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!

Who’s behind Outside the Corral?

The founder of Outside the Corral Laure-Anne Rigaux has been an avid rider and traveller for over 20 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 riding holidays herself and also worked at riding holiday locations in France and Kenya. 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.

Cooperative brands

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?

For a while, I had a dream of going on a riding holiday, and I eventually found my way to Outside the Corral. I was extremely impressed with Laure-Anne’s guidance in helping me choose the perfect trip. It was fantastic how quickly I could communicate with her, and she provided me with a wealth of information. In the end, I embarked on an amazing journey to Iceland and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Laure-Anne had already warned me that once you experience a riding holiday, you become instantly hooked, and she was absolutely right! I’m already eagerly planning my next adventure, and, of course, I’ll be using Outside the Corral again.
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The destination was perfect for my purpose of recharging, relaxing and improving my riding skills. The horses were just beautiful and easy to ride, the food was delicious and the property was absolutely gorgeous. I also had a good time with the other guests, horse lovers who came from all over the world to this place for the famous Portuguese Lusitano horses. I will definitely return to Monte Velho! Laure-Anne read my needs perfectly and advised me exactly which ride to book. Moreover, she was very flexible when I needed to change my schedule and was available for 24/7 for questions. If you are thinking of a riding holiday, this is the place to book!
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Last week, I went to Monte Velho in Portugal with Outside the Corral. Simply great! Laure-Anne guided us well from the beginning and gave clear answers to all our questions. Even when she was at the airport herself, she helped us with our cancelled flight. Thanks again Laure-Anne!
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Laure-Anne made sure I had the trip of my life. I received quick answers to all the questions I had beforehand, and noticed that she really thought along with us and lived with us towards our departure. During our trip, everything was arranged down to the last detail. I am already dreaming of a new horseback riding trip via Outside the Corral!
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Céline Woltman

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