Red Dot does not normally assemble groups for our horse safaris – but specializes in family or small-group holidays. We can tailor any of the itineraries below upon request.  All Red Dot’s riding groups have a group leader at the head of the group and assistant rider at the rear, both on horseback and communicating amongst themselves and with the support jeep by walkie talkies. The support jeep includes first aid for horses and humans, veterinary assistance, handlers, spare equipment and refreshments.  Our riding holidays below vary between seven and 15 days, but one-day excursions are also available.  There should be a minimum two riders for day safaris and a minimum six riders for the longer trips.  Holiday costs normally include all accommodation and transportation, including rising lunch and refreshments.

Island Safari: A 16 night safari through Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, tea plantations in the hill country, and the tranquil towns of Tissa and Kataragama in the deep south.  (More)

South Coast & Hills: This is a 6 night journey along the palm fringed south coast, the ancient Ruhuna kingdom including Tissa and kataragama and then on to Ella in the southern highlands.  (More)

Hill Country: An adventurous 5 night’s journey through Sri Lanka’s magnificent tea country – a land of lush green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and misty mountains.  (More)

Cultural Triangle & Kandy: a 6 night horse safari through Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle and an experience of the ancient heritage of Kandy – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (More)

Bentota:  A ride through the golden beaches of Sri Lanka for half a day, with the wind tugging at your hair and the sand shimmering at the horses' hooves. Lunch under tents by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean whilst the horses graze under the coconut trees.

Tissamaharama:  The historical town Tissamaharama is located South East in the Hambantota district.  Tissa is dominated by lotus filled lakes, lush green paddy fields and gigantic Dagobas (Buddhist temples) that dates back to the 2nd century B.C.  The route goes through villages, paddy fields, banana plantations and a gallop next to the lake, pausing for lunch and then ride back to the hotel.

Ella:  An amazing ride through light jungle and paddy fields, climbing hills and crossing streams. Pass a bird sanctuary and gain an insight into Sri Lanka village life. Highly recommended.

Kandy:  The hill-country capital of Kandy lies on a plain amidst towering hills and looped by Sri Lanka's largest river: the Mahaweli.  The town’s pleasant temperate climate, its scenic location and its rich history has made it a favourite haunt for travellers. It is also the natural gateway to the stirring peaks of Sri Lanka’s hill country.  Explore tea plantations, rural roads and villages alongside Sri Lanka’s hill capital.

Nuwara Eliya:  Sri Lanka’s tea-growing hills offer breathtaking landscapes.  This is a land of gurgling mountain streams and steep hillsides cloaked in luminous green tea, sweet-scented Cyprus and Eucalyptus trees. Nuwara Eliya, nestled at the foot of a mountain, was made into a summer retreat by the British in the early 1800s and much of its colonial character still remains.  Starting at the Nuwara Eliya race track, move on to explore some stunning hill-country scenery.

Dambulla:  Explore the flat expanses of the cultural triangle - a land of wide landscapes, ancient heritage that dates back to over 2,000 years, lakes and sweeping grassy plains.

Sigiriya & Habarana:  Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties suits Sigiriya’s striking setting.  It was built in 5th century AD by king, Kasyapa.  A unique view of the Sigiriya rock fortress is allowed as riders make their way through jungle, plains and cultivations towards and around the magnificent structure.

Mathugama & Kalutara:  A ride through paddy fields, rubber estates, tea plantations and rural villages in Mathugama and Kalutara in the south west coast of the island.

Riding experience: We will request information about rider experience. Intermediate riders should have ridden before, be able top walk or trot comfortably and hold a canter for 15 minutes. Advanced riders should have wide experience, feel confident walking, trotting or cantering with any horse and have control in a gallop. All riders are expected by the riding school to sign a disclaimer form before they ride.

Riding gear: Riders are expected to wear appropriate clothing: full-length trousers (jodhpurs or jeans), boots or trainers (the school will provide chaps, subject to availability) and riding caps (provided on request).

• Each horse will have a handler responsible for its care during the entire ride. This ensures that their saddlery & tack, maintenance and feed are undertaken by a specific individual at all times.

• Handlers care for the horses on a daily basis and are experienced in the routine and management of the horses.

• The routes that are outlined can require a considerable amount of transportation of horses. This is conducted via custom-made floaters and Lorries adapted for this purpose. They can transport six horses simultaneously, with minimal risk of injury or discomfort. Handlers are present to care for the horses during transportation stages.

• During the ride, a support jeep, travelling out of sight from the riders, can render assistance. It will be equipped with veterinary assistance for the horses as well as first aid for the riders.

• At the beginning of each ride, each horse is assigned to riders with regard to their weight and riding experience.

• The ride leader will stop each ride approximately half an hour through the hack, to ensure that all horses and riders are fit and to provide horses with water. The horses are constantly monitored by the ride assistant and ride leader.

• Rides are conducted at a moderate pace, mainly in walk and trot with sporadic periods of canter, to ensure that the horses are able complete each ride fit and able.

• All horses are trained to travel these routes, and are exercised and maintained with the required stamina in mind.

• At the end of each day’s ride, all horses are massaged and examined for any injuries that may have been incurred and then treated.

• The accommodation and travel of the stable hands is essentially alongside the horses, as their main concern and task is the safety and well being of the animals.

• Overnight stays for the rides are at hotels that provide accommodation for both horses and handlers.

• Arrangements are made prior to the ride as to the food and lodgings of all stable hands.

• Routes essentially explore largely untouched areas of the island, therefore each rider is provided with saddle bags which are utilised to store waste temporarily until the evening when it is disposed of properly.

• At picnic sites, extra disposal bags are provided for litter to be put in. This is also disposed of properly later.

• All hotels that are used have been inspected by Red Dot with a view to assessing their level of environmental awareness.

• The ride leader is a native Sri Lankan, who will be available, or make available an assistant to ensure that no social boundaries are crossed by any of the riders during the ride.

• Riding holidays continue to be a positive attraction at the villages explored, with villagers thronging to see the horses.

• We include entertainment segments within the rides, such as cultural dances, which are conducted by local people. Wildlife tours with native tour guides also have a positive effect in the local community.

'Taking to the saddle'
by Melanie Brehaut, Travel Sri Lanka

'At a quickened pace – exploring Tissa on horseback'
by Emma Boyle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 4 No 4