WHERE TO GO IN MAY
The Stan’s have defrosted and late May is the perfect time to visit Uzbekistan to witness the great Silk Road cities, ride the Chimgan Mountains and gallop across deserts.
May is the driest month on the emerald isle making riding at Castle Leslie in Ireland now a dream!
It’s spring in Europe and the riding conditions are perfect. This is the ideal time to visit our Spanish partner in Fairy Tale Segovia.
In Namibia you can join the Wild Horses safari that runs only once a year. A very special safari that rides into the territory of the endangered wild horse population.
In the Okavango Delta, Macatoo has lovely, clear and dry weather and few clouds. The nights tend to be cooler but the days are very temperate at 28°C/80°F.
UZBEKISTAN ODYSSEY
UZBEKISTAN | FROM £2,995 | 13 NIGHTS
Uzbekistan is a jewel in Central Asia. While neighbours were still nomadic until as recently as 80 years ago, Uzbeks settled and built magnificent cities. The Sogdian Empire became rich from the Silk Road trade that passed through their lands.
Alexander the Great and Ghengis Khan both arrived in this land with their armies to see the wonders of Samarkand for themselves - looting and taking the fine horses for themselves.
This is a full immersion into Uzbek culture. You’ll see four major cities, explore mountain, gallop across the desert, stay in the finest hotels, visit the grand mausoleums and squares with the blue domes and marvel at how accomplished this city was when Europe was still in the dark ages.
30 May - 12 June 2026 | Black Saddle Hosted
SEGOVIA ESCAPE | SPAIN
4 Nights | Max 8 Riders usually | 4* Hotel Accommodation
May is an incredible time of year to visit Spain when the spring flowers are in bloom, the days are warm but not to long and the sun doesn’t set until late so you can make the most of your evenings.
An easy short-break for experienced riders in stunning Segovia in the heart of Spain. The walled city has a roman aqueduct, a medieval heart and renaissance castles. Even Disney was inspired and the Alcazar was a model for the famous Disney castle.
The riding is fast paced and sporty. You’ll canter and gallop in open fields - a joy for experienced and fit riders. The horses are well trained and forward. We love the combination of incredible views, history and fast riding.
29 April - 03 May 2026 | Black Saddle Exclusive (waitlist only)
27 - 31 May 2026 | Black Saddle Exclusive (waitlist only)
10 Nights | From £7,200 | Max 12 Riders | Mobile Speed Safari
Is this the best safari in the world for fast riding? Andrew Gillies is the horseman in Southern Africa and has perfected the art of the safari. With one of the highest rebook rates of any safari worldwide this should be on everyone’s bucketlist. The horses are athletic and a joy to ride, the going is fast and varied, the scenery changes moment to moment.
In May you can expect hot days and warm nights. You’ll tan will be topped up. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Gallop across the Namib Desert on a fast horse, kicking up dust behind you, sleep under the stars, indulge in incredible food (often featuring local game) cooked up by the two chefs and immerse yourself in an old school adventure style progressive ride.
Thrilling, life affirming riding and one of our all time favourites.
13 - 23 May 2026 - Wild Horses (Fully Booked)
05 - 15 May 2026 - Wild Horses (Fully Booked)
MACATOO | OKAVANGO DELTA | BOTSWANA
7 Nights | From US$6,580 | Max 7 Riders | Luxury Tented Fixed Camp
May has lovely, clear and dry weather and few clouds. The nights tend to be cooler but the days are very temperate at 30°C/87°F. This is the start of the shoulder season. The floods haven’t yet arrived which makes for fast riding and the weather is perfect
The wildlife viewing is always good in the Delta. A visit during December means you will be there when all the baby animals are being born. If you’d like to travel at prime time during the iconic floods visit August.
Botswana is one of if not the best place in the world to see a wide array of wildlife. There is no better way to savour the Okavango Delta and experience its unparalleled wildlife population than on horseback.
Accommodation is in a lovely luxury tented camps with real flushing loos and wonderful hot showers. The ideal wildlife safari for someone who isn’t keen on camping. This is an excellent honeymoon destination. Non-riders very welcome.
Arrive any time for a minimum of three nights
SHOULDER SEASON: £765 per person per night sharing, £5,355 for 7 nights
Discounts on the charter flight transfers for long stays (7 nights is 50% off and get free transfers when staying 10 nights).
3, 4 or 5 Nights | From €1,685 per person sharing | Cross Country or Hacking Holidays
In May you can expect highs of 16°C with some rain expected on 18 days out of 30. Incredibly popular Castle Leslie rides in all weather. They have an indoor arena for lessons if things get very cold and wet. Why not hone your jumping position and warm up with a hot drink at one of the two onsite restaurants afterwards.
The hotel is stunningly beautiful, you’re accommodated in a stone mansion with the stable just next door. The Irish horses live up to the reputation being sporty and forward with a few school masters in the mix. The riding is adapted to all levels with riders on the sport programme popping over the 300 jumps on the 1000 acre estate, the pleasure riders enjoying gorgeous hacks at great pace and you can even learn to ride here.
Something for everyone - even your non-riding companion is welcome. There’s plenty for them to do, just ask us!
Arrive any time for a minimum of three nights.
Good availability in May 2026
FRANCE | FROM €3,990 | 6 NIGHTS
CHAMBORD | BEAUREGARD | CHEVERNY | FOUGERES SUR BIEVRE | CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE | AMBOISE | CHENONCEAU
Exclusive ride up access to two castles
Small, luxury hotel accommodation
31 May - 06 June 2026
WILD HORSES PHOTO SAFARI | BOSNIA
3 Nights | Cost TBC | Hotel based stay
We are developing a brand new tour - and it doesn’t involve riding. Visit the wild horses of Livno, spending two day photographing them and half a day exploring the town of Livno by quad bike.
Our accommodation will be in a newly developed mountain adventure lodge.
No riding experience necessary.
Arrive to and depart from Split, Croatia.
You can express your interest here. We will email you once the details are finalised.
May not right for you? View the full year here
Visit the Gredos Mountains on a spring ride in April or join the first Celestial Mountains ride of the year in June.
