How many suitcases should I take to Europe?

I will be traveling to Europe at the end of March and will be there three weeks. I will be horseback riding for one week so there are boots, chaps, etc. involved. I can take 2 smaller suitcases or 1 large suitcase. In either case my total baggae would be less than 50 lbs. Since I will be changing planes, taking taxis and going by train, does anyone have a recommendation between the two? I have no problem handing a 50lb suitcase but have found in the past it may not fit so well in the trunk of a Fiat (but then again, would 2?)

You lucky thing! Where will you be riding?

Three things to consider:
(1) I know we all prefer our own gear, but did you have to take it, or can you rent?

(2) I hate having too much luggage to drag around (esp. when you are trying to catch connecting flights), so if possible i wouod have the large suitcase and your carry on. You can always put the large suitcase in the back seat of the Fiat?

(3) The less you have to take on the plane, the better - AVSEC is such a hassle to get through at the best of times.

It may be able to disperse the weight between two, but if you are traveling alone one may be easier to a) keep an eye on (europe has a ton of pick pockets) b) drag around considering you might have an additional carry on or purse to juggle. Good luck!

Under the scenario you describe, I would take two for greater flexibility in storing them through your travels.

take 2 , Is there anyway to ship your riding stuff

I've traveled Europe many times. Take 2 smaller suitcases but make sure you can connect the two so you have only ONE handle to pull. That would mean one bigger suitcase and one smaller. And of course...with Big wheels. Pack light..mostly basics...that can be interchanged. Electric converter too. But be careful, sometimes they burn up your equipment. Most shampoos, creams, etc can be purchased there so save the space & weight or take sample sizes.
Have fun. they are always Much friendlier IF you make an attempt to speak their language--even if you kill it. And most do speak English they just don't want you to know that. So keep your sense of humor at all times.

TH,
The number of suitcases will be governed by the amount of stolen gear you plan to bring back.

I travel alot and always see people carrying huge suitcases for 1 or 2 week trips and it cracks me up..........REMEMBER...you can do laundry in other countries or drop them off at a laundro-mat or whatever, does not make much sense to carry around 100pds of dirty clothes, pack lightly. KT