Whether you have your own horse or plan to get one, horseback ride as a hobby or you just love the animal, an equestrian vacation is a fun and exciting experience for everyone involved. You have the opportunity to either use, improve or begin your horseback riding skills. Seeing beautiful scenery whilst riding a horse is a fantastic encounter compared to seeing it through the window of a vehicle. Not only does it get you closer to nature, but you get the chance to explore mind-blowing landscapes in a truly up close and unique way. You also get to create a bond with a magnificent and majestic animal along the way. If a vacation like this sounds like something that would interest you, then here are eight destinations that you need to explore if you love horses.

Colorado

In Colorado, you can find the Rocky Mountains. Tumbling River Ranch is located at 9,200 feet in these spectacular mountains. It provides the perfect getaway for people of all ages. They have horseback riding programs for babies, young kids, and teenagers, making it the ideal family vacation place. You can either book full-day rides or half-day rides, meaning you can occupy your time with the horses or you can do other things around riding and sight-seeing. There is also an option for overnight trips. There are many other activities you can participate in, such as rodeos, white water rafting, fly-fishing, clay pigeon shooting, and hiking.

Nevada

The working horse and cattle ranch, Cottonwood, is located in the north-east of Nevada. Here, you can enjoy drifting through the wilderness on horseback taking part in both horse and cattle drives. You also get the chance to go fishing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and bird watching. Being a working ranch, you can experience what it is really like to look after these animals before buying a horse.

Australia

There are so many things that you need to see in this amazing country. From tropical rainforests to beautiful beaches, exploring Australia on horseback will be an unforgettable experience. You can also take part in mustering cattle on the huge beef farms found in the Outback. Australia is a massive country, so planning your trip and giving yourself enough time to see the country properly is important. For example, if you plan your horse adventure in Queensland, then you can expect rides along Noosa Beach and will be close enough to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel and get up close to marine life.

Peru

In Peru, you can follow the footsteps along the Inca trail of the Spanish conquistadors. On this trail, you can see the Machu Picchu and can ride up the Peruvian Andes. There are many riding trips that allow you to experience the Inca settlements close to Cusco and the well-known Sacred Valley of the Incas, all on the back of a horse. Peru is also home to the Amazon basin and is the only country in South America where you can experience the Amazon in various forms. If you love wildlife, then riding through the Peruvian section of the Amazon is something you would really enjoy as it is supposed to be the most biodiverse part of the jungle.

Canada

Canada has so many locations that are hard to beat and need to be seen. For a family-friendly getaway, you should visit Three Bars Ranch. It can be found between Glacier National Park and Banff in British Columbia. It offers unbeatable trails that take you through the Canadian Rockies and along the St Mary’s Riverbank. There are hundreds of horses available to take riders around the 75,000 acres of land that can be found here. If you get a flight into Calgary, you can take the opportunity to explore the highlights of British Columbia and Alberta. For example, Banff, Lake Louise, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Frank Slide.

Spain

The mountain range known as Sierra de Gredos can be found in the west of Madrid. There are overnight trails you can take part in here; this way, you can unpack, relax, and take in the scenery. The rides are extremely suitable if you are traveling with your family or if you aren’t very experienced at riding. You get the chance to ride on pure-bred Lusitania horses through pine forests, up mountains, and can go back in history while you explore medieval paths and Roman roads. There are also river valleys and gorges along these treks. Here, the opportunity to swim in these freshwater pools and rivers is given to tourists when you stop for lunch.

Botswana

This place is more suited for experienced riders due to the increased risk of the trip (due to being close to African wildlife, including predatory species, so being a good rider is essential). The Okavango Delta can be found in Botswana. This is one of the finest areas to view the game in the world. This is due to the high biodiversity of the area. At this place, you can have a safari adventure all on the back of a horse. There is a tented camp called Macutoo that has its very own plunge pool, where guests can stay. Lucky and visual visitors may be able to spot elephants, buffalo, rhino, cheetahs and lions (the Big Five) during their stay.

Wales

The Welsh hills are ideal for novice riders as there are many companies who have the time and facilities to teach less experienced people. There are many opportunities to learn a range of horsey skills that are useful in equestrian life. This includes basic preparations and instructions for trails, such as grooming, feeding, catching and tacking up the horses. The landscape of Wales is something that can be truly appreciated on horseback.

Horseback riding requires skill, patience, and bravery. Always make sure you have and wear the right equipment before going out on a ride, such as a helmet, suitable pants, a shoe with a heel, gloves, and a body vest (to name a few), even if the weather is hot. We hope you enjoy your horsey holiday!