.

“Thus, they are often used in conditions unacceptable by western standards, not out of cruelty, but out of desperation or ignorance.”  That, however, does not mean holidaymakers should simply accept poor welfare.  In fact, tourists have something powerful at their disposal: choice.

Where possible, Hofstee recommends booking riding experiences through a responsible specialist operator that checks the condition of its horses and works with local communities.  For those arranging a ride independently, there are several things to look for.

Start with the horse itself.  A healthy horse should have an appropriate body condition and should not be excessively thin. Look carefully for wounds, sores, hair loss or areas of rubbing, particularly around the saddle and girth and the condition of the hooves.  The horse should appear alert and responsive rather than exhausted or unwell.

Then look at the surroundings.  Does the animal have access to clean water? Is there shade, particularly in hot weather? Does it have somewhere suitable to rest? Are the horses being given breaks between rides?  These basic provisions can tell you a great deal about the standards of care.

Behaviour is another clue. A horse should be able to stand quietly when resting and should respond appropriately to its rider’s commands. An animal that appears lethargic, distressed or unusually difficult to control should raise concerns.

Then there is the tack.  A badly fitting saddle can cause considerable discomfort and may lead to injury. Check that the saddle appears suitable for the horse and that there are no obvious signs of rubbing or pressure.  Stirrup leathers and other equipment should also be in good condition. A worn or damaged piece of tack is not only a welfare concern but a potential safety risk for the rider.

The horse must also be appropriate for the rider’s size and weight. One horse, one rider should be the rule.

Hofstee also urges holidaymakers not to be pressured into taking a ride.

Aggressive street hawkers offering horses can make it difficult for tourists to stop and assess an animal properly. If something does not look right, walking away is an entirely reasonable response.  And while haggling may be expected in some destinations, paying a fair price for a properly cared-for animal can also make a difference.

Choosing the cheapest possible ride can put pressure on owners to maximise the number of tourists carried by each animal. Supporting responsible operators can instead help create a financial incentive for better care.

International charities including World Horse Welfare and Brooke also stress the importance of tourist choices in improving the lives of working equines.

Brooke, which works across parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, focuses on practical measures that can transform welfare without requiring expensive solutions.

Hofstee visited a Brooke hospital in Delhi and saw how simple interventions could have a significant impact.

“Brooke staff believe that the vast majority of the suffering they see is relatively easy to prevent,” she says.  Regular access to water, food, shade and rest can make a huge difference, alongside basic healthcare including parasite control, foot care and dental treatment.  Education is equally important. Brooke works with animal owners, local authorities and other community figures to improve understanding of equine needs.  The charity has also worked with local harness makers to improve equipment such as bits, harnesses and girths, helping to tackle discomfort caused by poorly fitting tack.

Although the Delhi centre Hofstee visited is no longer operational, Brooke continues its work in other countries.

For riders, the lesson is simple.

You do not have to sacrifice adventure to put welfare first. Whether you are riding along a beach, through a forest or towards an ancient monument, take a moment before mounting up.

Look at the horse. Check the tack. Ask yourself whether it has water, shade, food and rest.

And if something feels wrong, don’t ride.

The best holiday memories should be about the places you discovered and the experiences you shared, not wondering afterwards whether the horse carrying you was suffering.