Highlands Unbridled

Today I swap wild and rough vistas for leafy trees and lush grass. Whilst it is always wonderful to spend my weeks out on the trail exploring some of my favourite corners of Scotland on horseback, there is something equally special about coming home to my little menagerie in Aberdeenshire.

From donkeys and ducks to ponies and cats, each one brings its own kind of joy. In between the jobs that need doing after a week away, I love taking a few quiet moments to simply sit amongst them... feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, listening to the gentle sounds of contented animals and appreciating the peace that comes with being home in between rides.

The rough highland hills may feed my soul, but these simple moments of quiet camaraderie are just as special.

We’ve just completed the first Wild West Highlands Ride of 2026, and what a journey it was. The highlands put on one of their most atmospheric displays with rolling mist, dramatic skies, and endless stretches of rugged, untamed terrain and in return, we only had to suffer a few downpours!

From steep, rocky tracks to remote wilderness trails, every mile reminded us why this landscape is so special. But the real stars of the ride were our incredible horses. Sure footed, brave, and endlessly willing, they tackled every challenge the highlands threw at them with remarkable strength and determination. We couldn’t be prouder of them, especially with so many new ponies on the trail this year. There are so many photos of Freyja the Fjording, largely because she is my own pony and her journey back to trusting people in the saddle has been truly remarkable. Every time I see her out on the trails, I feel an immense sense of pride and simply can’t resist taking another photograph.

There’s something truly magical about exploring wild country on horseback, especially when the mist hangs low across the hills and every turn reveals another breathtaking view.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on this unforgettable adventure, and an extra special appreciation to our wonderful horses who carried us safely through some of the most spectacular and demanding terrain Scotland has to offer.

Until the next adventure...

Summer job opportunity. We are looking for someone to be our back-up driver for the long distance rides in the stunningly beautiful Cairngorms, West Highlands and Assynt areas of Scotland.

You will be required to pick up guests, make up horse feeds and help to tack-up/un-tack the horses. Experience with hoof boots would be good as all of our horses are barefoot with boots - training will be given.
During the day, whilst the riders are on the trail, there may be other jobs to do - occasionally a field needs poo picking, but most don't, you may need to stock up on horse feed at a local store or prepare things for the following morning, but there is often time to go for a walk, or chill out. Sometimes we need to put up electric fencing in certain fields.
Between some of the rides you would need to transport horses from the end point of one ride, to the start point of the next.

You must be able to drive a LWB Landrover Defender and tow a horse trailer, often on single track roads and be able to think on the spot, should any problems occur - although I am always just a phone call away to help and support you.

Hours can be irregular with early mornings or late nights at the start or finish of the rides, but during the ride most days start at around 08.30 and finish between 16.30-18.30 in the afternoon, with a few exceptions as there are some half days and some later finishes.

All accommodation and meals are provided and you are welcome a friendly dog. (We may consider an un-paid partner too)

If you think this might suit you, please email Jan on
[email protected]

It was such a pleasure to work with the lovely Angelfire Photography for this gorgeous set of images featuring my two Friesians, Breagha and Brego. I had the pleasure of meeting Lucy when she came up to Scotland last month - these images were a test shoot for a equine photography workshop she hopes to run here at Highlands Unbridled towards the end of the year. I am so thankful to have such beautiful photos of my little equine family… Breagha in her golden retired years and young Brego who is now somehow inconceivably already 3 years old! I will treasure these images forever 🖤

✨ Two cancellation spaces for our famous Wild West Highlands ride have become available for June 9th - June 17th ✨

Two very lucky riders now have the chance to join us for the adventure of a lifetime as we cross some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.

This is one of our most iconic riding holidays. It is a true wilderness journey through vast glens, ancient trails, rugged mountains, and wild open moorland, all from the back of our incredible, sure footed horses.

Expect unforgettable scenery, wonderful company, cozy evenings, and memories that stay with you forever.

Spaces on this ride are incredibly rare, and cancellations are usually snapped up quickly.

To book or find out more, send us an email or visit our website.

It’s been such a fun and sunny start to our 2026 season. Riding in this warm sunshine has been an absolute joy... and finally being able to shed a few layers after what felt like an endless cold and wet winter has been even better!

We’ve welcomed lots of new ponies onto the trails this year, and it’s been so rewarding watching them grow in confidence with every ride. Seeing our horses genuinely enjoy their work is one of the most special parts of what we do. From splashing through burns, climbing hills and cantering through the glens to exploring the beautiful Cairngorms in this glorious spring weather, they have all been absolute superstars.

We have had some truly lovely weeks out on the trails, making the most of the sunshine and mountain views. There’s now just one more left in the Cairngorms for the spring before we head north for our first Coast to Coast rides of the year.

A big, warm welcome to my actual literal dream horse, Aska. She arrived from Germany at the start of last month, and I still can’t quite believe she’s mine. She’s a 5-year-old Icelandic mare and honestly the sweetest, most affectionate horse I could ever have hoped for. Her name comes from Icelandic and means “ashes." This is the perfect name for her, not only for her fiery hair but it's also a name rooted in nature, reminiscent of resilience, renewal, and new beginnings. It feels like such a meaningful name for the start of our journey together. And better yet, we even match… we share the same shade of red hair!

I plan to take things slowly with her — focusing on groundwork and building her balance so she can feel relaxed, confident, and balanced in her gaits and tölt. We’re just at the beginning of our adventure and I truly hope this is the start of an incredible partnership for many, many years to come.