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!

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

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.

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.

What do others say?

I had an absolutely fantastic holiday that exceeded all my expectations! Everything was meticulously organized, the horses were exceptionally well cared for, and Emilio and Mamén are truly delightful people. Despite the challenging days, it was the perfect introduction to riding holidays. The stunning landscapes, delicious food, and charming rustic hotels all contributed to a flawless experience. Spending seven hours a day on the back of a wonderfully trained horse instills so much confidence that you can fully enjoy and relax without worries. The seamless organization, from Laure-Anne's planning to Emilio and Mamén's execution, allowed for a carefree experience without having to overthink anything before or during the vacation. I couldn't have chosen a better "first" experience, and this sentiment was shared by riders who have been re-booking this trip for years. My inaugural experience with Outside the Corral was truly wonderful, and it certainly won't be my last. Highly recommended for those who can handle long days in the saddle — DON'T HESITATE! Thank you for everything, Laure-Anne — I'll be back!
My trip was really lovely! I was a little bit nervous as I have only travelled alone in the UK (I'm English myself so it was exactly the same as travelling around Belgium). But everything went smoothly, from the flight to picking up my car (I rented a car through Hertz, definitely recommended!). At check-in, everything went really perfectly too, I got a beautiful (and big!) room overlooking the garden. The staff were super friendly and helpful, making my solo trip feel a little less alone! The food is also mouth-watering, I still dream of the lamb dumplings.... The stables are the cleanest I have ever seen, the horses are treated with so much love and it shows. The riding lessons themselves always took place in the indoor arena, due to bad weather. I learnt so much during the lessons, for which my huge thanks to the instructor. This will definitely not be my last time to book with you, and who knows, maybe back to Poland. I would also like to thank you for the great care from start to finish!
Shelby Hulmes
I've always dreamed of a riding holiday abroad. After all, with a horse you get to places you never reach otherwise. Determined to embark on this journey alone, I stumbled upon Outside the Corral. Instantly, it felt right. Their website exuded clarity and honesty, instilling a sense of trust within me. What truly resonated was that Laure-Anne, the founder, had personally experienced the destination. She had witnessed the people, interacted with the horses, and ensured impeccable organization and care for these majestic creatures. This attention to detail gave me a comforting sense of security. Before the trip, I reached out with a few questions, and the communication was fantastic. Laure-Anne shared a brief account of her own experience, fostering a sense of familiarity. It also reassured my loved ones back home. I also liked the idea that you can communicate in your own language in case something happens. There are far too many incredible moments to recount them all, but the entire experience was an enchanting tapestry. The horses were exceptionally well-cared-for, reflecting the passion and devotion of the knowledgeable duo who led our journey. And great travel companions, with whom I visited special places, saw beautiful views and had a lot of fun.
Laure-Anne from Outside the Corral paid attention to my holiday wishes from the very first moment. She took care of a proper preparation and literally took me on a journey to my holiday destination. During the entire stay in Spain, the horses and guests were well taken care of. We rode in a beautiful area with a diversity of scenery, from flat countryside, valleys to steep cliffs. We spent six to seven hours in the saddle per day and during the breaks we enjoyed delicious tapas and traditional local dishes. Lunches were lavish picnics, each day in a unique spot, in the middle of nature. Living so close to nature feels very exclusive. The experience of a Michelin restaurant can hardly compete with this. ;-) The composition of the group was amazingly good. Our group consisted of ladies, various age groups, and we interacted in a casual way. The holiday exceeded my expectations. It was truly fantastic and can highly recommend it!
Brigitte Verhoeven

Ready to discover the horse riding holiday of your dreams?