Anne Thornley-Brown is the President of Executive Oasis International, a Toronto based firm that regularly organizes incentive travel and executive retreats to Dubai, Oman, Jamaica, Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore. They offer a one stop shopping service with incentive travel itineraries that include travel, transfers, hotel, tours, team activities, and special events for corporate groups of up to 25.
Around the World on Horseback
When people ask me, how someone like me who isn’t particularly athletic started riding horses, I smile because it’s a long story. The short version is that on a return visit to Jamaica, I had the opportunity to see polo for the first time. I was blown away. The game was action packed and so fast paced that it took my breath away. Upon returning to Canada, I remember telling one of my Jamaican friends that I thought it was a pity there was no polo in Canada. She quickly corrected me and told me where I could watch polo near Toronto. I quickly became a fixture at Toronto Polo Club and GGHG. I would go almost every week and watch. I always credit Phil and Tammy Van Der Burgt and Sheila Sifton for getting me started in riding. When they encouraged me to take riding lessons, they opened up a whole new world of adventure to me. I will always be greatful to them for their support. Soon, I was heading up to GGHG twice a week. It took me a while but eventually, I did learn to walk, trot and canter. I even took a couple of polo clinics.
Horse riding opened up a whole new world for me. I soon got introduced to show jumping…. watching it, not doing it. During my riding lessons, I only jump when my instructors remember and I never remind them. Wherever I travel whether it is for business or pleasure, as long as the weather is great, I make a point of going riding, watching polo or taking in a horse show. So what are some ideas for building riding into your incentive travel? Where can you go to ride?
Horse Riding and Incentive Travel
Pleasure Hacking and Trail Rides: At many destinations, there are places where you can go just to ride for pleasure. So whether it’s riding in the desert near Dubai, the jungle in Singapore, or on the beach in Jamaica, there are options for beginners and experienced riders
Team Challenges on Horseback: Beginners can take riding lessons and most destinations. This can open the door to some interesting team challenges. Even those who are a bit nervous around horses can participate in a tack up challenge or horse watering relay. On horseback, there are simple gymkhana games that one can use of team competitions. Beginners can participate at a walk or even while lead by another member of their team.
Horse Shows: If you time it right, you and your team can go to a horse show during your trip. You can watch international competitors compete in show jumping events, speed classes and even unique carriage events. Horse shows also provide your company with an opportunity for corporate sponsorships to promote your services and products.
Polo: At most destinations, polo is accessible and it’s free to watch club chukkas. For groups, it’s best to contact the club ahead of time to make arrangements. For charity tournaments, you have the option of reserving a corporate table or tent with gourmet meal or paying general admission, bringing a picnic or enjoying the action while you eat a burger or hot dog. Corporate sponsorships and promotional opportunities are also available at polo tournaments.
Polo clubs at many destinations have clinics for beginners. Make your plans well ahead of time and you can arrange for some riding lessons and a beginner clinic. You’ll watch videos to show you the basics, practice your shots from a wooden horse, and participate in ground scrimmages to get a feel for the basics. When you do get on a horse, participation is always within your zone of comfort whether you want to do it at a walk or, for the experienced riders, do some stick and balling at a canter.
How to Build Horse Riding into Your Incentive Travel
Timing is key. The most important piece of advice that I can give you is to contact the equestrian facilities and polo clubs at your desired destination WELL in advance. Plan your trip at a time when some interesting events are available. This is not something you can pull together at the last minute for a group. I don’t want to give away all of my secrets, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Toronto
There are many stables in the GTA where you and your team can take riding lessons. The 3rd weekend in June, Polo for Heart is the perfect opportunity to reserve a corporate table, paddock or tent for your team. In November, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair always has a fabulous horse show with international competitors and options to fit every budget
Jamaica
Whether you are in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril, there are places where you can go riding. You’ll have everything available to you from a beach ride where you’ll get to ride while your horse swims in the sea to a cool ride in the mountains. My favourite place is Hooves.
Who is that cantering on the beach in Jamaica?
For polo, you can go to Drax Hall or Chukka Cove. July is a good time to travel if your group wants to take in some tournaments.
Survivor Team Building Equestrian Simulation
Dubai
At the Dubai Polo Club you can take riding lessons and polo clinics. You can also watch polo. There is even an endurance ride for experienced riders that will take you from the Dubai Polo Club to Bab Al Shams where you’ll have a gourmet dinner and spend the night. Unfortunately, I am still not at the level where I could handle almost a day in the saddle but one of these days.
My guide bringing me my horse, saddled up
and ready me for to ride in the desert at Bab Al Shams in Dubai.
One of my most enjoyable experiences involved cantering in the desert at Bab Al Shams. It’s a great way to boost your confidence as a rider.
Malaysia
For riding lessons, Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort near Kuala Lumpur is a great bet. The Royal Selangor Polo Club that has clinics and tournaments several times a year. Make sure that you contact them ahead of time to secure an invitation for your group.
Singapore
In Singapore, whether the members of your team are beginners or advanced riders, riding lessons are available at the Singapore Polo Club. After your lesson, you can go riding in the jungle. Riding lessons, jumping lessons and hacking are also available at the Bukit Timah Saddle Club.
