Take the Reins: 6 of the Best Destinations for Riding Holidays

‘No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle’ – Winston Churchill.

Nowhere could this be more fitting than on a riding holiday. There’s no better way to explore the world than from the back of a horse. Whether you’re galloping across open plains or quietly observing the rhythms of the bush, riding offers an experience unlike any other.

Discover six destinations offering unique riding experiences.

South Africa – Conservation from Horseback

Riding safari at Ants Hill, The Ant Collection, Waterberg Mountains, South Africa

The Ant Collection, made up of Ant’s Nest, Ant’s Hill and the newly built Bushwillows Camp are unique bush homes surrounded by African wilderness in the malaria-free Waterberg region. Catering to all abilities, each ride is tailor-made to suit guests’ personal requests and experience levels, making this the perfect family adventure. Finish the morning ride by swimming with your horse, and the evening ride with a well-earned sundowner. There is plenty of opportunity to take a break from riding to explore the reserve by foot, game viewer or mountain bike too. A highlight at Ant’s is the annual Game Census, when hands-on wildlife conservation, including darting, capturing and relocating, is all done from horseback. Learn about anti-poaching efforts whilst interacting with resident rhinos, who are protected 24/7 by armed rangers.

Riding activity: Ride once a day, twice a day or not at all. Rides are between 1 and 4 hours.
Horses: The herd of over 90 horses is made up of Friesians, Thoroughbreds and Arab-Boerperd crosses and includes some fabulous children’s ponies. The horses roam free over the reserve alongside the 40+ wildlife species, so they are attuned to the rhythms of the bush.
Riding level: Suitable for any rider, from total beginners to seasoned equestrians. Lessons are available for those who want to brush up before venturing out into the bush.
Riding Style and Tack: English, using McClellan trail saddles, and mostly snaffle bridles.
Non-riding activities: Game drives, bird watching, bush walks, mountain biking, fishing, stargazing, wine tasting.
Accommodation: Beautiful lodge rooms and private cottages.
When to go: March – November

Kenya – Safari on the Move

Arguably the most exciting riding safari in Africa, Offbeat Safaris has an unrivalled reputation for exhilarating rides, exceptional hospitality and extraordinary game viewing. Embark on a journey across the Masai Mara, with dramatic river crossings, challenging terrain, and some of the closest big cat encounters from horseback in the business. The mobile camp moves to four stunning locations with views of endless savannah, setting the scene for spectacular sunsets. As well as the Masai Mara, Offbeat run mobile safaris in Laikipia, and ‘lodge-to-lodge’ rides throughout Kenya.

Riding activity: 4-7 hours per day in the saddle, with some fast riding, exciting river crossings and tense animal encounters.
Horses: Well-schooled Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbred crosses, many of them having competed in eventing or polo previously.
Riding level: Strong intermediate and experienced riders only.
Riding style and tack: English riding style and saddles, using mainly snaffle bridles.
Non-riding activities: Game drives and bush walks led by Offbeat’s excellent guides and spotters.
Accommodation: Spacious tents with proper beds await you at the end of each day, as camp moves on alternate days and is set up ahead of the riding group’s arrival.
When to go: June – March

Argentina – Life of a Gaucho

Three horse riders with rolling hills ahead, Estancia Los Potreros, Cordoba, Argentina

Embrace the slow rhythms of rural Argentina, joining in cattle drives and roundups for a true gaucho experience. Estancia Los Potreros is a traditional, family-run cattle farm between the Pampas and the Andes in the Córdoba Hills. Passed down within the same family for four generations, the 6000-acre farm offers varied riding through the beautiful landscape of the Sierras Chicas. With an emphasis on sustainable tourism and farming, most of the delicious home-cooked meals are made with ingredients produced on the farm, and fine Argentine wines from the estancia’s cellar are locally sourced.

