MEET OUR TEAM
Wherever in the world you travel with us, you are guaranteed a dedication to adventure and love of horses that match our own.
Zara, Founder & CEO
"I genuinely love nothing more than planning the perfect riding adventure for our clients. It takes 30 hours to plan a complex trip and I love to take the hassle out of endless searching and also give you the REAL scoop, match to your dreams, whilst finding you the best value…it's all about the detail. For me combining my passion for horses, people and travel is the absolute dream."
Zara has always had a passion for travel and at last count visited and lived in 40 countries. She grew up breaking, schooling and riding ponies in for a top UK producer. After school she worked on a show jumping stud farm in Belgium before settling into corporate life. In 2006, Zara quit her MD role in a $500 million travel agency in New York to establish Zara's Planet and moved back to Ireland to live the dream. Now, three grown kids, several horses and many years later, Zara still loves exploring the world on horses when not at her desk delighting in planning special trips. Several times a year she will host a ride with clients and friends to a unique destination or event.
Best travel memory
Galloping with giraffe in the Serengeti followed by sundowners and epic sunsets
Rides I like to host
Love sharing off the beaten track unique riding experiences anywhere in the world
On my bucket list
Seeking out the Przewalski wild horses in remote Mongolia
Jill, Co-Founder & MD
“Nothing gives me more pleasure than finding the right trips for my clients, where they will experience some fantastic riding and be looked after well by our wonderful hosts. I think this is what sets us apart from other companies - we REALLY do care about all our clients and we make sure they have direct access to us whether it’s by phone, email, social media or in person."
Jill grew up obsessed with horses from the moment she had her first thoughts. Alongside her sister Laura, who also works at Zara’s Planet, they are lucky enough to have their own yard filled with their horses. Jill started out at her local Pony Club West Perthshire before moving into showing, competing for many years up and down the country. Recently her interest has moved to Classical Dressage. As a child her family were always out of the country on holidays come the summer and her other passion for travel was born. Jill spent 15 years in the corporate world of media, before escaping to set up Zara’s Planet with Zara, her best friend from school.
Best travel memory
Riding my first canter pirouette in Portugal on a Lusitano stallion
Rides I like to host
Anything in South America or involves Classical Dressage
On my bucket list
The list is too long…….! Starting with ‘End of the World Trail’ Argentina!
Kati, Travel Consultant & Marketing
"I just love the smiles on people's face after a liberating gallop in a faraway land with a beautiful scenery as your backdrop. I want everybody to feel the childhood like freedom and happiness I have re-discovered on my riding adventures. It's addicitive."
Like the rest of the team, Kati has been surrounded by horses all her life, learning to ride from the age of seven. Kati made her career in marketing in London but her passion for nature, horses and travel drew her back to what she does now - managing all things marketing for Zara's Planet, researching and testing new exciting destinations and matching clients with their dream trips. Kati has also been working as a freelance riding guide and loves hosting Zara's Planet exclusive rides.
Best travel memory
Riding like a wind across the Namib Desert and sleeping under the stars
Rides I like to host
I'm the adventurous type, it's usually fast riding or really remote destinations
On my bucket list
I haven't explored the '-stans' yet and would love to try barrel racing
Laura, Travel Consultant & Content Manager
"I like to keep things simple — understand what someone’s really looking for and help them find a trip that fits. When it all comes together and they’ve had a brilliant time, that’s what matters."
Laura works across Zara’s Planet and its sister company, Horsenriderbnb. She’s often behind the scenes answering enquiries and helping riders choose the right trip, and keeping website content up to date. Laura brings strong customer service experience from her previous roles as an Account Executive. Horses have always been a big part of Laura's life, and alongside her sister Jill she competed in showing at events including Horse of the Year Show. These days, she enjoys time with her Dales pony Jack, from long rides in the Scottish countryside to a bit of dressage, while also supporting Horsenriderbnb hosts across the UK and Ireland.
Best travel memory
Learning passage on a classical dressage schoolmaster in Portugal - the feeling was incredible!
On my bucket list
I can't wait to ride with the gauchos in Argentina
