Highlands Unbridled Trail Riding and Trekking Centre - Aboyne

Hannah S.

Spending a week at Highlands Unbridled for the Winter Horse Care Holiday was an incredible experience! From the moment I arrived, Dominique made me feel completely at home with her friendly personality and great sense of humor. She’s an experienced and trustworthy guide, and I felt safe and confident on every ride.

Each day was the perfect mix of farm work in the morning and breathtaking rides in the afternoon. Caring for the horses, donkeys, and dogs made the experience even more special, and the rides through forests, mountains, and open fields were unforgettable. Cantering through the fields at sunset was a moment I’ll treasure forever!

After long, active days, Dominique’s amazing home-cooked meals were the perfect way to unwind. The combination of stunning landscapes, incredible horses, and great company made this trip truly one of a kind. If you're looking for a unique and immersive horse riding adventure in Scotland, I can't recommend it enough!

E V.

Nothing will beat my Winter Working Holiday. Such a magical week with lots of fun and stunning rides. And Dominique is the best!

catherine D.

Riding through the country side of Scotland around Loch Ness and the surrounding area exceeded my Expectations. Under the talented care of Dominique on the trail I felt safe while enhancing my riding experience on the back of Eddie a handsome fell poney. It was a joy to experience Scotland from the inside our. We stayed in local inns and hotels filled with delicious food, charm, and gracious proprietors. My horse, Eddie, was a perfect match for me. The ride challenged me at times which was fun. My riding mates brought a cross selection of experience, fun personalities, and companionship that help me relax and enjoy as a single traveler. I truly got more than I expected, and I am looking forward to planning another trip.

For our extended tour Jan drove us about to visit Outlander sites, which were amazing. Her knowledge helped fill in gaps and educate me using her special flair.

Both Jan and Dominique go above and beyond to make it a great experience.

Helpful H. B. D.

We had the most wonderful ride! Our guide was knowledgeable, considerate and on the mark with our riding abilities. Quite enjoyable day with stellar weather and guide to match. I rode Mae my husband on Brodie. Both appropriate mounts for us. All horse's that I saw were in fine condition and well cared for. I would certainly recommend taking a hack. My only regret is we didn't book a trek. Maybe next time. Thank you for the lovely opportunity to enjoy some of the Scotland Highlands on horseback!

Camiel V. A.

Joined the 3-day Short Break and had an amazing time! We saw the real Scottish landscape as you picture it, with windswept hills full of heather and ferns. Exploring it on horseback added an extra dimension! We rode lovely horses who were obviously treated well. Dominique was an amazing ride leader, resourceful, flexible and full of energy and good cheer. Planning to return next year for one of the longer-distance rides!

Hillary W.

I've dreamed of a point-to-point trip like this since I was a kid reading equestrian magazines. Thankfully, Dom and Highlands Unbridled were able to deliver on a few decades of expectations with a genuinely life changing trip. This was my first equestrian multi-day outing and we were on the 4-day Cairgorm Trek. This will be part review, part advice for others because yall definitely need to do this!

PREPARATION

Water.proof.every.thing.

Waterproof helmet cover. Waterproof gloves. Waterproof jacket. Waterproof riding pants. waterproof boots or boot covers.

And then have that waterproof everything over layers.

The views were incredible. The blue skies looked like it was where Windows backgrounds were born. My jaw was only not on the floor because the saddle was in the way. But it's still Scotland at elevation. Plan for wind and plan for rain, you can always shed layers.

RIDING LEVEL

If a riding instructor wouldn't consider you at least a solid intermediate rider at some point in your life, I wouldn't do the long rides. It's not fair for you, the other riders, or the horses. I'm an AA that rides 4x a week and was surprised by how challenging the long days in the saddle were. We varied from 4-7.5 hours in the saddle with spots of trotting and cantering, it was tough but an incredible experience.

HORSES

You are paired by the team, it was done ahead of time according to our profiles. Be very honest about every question to allow them to match well. I got Maygold the Haflinger. She has never done anything wrong in her life, ever.

The horses/ponies are mostly typical cob sizes so be ready for your feet to drag, but they are well fed, well muscled, and well built for that environment.

You participate in horse care including grooming, tacking, feeding and turnout. I loved this part, having my horse prepared for me feels weird.

LODGING

We stayed in three different accommodations, two historic hotels and a newer cabin setup. Aside from the draftiness that comes with staying in hotels older than my country, these were nice and had everything we needed without all of the thrills. The morning and evening meals were hearty, filling, and good. Get the venison. I was unable to be sold on blood pudding.

RIDES

We had a fearless leader and eight other riders. The days were variable in length, but I recorded 4-7.5 hours each day. You're in endurance saddles with seat savers (if you opt to bring your own, most of the saddles look like the no-horn King Series Trekker Neutron Endurance Saddle). The long days get hard. They're doable and absolutely worth it, but definitely come fit and prepared to ride that long.

Because of distance traveled and animal safety, obviously the vast majority of the rides are at a walk, with bits of canter and trot depending on weather and terrain. It felt like a nice balance. Plus, it's so ridiculously beautiful that you want to just admire it at a walk.

There are no bathrooms. Prepare yourself. You will pee while sheep are watching. If you intend to take TP or wipes, take a ziplock to pack it out. Disposable wipes are not biodegradable in this century, take them with you.

Our guide was Dom, who has had adventurous career horse experience all over the eastern hemisphere. She emphatically puts the horses first, keeps a watchful eye on the group, and made dynamic changes if lineup issues arised. She educated the group about local landmarks, historic structures, flora, and wildlife. This is a smaller operation and it was clear how much work she put into making it a great experience for all of us.

Money well spent, would do it again immediately.

Robin K.

I just got back to the US after spending two weeks in Scotland. My friend and I spent 10 days doing the Outlander Tour with the site seeing extension.

It was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend the trek, but also strongly caution anyone to be prepared to ride long hours over steep terrain. It’s worth it, if you are fit enough. The horses are in great condition, are well cared for and know their jobs.

Dominique and Jan both work hard to make sure each participant has a great experience. The inns they selected have retained their old world charm while providing modern amenities, (except for lifts.)

The site seeing with Jan was really perfect for me. I love historical places and this trip did not disappoint. I would take another longer site seeing tour with her in a heartbeat.

Leya ?. M. S.

Highlands Unbridled has amazing trail rides. We spent three days on short day rides with Dominique. Who is absolutely amazing. She’s bubbly, yet very professional and caring with the horses. We will definitely return for a longer trail ride in the future. 🥰