Horseback riding vacations can take you around the world, whether you are a novice or an experienced rider.
There are many adventures to experience at amazing destinations, from the comfort of your own saddle.
From trekking up mountains, ranch and cowboy experiences to galloping across a sandy beach, there are literally hundreds of great holiday destinations for anyone with a great love of horses.
Doing travel research on your own can be daunting, so we enlisted the help of the people behind Equi Supermarket and they gave us some suggestions on where to spend your next horseback riding holiday.
Together we’ve put together a list of 9 of the best places to go for horseback riding vacations:
Colorado Rockies, USA
In the Colorado Rockies there is a place called Tumbling River Ranch which is around 9,000 feet up the mountains. It has a full horse experience for all members of the family including babies and children. There are opportunities for short rides, long rides and overnight trips out.
The venue also offers many other activities to provide a complete holiday experience including hiking, rodeos, white water rafting and clay pigeon shooting. And if you opt to go out on one of the long rides you get to take part in a cowboy cookout after your day ends.
Nevada, USA
For real cattle drive experience, head to Nevada where you will find Cottonwood – a real working cattle and horse ranch. It sits in a really remote part of Nevada where you can head through the wilderness to take part in cattle drives.
For other activities you can head out on snow mobiles, mountain bikes or enjoy a spot of birdwatching in this wild and remote spot. It’s the ideal get away holiday for anyone who has always wanted to try the cowboy experience on a working ranch.
Sunshine Coast, Australia
If you are looking for a combined experience then head over to Australia’s Sunshine Coast where there is no end of horseback riding opportunities. You can follow a trail ride which takes you through rainforests, across the bush and onto the amazing North Shore beach in Noosa.
You will pass cattle on the beef farms as you pass and experience amazing opportunities to canter along the beach. If you want a destination that offers more than just horse riding then this is perfect as you can take part in surfing, diving or snorkelling here too.
Machu Picchu, Peru
For a trail which is as spectacular as the final destination, head out to Peru and ride the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, high up in the Andes – viewing the historical trail from horseback provides a unique experience of this amazing area.
You can opt for a 10 day riding holiday which lets you explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and gives you a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on this important site.
Alberta, Canada
The Three Bars Ranch in Alberta can be found between the Glacier National Park and Banff and offers amazing horse riding trails for the family through the Canadian Rockies. The Ranch has more than 75,000 acres and offers over 100 horses to ride.
This family-friend destination can be reached by flying in to Calgary, and offers access to Alberta and British Columbia, including Banff, Lake Louise and Buffalo Jump.
Madrid, Spain
The Sierra de Gredos mountains sit west of Madrid but are not well known providing the perfect horseback riding destination. You can take part in trails, overnight rides and will be riding on pure-bred Lusitanos.
Families and experienced riders alike can enjoy this region where you can ride mountain passes, medieval paths and Roman roads. You can also visit an amazing gorge and swim in freshwater rivers as you travel.
Botswana Safari Trail, Africa
If you’ve always wanted to encounter wild animals and are an experienced horse rider then why not head out to Botswana for an in saddle safari experience? You will find yourself trotting through the Okavango Delta – an amazing game viewing area.
Your overnight accommodation will be a tented camp complete with plunge pool and the chance to see the top five wild animals – lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs and rhinos so why not head out for an African adventure of a lifetime.
Mongolia
Steeped in equestrian tradition, Mongolia is a stunning horse riding destination complete with steppes, mountains and its amazing equine history.
You can take part in a 14-day riding tour where you will experience mountains and lakes, rivers and valleys and get the chance to stay in a nomadic encampment.
Patagonia, Argentina
Patagonia in Argentina is home to The Huechahue – a 15,000-acre working ranch which caters for all levels of riding experience, although you will need to be fit and up for a challenge as it includes rugged climbs, cattle work and rides through water meadows.
The venue also offers plenty of other leisure activities including Jacuzzi pools to help you relax and soothe tired muscles after a hard day of riding.
Related Posts:
8 Destinations for Your Next Horseback Riding Vacation
Horse Trails in the UK – An Escape to Adventure
Which horseback riding vacations would you like to take?
