Our top 10 horse riding holidays

2 min summary Map & highlights Mongolia Rajasthan Tuscany Catalonia Jordan Kazakhstan Argentina Top 10 Advice Responsible tourism

Our top 10 horse riding holidays

Most horse riding holidays do assume you have at least some experience on horseback already, but not all. If you’re new to horse riding, want to introduce the kids to the sport, or have not been in the saddle for some time, then you may want to look at Europe. Regions such as Catalonia and Tuscany are ideal for easygoing trots and canters across idyllic terrain. More experienced riders might want to look further afield to places such as Mongolia, Jordan or India, where confidence, physical fitness and a readiness to endure sometimes quite basic conditions reward you with vast expanses of spectacular horse country to explore.

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1. Mongolia

Genghis Khan conquered an entire empire from horseback, yet despite that Mongolia’s unadulterated wilderness and pure beauty – illustrated by endless skies and rolling steppe against a collision of mountains and sand dunes – simply screams freedom. If you love riding in the great outdoors, this is a chance to truly immerse yourself in nature at its most liberating. You’ll be led by herders that spend their lives on horseback, and have many opportunities to engage with local communities as you travel.

When to depart: June to September
Our top selling trip: Mongolia horse riding holiday, Zavkhan Classic
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Read more: Mongolia travel guide

2. Wales

Embark on a fantastic horseback expedition from the England / Wales border all the way to the coast, at the Dovey Estuary, on one of our most popular Wales horse riding holidays. Small group tours are led by guides familiar with the unmarked trails that lead you through wild hills and valleys, overnighting in small inns and hotels over the course of a week. You’ll be responsible for feeding, grooming and tacking your own steed throughout, so expect to become very attached.

When to depart: May to September
Our top selling trip: Border to coast horse riding holiday in the UK
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Read more: Wales travel guide

3. Catalonia

The Pyrenean foothills outside Girona are sublime territory for horse riding, offering a good mix of terrain for experienced riders as well as those new to life in the saddle. Expert instructors teach a variety of styles, then lead you on scenic rides around volcanic countryside, lakes, rivers and trails once used by highwaymen. It’s a great option for families with younger children, with gentle ponies available and an ample range of other activities nearby.

When to depart: All year-round
Our top selling trip: Catalan horse riding holiday in Spain
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Read more: Catalonia travel guide

4. Zimbabwe

Suited to experienced riders only, this exciting tour sees you spend three days exploring Hwange National Park on horseback, staying in a bush camp where you’ll share stories around the campfire every night with your fellow riders. You’ll be able to track and view Hwange’s amazing wildlife, including lions, elephants and painted dogs, from the saddle and on game drives, while before Hwange you’ll also take a thrilling boat cruise at Victoria Falls.

When to depart: All year-round
Our top selling trip: Zimbabwe riding holiday
See all our trips: Horse riding holidays
Read more: Zimbabwe travel guide

5. Kazakhstan

In the summer, the hills of eastern Kazakhstan are alive with gold-green grasslands, wildflowers, snow-dipped mountains and forests – all great for keen horse riders or active travellers up for moderate to challenging rides. Travel with a Kazakh Altai guide to learn about the importance of horses to this region’s culture, all while exploring a little-visited pocket of Central Asia.

When to depart: July
Our top selling trip: Kazakhstan horse riding holiday
See all our trips: Horse riding holidays
Read more: Kazakhstan horse riding guide

6. Portugal

There’s no better way to see wild horses than when riding – and in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, near the Spanish border, the wild Garrano horse herds look on in curiosity as you canter past. This national park has megalithic structures and Roman ruins, mountains and wooded valleys. When it comes to choosing a trusty steed for the journey, you can do worse than the Lusitano, a Portuguese horse breed known for its sweet and willing nature – the perfect riding horse, especially if you’re in its native land.

When to depart: All year round
Our top selling trip: North Portugal horse riding holiday
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Read more: Portugal travel guide

7. Ecuador

Embark on a week-long small group ride from the foothills outside Quito into Ecuador’s magnificent High Andes. Follow ancient Incan trails, admire snow-capped volcanoes and Andean condors, stay at luxurious and historic haciendas, and enjoy the immersion into indigenous culture that comes naturally when travelling through rural areas at a slower pace. While designed for intermediate riders this trip can also accommodate beginners, with lessons available, and you will also appreciate a few days acclimatising before set-off, as you’ll be riding at altitude.

When to depart: February to December
Our top selling trip: Horse riding in Ecuador
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Read more: Ecuador travel guide

8. Argentina

Trek alongside gaucho guides through remote mountain landscapes and camping at family-owned fincas, or for the more intrepid, follow in the (hoof)prints of San Martin on the legendary Crossing of the Andes from Chile to Argentina. Horses are used to sometimes rough terrain, and these tailormade tours are an ideal way to experience Argentina's famous gaucho culture.

When to depart: All year round
Our top selling trip: Horse riding and trekking in Argentina
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Read more: Argentina travel guide

9. Romania

The foothills of the Transylvanian Carpathians make a superb base for year round horse riding holidays. That’s right, you can canter through the snow here, a magical experience. You will be provided with a horse suited to your size and ability, with a range of breeds available including Lipizzaner and Arabs, and then ride out to explore medieval villages that seem frozen in time, unfenced pastures and meadows, and ancient forest.

When to depart: All year-round
Our top selling trip: Horse riding holiday in Romania
See all our trips: Horse riding holidays
Read more: Romania travel guide

10. South Africa

South Africa is a fantastic destination for family horse riding holidays. Beyond the riding you've got culture, history, the opportunity for games such as polocrosse, wine tasting and, of course, your horse riding can also be combined with big game safaris in some of the world's greatest national parks suchas Kruger.

When to depart: All year round
Our top selling trip: Family horse riding holiday in South Africa
See all our trips: Horse riding holidays
Read more: South Africa travel guide

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If you'd like to chat about Horse riding or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.