About us

Outside the Corral was born out of a deep passion for discovering the world from horseback and the drive to share this extraordinary experience with as many people as possible. We believe it is the most magical way to immerse yourself into the nature and culture of a new destination and we simply want to get you as addicted to it as we are!

What sets us apart?

Who's behind Outside the Corral?

Laure-Anne Rigaux, the founder of Outside the Corral, has been an avid rider and traveller for over 15 years. While she loves many things in life, there is nothing that makes her smile quite as big as when she is out on horseback in the great outdoors. Because of this passion, she undertook many hore riding holidays herself and also worked for three summers at a riding holiday location in France. This is how she developed a deep feeling for this niche sector.

From own hit and miss experiences in the past Laure-Anne knows how tricky it can be to find high-quality riding locations that treat their horses with care and that are no tourist traps. These experiences planted the seed to found Outside the Corral, with the goal to connect as many horse enthusiasts as possible with the most authentic and extraordinary riding holidays in the world.

Why are we called Outside the Corral?

Of course there is the literal meaning. On a riding holiday you leave the safety of an enclosed corral (or riding arena) and you ride out into the wide open nature. But what attracted us more than anything else in this name is the fact that it expresses the exact feeling and filosophy that riding holidays represent to us.

On a riding holiday, you go outside the corral of your own daily grind to experience something exciting and unique. You leave the safety of your comfort zone for a life-changing experience that breathes freedom. To us, there could be no better name to represent our authentic riding holidays.

Are you ready to go outside your own corral?!

Our DNA

Authenticity

We stay far away from tourist traps and bring you to the authentic gems. We look for the pure places that allow you to fully immersive yourself in the culture, history and the local atmosphere of your destination. Our partners are locally rooted and have lots of stories and knowledge to share with you.

Exceptionality

We go for the ‘waw’-factor! We select and create horseback journeys with the objective to bring you happiness, wonder, excitement and the feeling of being alive. It’s our aspiration to disconnect you from your daily grind and to give you a memorable experience that enriches (or even changes) your life.

Responsible tourism

Our ‘leave nothing but a hoof print’ ethos aims at having a positive and minimal impact on the local communities and environments we travel to. We select local partners that share and demonstrate these values of responsible tourism and sustainability through their way of operation.

Small-scale

Mass tourism is not our cup of tea. We like to take you off the beaten track to the hidden gems. All our partners are small-scale, often even family-owned, businesses. This small scale allows for a more personal and therefore richer travel experience.

Partners

Trip Natuur

A place full of inspiration about travel and trips that put you in contact with nature. For more peace and happiness. On adventure in Europe with your kids, but sometimes also without.

Visit website

Cloots Ruitersport

Still looking for something for your next riding holiday? We work together with Cloots Ruitersport, an equestrian shop where you can find all the top brands for both horse and rider. Online shopping is also possible.

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What do others say?

Laure-Anne had prepared the trip incredibly well and really counts down with you until the moment you leave. Amazing! During the trip, there was nothing to worry about. Carefree enjoyment of the horses, the people, the beautiful nature, accommodations and the delicious food. What a beautiful part of Spain too, which you might otherwise never visit. What I find a very big plus: having had some lesser experiences myself in terms of the welfare of the horses on horseback rides, it is blissful that Outside the Corral values this so highly. And how well the horses were looked after there!
Laura Pillen
About Castles of Gredos Mountains
My first riding holiday was huge success. First and foremost because of the beautiful location in Portugal where I spent some fantastic days. Laure-Anne's helpfulness and enthusiasm leading up to the trip are certainly also worth mentioning. In the meantime, I am already making new plans and I am sure that next time I will leave on a riding holiday with an easy mind!
Rachel Fierens
Via Google Reviews About Alentejo Dressage & Countryside
From the first conversations, we clearly felt a "click". Laure-Anne understood very clearly what we were looking for and that was for myself an "exciting riding experience" and for my partner a pleasurable wellness. And what we got was an incredibly romantic setting in Ireland with excellent horses and guides (both lessons and trail rides). The whole setting was perfect and, to top it off, we got a gorgeous, sunny summer week in Ireland without a drop of rain. We had no worries, gave everything out of our hands (including the extension of our riding trip with a rental car). Everything was tip-top, like Swiss clockwork!
Johan & Christa
Via Google Reviews About Irish Castle Getaway
My riding holiday, Castles of Gredos, in Spain was an unforgettable experience. Beautiful surroundings and well-trained and cared-for horses. Everything was organised to perfection, both leading up to and during the trip. Laure-Anne was always ready to help with all my questions. For booking a riding holiday, you are in the best hands with OTC. I will definitely book with her again.
Tom Werner
Via Google Reviews About Castles of Gredos Mountains

Ready to discover the horse riding holiday of your dreams?

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