Ask most people about their bucket list, and ‘learn to ride a horse’ will probably be on there somewhere. (Ok, so it’s not on mine because I’m a big scaredy cat, but you, dear reader, are probably not.) Even if it isn’t – ahem – and even if you’ve never stepped into a saddle before in your life, you can still enjoy some amazing horse riding experiences around the world that will allow you to see your destination from a totally new perspective.
From living (and riding) with local families, to learning to play a new sport or visiting a magical off-the-beaten-path waterfall, horse riding in the following destinations will be an adventure you’ll never forget.
Colorado, USA
If you want to recreate a little City Slickers action (don’t ever say my references aren’t on trend…), then Colorado is the place to get your cowboy on. There are several guest ranches nestled in the mountain valleys around the state and they will be happy to select a horse for you based on your riding ability and skill level. Most of these ranches are perfect for families, offering other activities such as campfires, carnivals and rodeos.
Iceland
Although a little colder than our first two destinations, on horseback is the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of Iceland’s countryside. The Icelandic Horse breed has a fascinating history which can be traced back to the horses of Viking settlers in the late 9th Century and these fine animals are kept in tip-top condition through a diet of high-quality horse products and lots of TLC from their owners.
Riding tours in Iceland take visitors to places that are otherwise fairly hard to reach, including glacial mountains, rivers, waterfalls and geothermal pools.
Cordoba/Mendoza, Argentina
Riding through the wilderness in one of Argentina’s most fascinatingly diverse areas will have you feeling like a true ‘gaucho’ in no time. Guests stay on an estancia, a private landholding often owned by one family, and can enjoy distance riding and comfortable accommodation. These types of holidays are suited to more experienced riders, and often guests can also learn to play polo as part of the package.
Botswana, Africa
An African horseback safari is perhaps one of the most exciting trips you can take, encompassing two great animal adventures in one. Led by talented guides, visitors can trek through the Okavango Delta on a herd of experienced horses and view some of the countries most famous animals, including elephants, giraffes and zebras.
St. Lucia, Caribbean
Short day trips or private one-on-one trails are the name of the game in St. Lucia, with most visitors signing up for an on-beach trek along the Atlantic Coastline. Further inland, you can ride through banana estates and over lush meadows, with the magnificent Piton Mountains as your backdrop. These short daytime rides are perfect for beginners and families and offer you an alternative look at the island.
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