Barbour or thorn-proof raincoat you can tie over the saddle. You can always use this as a ground sheet even if it never rains. Take a light rain jacket if rain is unlikely.
Old riding clothes in earth colours (not red)
Old riding clothes in earth colours (not red)
Light-weight long-sleeved shirt. Do bring old shirts that you can wear then give away at the end of the trip.
Short-sleeved shirts or 'polo-shirts' (Shirts with collars are better than t-shirts unless you are totally immune to sunburn).
A cardigan or fleece that zips up the front.
Comfortable old riding breeches or trousers with a belt.
Shorts
Summer dress
Summer dress
Trainers for walking and tennis.
Sandals or flip-flops. You are not going to wear high heeled shoes. It's too sandy.
Sandals or flip-flops. You are not going to wear high heeled shoes. It's too sandy.
Short riding boots with thick rubber soles
Half-chaps for riding. Only take black rubber boots if riding in the Okavango or other wetlands. You only really need full chaps for thornbush country.
Half-chaps for riding. Only take black rubber boots if riding in the Okavango or other wetlands. You only really need full chaps for thornbush country.
Good socks. Lined walking socks are best.
Two pairs of riding gloves. I cut the tops off some of the fingers so I can undo buckles.
Riding helmet or Hard hat. I have a hot weather one but need to take a shower cap to put over it in case it rains. I've fitted a wide-brimmed tennis visor to the rim with velcro. Click here for one I found that fits. and here for the velcro
You might want to take a bummner but it may not fit the saddle. Some saddles will have fitted ones.
You might want to take a bummner but it may not fit the saddle. Some saddles will have fitted ones.
A wide-brimmed sun hat that stays on in an open vehicle.
Cotton bandana/scarf.
Water bottle. You can always use this as a hot-water bottle at night. I take proper a hot-water bottle for some climates. My own thermos cup.
Small bumbag with Lipsalve
Sun protection cream factor 30 or higher.
Sun protection cream factor 30 or higher.
Mosquito repellant
I have a small camera case with a wide belt that proved useful once when my girth broke.
Phone/camera + charger and adaptor plug. Take one you can easily ride with.
Swimming costume
Sarong
Night clothes
Underwear
Elasticated body wraps if you need them.
Sarong
Night clothes
Underwear
Elasticated body wraps if you need them.
Wet wipes
A torch
A good book. Diary/sketch book, pens.
Binoculars.
A good book. Diary/sketch book, pens.
Binoculars.
Passport,
Health insurance documents.
Health insurance documents.
Driving License
Credit/debit card
Credit/debit card
(Remember not to take a penknife or scissors in your hand-luggage).
You must be in possession of a passport with at least one blank page that is valid for at least six months after your return date. Visa.
You also need travel and health insurance that allows you to ride without ridiculous exclusions. Make sure your Tetanus inoculation is up to date.
Money. You can usually use cash point machines.
Travel in your riding clothes taking a Day bag for your helmet, chaps, riding gloves for the first two days as your luggage might easily get delayed. No handbags!
If you ring the airline in advance they may give you permission to take sports equipment as extra luggage, but they will ask to see it at the luggage check-in desk. However, try to keep your personal baggage down to 10kgs. Horse safari companies usually supply all the equipment. Sometimes you need your own sleeping bag.
For cold-weather countries:
Puffa jacket/padded waistcoat. This can always double up as a pillow if you are camping.
Woolly hat to keep warm at night.
Hot water bottle
For cold-weather countries:
Puffa jacket/padded waistcoat. This can always double up as a pillow if you are camping.
Woolly hat to keep warm at night.
Hot water bottle
Off you go.
Having said all that, here I am, wearing leather walking boots, shorts and long chaps, no gloves (regretted that in later life) and no helmet. (Regretted that too.) The cotton thick Australian shirt lasted well.
My little horse Sam was so good in the bush. I never shod him. He'd find game, and was good at avoiding holes. Sadly we poisoned his brain by racing him and he became difficult to stop but he was always a great ride.
Having said all that, here I am, wearing leather walking boots, shorts and long chaps, no gloves (regretted that in later life) and no helmet. (Regretted that too.) The cotton thick Australian shirt lasted well.
My little horse Sam was so good in the bush. I never shod him. He'd find game, and was good at avoiding holes. Sadly we poisoned his brain by racing him and he became difficult to stop but he was always a great ride.
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