Top 10 Horseback Riding Destinations

Sir Winston Churchill declared it best when he said, “There is something about the outside of the horse that is good for the inside of a man.”  It has been proven that there are many benefits of horseback riding including the emotional and spiritual connection between horse and man. One of those connections is fostered by the engagement between both the rider and the horse as they come upon the scenery and ambiance that surrounds them during a ride.  There are numerous places throughout the world to go horseback riding and enjoy treks along trails, however, there are only a few places that would put an unforgettable stamp in a dedicated equestrians memory.

Samir Becic, 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world (author of the book ReSYNC Your Life ) and HFR’s top 10 horseback riding destinations.

Loire Valley, France: Located in the middle span of the Loire River in the central area of France, Loire Valley holds a plethora of vineyards and fruit orchards.  The grand castles in the valley also offer up an impressive layout for visitors to explore and even stay the night at local bed and breakfasts located among some of the finest historic legacies.  Horseback riding in Loire Valley allows visitors to tour through French gardens and to see beautiful landscapes throughout the terrain. Visitors also are able to enjoy trekking through courtyards in the national park of Loire Anjou Touraine, ride over drawbridges through the Chateau de Gizeux, and also in between rivers and forests.  Loire Valley offers family rides where children are able to ride on ponies, discovery treks through countryland and visit at a walking pace for beginners, while also offering pleasure and touraine treks for more advanced equestrians.

Masai Mara, Kenya: Let’s admit, Kenya may not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for somewhere to horseback ride. However, Masai Mara offers a horse riding safari where visitors are able to ride in equal positions with all wildlife roaming through the desert. Without the restriction or interruption of fences or any barriers, riders experience some of the most scenic parts of Kenya and have the chance to go to wildlife viewing areas where elephants, zebra, giraffe, and antelope meander freely.  The polo ponies are dressed with saddlebags and takes riders on game trails across Masailand.  It is recommended that only experienced horseman travel to Masai Mara to partake in the horseback safari due to the prolonged treks.

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii: Known as the “House of Sun” and sitting 10,023 ft above sea level, Haleakala is known as the highest peak on Maui island.  Haleakala National Park houses the world’s largest dormant volcanoes, giving visitors a memorable adventure should they choose to adventure through here. However, one of the most popular thrill activities in Haleakala is to go horseback riding.  Through the Makena Stables’ Sunset tour, horseback riders are able to experience the tropical Hawaiian culture while riders savor thorough views of the latest lava flow at La Perouse Bay.  At the end of each tour, riders have the luxury of enjoying a dynamic and vivid sunset that takes place at the summit of the park.

Tuscany, Italy: There is no better way to experience the picturesque landscapes in Tuscany than on the back of a horse.  Without any previous experience needed, visitors get to divulge in some of Italy’s greatest artistic and historic treasures, such as the circular stone walls of the Castello di Tocchi. The horseback riding adventure offers a trail throughout the Chianti region of Tuscany, allowing riders to tour through lavish vineyards and olive groves.  After the trek riders also get to enjoy plush wine tastings at local wineries.

Cappadocia, Turkey: Known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” Cappadocia has been a distinct place for visitors to go horseback riding for centuries.  The exotic landscapes and eccentric rock formations that line Cappadocia are stationed between some of the most picturesque valleys in Turkey, includings the valleys Swords, Meskendir, Rose and Love. Riders are able to saddle up with real Turkish cowboys on either an Anatolian or Arabic horse and ride alongside apple and apricot orchards and catch sites of volcanic stone hills on the trail.  Part of some riding trips include a visit to Istanbul which is considered as one the most beautiful cities in the world.

Grand Canyon, Arizona: There is no better place for a rider to channel their inner cowboy/girl than in the dry west of the Grand Canyon.  The canyon cavern tours allow visitors to see the unique and colorful rock formations and to be able to descend 2,300 hundred feet below the surface along the North Kaibab Trail. Horseback riders ride on the Cavern mules and are able to catch a glimpse of the stunning Supai Falls on the Supai Trail.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: With the span of roughly 3,500 square miles and situated among a volcano, Yellowstone is a vast area where visitors venture near striking canyons, luxurious forests and hot springs. This adventure is enhanced with the extravagance of horseback riding along the remarkable scenery. Trails go along sagebrush flats on Garnet Hill, giving riders a distinct aroma to treasure. Beginners and experts ride through open meadows and through wooded areas along the Cascade Creek.  There even may be some bears or wolves to catch a glimpse of while riders are on the trail.

Napa Valley, California: Also known as the renowned wine-producing country where there are hundreds of vineyards among the hills, Napa is also known as a remarkable place to ride a horse.  Visitors get the chance to experience a rustic horseback riding tour through the Chateau Lane Winery.  The Napa Valley Horse Company ensures its visitors that it will be the trek of a lifetime as they offer both romantic sunrise or sunset rides for couples, as well as all-around family tours that give families the opportunity to ride leisurely through the sloped vineyards.  Naturally, there is a wine tasting opportunities for visitors to partake in at the end of each tour.

Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas: Everyone loves a memorable view of the beach! Stationed just off the shore of the biggest city in the Bahamas, Paradise Island, formerly known as Hog Island, houses Happy Trails Stables that leads riders on a remarkable horse trail along the beach.  Since 1977, Happy Trails have been offering a variety of trails along the Coral Harbour where riders are able to trek along at a relaxing pace and enjoy the endless stretch of the sparkling blue water.

The Andes, Peru: There are few riding areas that offer a more sacred experience than riding through valley in the Land of the Incas.  Perol Chico is known as Peru’s prime horseback riding company that takes visitors on a trail across the Peruvian Andes allowing them to take-in Incan ruins and ride through obscure villages along the way.  From Cusco to Machu Picchu, horseback riders get to experience a combination of the richest history and culture on an eleven day trip throughout the terraced fields.  This once in a lifetime experience has been known to award riders with a dramatic and spiritual presence that will remain with them forever.

Hello, esteemed equestrian lovers! Check out more of our equestrian articles!

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