Riding activity: 4-6 hour trail rides, with options for horse and cattle drives and polo.
Horses: Over 130 Criollos, Peruvian Pasos and Quarter Horses. They are forward going and enjoyable to ride, with many born and bred on the estancia.
Riding level: All abilities are welcome here, with each ride catered to the group’s experience and preferences.
Non-riding options: Hiking to swimmable waterfalls, birdwatching.
Riding style and tack: Relaxed, gaucho style riding, using traditional South American saddles with comfortable sheepskin covers.
Accommodation: Traditionally decorated rooms in the estancia, each with a private bathroom. No more than 12 guests are hosted at a time for an intimate and immersive experience.
When to go: September – April

USA – Wild Wyoming

Nestled at the western base of the Bighorn Mountains, Paintrock Canyon Ranch spans 80,000 acres of breathtaking Wyoming wilderness. Encounter plenty of wildlife including bobcat, elk and sometimes even bears. An experience as educational as it is adventurous, learn about sustainable ranch management and cattle grazing as you ride through the herd, or discover Native American petroglyphs at the nearby Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site. After a long day of riding, sample the ranch’s home-grown beef expertly prepared by their private chef.

Riding activity: Stay on the ranch or venture out on a pack trip towards Cloud Peak and into Bighorn National Forest, riding from 5 to 7 hours per day.
Horses: A variety of Western trained horses.
Riding level: All levels are welcome however riders need to be intermediate or above to join pack trips.
Riding style and tack: Western
Non-riding options: Fly-fishing, wildlife encounters, cattle ranch visit, Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site.
Accommodation: Spacious safari style tents with comfortable king size beds, overlooking the tranquil Paintrock Creek.
When to go: May – October

Iceland – Ride with the Herd

Journey into the Icelandic Highlands alongside Hestasport’s herd of 50+ free-running horses. Experience the Icelandic horse’s unique gaits while taking in breathtaking views of glaciers, rivers and mountains, staying in comfortable cottages and remote mountain huts. As well as multi-day tours, a variety of day rides are available with options for all levels of rider.

Riding activity: 2-5 hours of riding per day over the varied terrain of mountains and glacial rivers.
Horses: Icelandic horses are small, hardy and generally very easy-going.
Riding level: A minimum of intermediate riding level is needed for this ride, due to long hours in the saddle, riding in a remote mountain region. With the added challenge of over 50 loose horses running alongside, it is important riders have complete control over their horse.
Riding style and tack: English
Non-riding options: White-water rafting, birdwatching, hiking.
Accommodation: Cosy timber cottages with access to a natural hot tub. There is also a night in a remote mountain hut with a more adventurous sleeping bag set-up.
When to go: June – August

Mongolia – Explore Ancient Landscapes

Herd of Mongolian horses, Gobi Desert, Mongolia

For the true explorer, Nomadic Journeys offer expeditions across the vast Mongolian steppe, following trails once travelled by Genghis Khan’s warriors. Unsupported by vehicles, all luggage, tents and supplies are transported by yak carts (or by camel in some locations), emulating the nomad lifestyle still very much alive today. Aside from multi-day expeditions into remote wildernesses, short stays at eco-friendly ger camps alternatively offer optional daily rides alongside other non-riding activities such as kayaking and mountain biking.

Riding Activity: 4 – 7 hours of riding per day with up to 8 days of riding on multi-day tours.
Horses: Mongolian horses are very small but strong and hardy, usually only measuring between 12hh and 14hh (122-142 cm).
Riding level: Intermediate or experienced riding level is needed for multi-day mobile tours, due to the remote locations and lack of supporting vehicles. However short stays at ger camps offer rides to a wider range of abilities.
Riding style and tack: Stock/military type saddles. Traditionally Mongolian riders stand up in the trot and canter on these short-striding horses.
Non-riding options: Mountain biking, kayaking, nomad family visits.
Accommodation: Spacious tipis and ger (yurt) camps.
When to go: June – September