Horseback Riding Vacations: Best Trails and Resorts Around the World
For those who love the thrill of the outdoors and the companionship of horses, horseback riding vacations offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From serene beach rides to challenging mountain trails, there are countless destinations around the globe that cater to riders of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a beginner looking to try something new, here’s a roundup of the best trails and resorts for unforgettable horseback riding vacations.
1. Tuscany, Italy: Rolling Hills and Vineyards
Why It’s Special
Tuscany’s picturesque landscapes are famous worldwide, and exploring them on horseback offers a unique way to experience the region’s beauty. Imagine riding through rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. Many Tuscan resorts offer guided tours that include wine tasting and visits to historical sites, making this a perfect blend of culture and adventure.
Top Resort: Castello di Tornano
Located in the heart of the Chianti region, Castello di Tornano offers luxurious accommodations in a restored medieval castle. The resort provides guided horseback tours through the surrounding countryside, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and sample local wines.
2. Banff National Park, Canada: Majestic Mountain Rides
Why It’s Special
For those who crave rugged wilderness and towering mountain peaks, Banff National Park in Canada is an ideal destination. The park’s extensive trail system winds through dense forests, along pristine lakes, and up to panoramic viewpoints, offering riders a true wilderness experience. The chance to spot wildlife like elk, deer, and even bears adds to the thrill.
Top Resort: Brewster’s Mountain Lodge
Brewster’s Mountain Lodge is a family-owned resort that has been hosting horseback riding adventures for generations. Their guided trail rides take you deep into the Rockies, offering a chance to explore the stunning scenery and stay in cozy, rustic lodges along the way.
3. Patagonia, Argentina: Remote Wilderness Adventures
Why It’s Special
Patagonia’s vast, untamed wilderness is a paradise for adventurous riders. With its dramatic landscapes of jagged peaks, expansive glaciers, and windswept plains, this region offers some of the most challenging and rewarding horseback riding experiences in the world. Riders can traverse remote trails that take them through pristine national parks and along the famous Andes mountain range.
Top Resort: Estancia Ranquilco
Estancia Ranquilco is a remote and authentic Patagonian ranch that offers multi-day horseback expeditions. Riders can explore the rugged terrain, crossing rivers, ascending mountain trails, and camping under the stars. The ranch also provides comfortable accommodations and gourmet meals, making it a true escape into nature.
4. The Outback, Australia: Epic Desert Journeys
Why It’s Special
Australia’s Outback offers a unique and challenging environment for horseback riding. The vast, arid landscapes are home to ancient rock formations, hidden waterholes, and unique wildlife like kangaroos and emus. Riding through the Outback allows you to connect with the land in a way that few other experiences can match, providing a sense of solitude and adventure.
Top Resort: Brampton Park Station
Brampton Park Station is a working cattle station in the Northern Territory that offers horseback riding experiences through the Outback. Guests can join cattle musters, explore the rugged terrain, and experience the life of a true Australian cowboy. The station provides comfortable accommodations and a chance to unwind under the expansive Outback sky.
5. Masai Mara, Kenya: Safari on Horseback
Why It’s Special
For an unforgettable wildlife experience, nothing beats a horseback safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Riding through the savannah allows you to get up close to some of Africa’s most iconic animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes, all while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. The thrill of spotting wildlife from horseback, combined with the luxury of top-notch safari lodges, makes this a bucket-list adventure.
Top Resort: Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains Camp is a luxury safari lodge that offers exclusive horseback riding safaris. Experienced guides lead riders through the reserve, ensuring safe and respectful encounters with wildlife. The camp’s luxurious tents provide an ideal place to relax after a day of adventure, with gourmet meals and stunning views of the savannah.
6. Andalusia, Spain: Sun-Drenched Trails and Flamenco Culture
Why It’s Special
Andalusia is known for its rich equestrian heritage, making it a top destination for horseback riding enthusiasts. The region’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevada to the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol, provide endless opportunities for exploration. Riding through olive groves, past whitewashed villages, and along the coast offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
Top Resort: Finca la Donaira
Finca la Donaira is a luxury eco-resort that offers world-class horseback riding experiences in the heart of Andalusia. The resort’s organic farm and biodynamic vineyard provide the backdrop for a sustainable and luxurious stay. Guests can enjoy daily guided rides, tailored to their skill level, and explore the surrounding countryside on well-trained Andalusian horses.
7. Iceland: Volcanic Landscapes and Glacial Rivers
Why It’s Special
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes offer a truly unique horseback riding experience. The country’s famous Icelandic horses are known for their sure-footedness and gentle temperament, making them perfect companions for exploring the volcanic terrain. Riders can traverse lava fields, cross glacial rivers, and soak in the country’s hot springs, all while taking in the dramatic scenery that Iceland is known for.
Top Resort: Eldhestar
Eldhestar is one of Iceland’s premier riding tour companies, offering a variety of horseback adventures through the country’s most stunning landscapes. Their multi-day tours include stays at comfortable countryside lodges and opportunities to experience Iceland’s natural wonders, from waterfalls to geysers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking the challenge of rugged mountain trails, the serenity of coastal rides, or the thrill of a wildlife safari, there’s a horseback riding vacation out there for every type of rider. These top destinations and resorts offer not only world-class riding experiences but also the chance to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes on the planet. So, saddle up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
