Horse treks are a fantastic way to unobtrusively explore the world around you and there is lots of variety on offer, even from the safety of a saddle. Good exercise (if your legs are unaccustomed to it, be prepared for the morning after!) and great fun, there will be a trekking adventure to suit you and your experience.
1. Andalucian Coast, Spain
If horse riding on a beach is on your bucket list, then Southern Spain and its native Andalucian horses will not disappoint. The far stretching sand dunes and gentle waves make this coastline ideal, especially for new riders. There is plenty of wildlife to look out for, particularly the elusive and endangered Spanish imperial eagle. ‘Ride Andalucia specialises in trekking holidays.
2. Dartmoor, England
If you’re looking to stay close to home, then Dartmoor will be difficult to beat for horseback trekking! It’s challenging routes wind through open moorland and woodland trails alike with dramatic scenery around every corner. If you have your own horse, there are accommodations that can house both of you…however, if you don’t there are several alternatives, such as Adventure Clydesdale.
3. Botswana and South Africa
These regions are as much a horse trek as they are a full blown safari experience as you can expect to see anything and everything from elephants to zebras to lions. A horse safari is one of the best low-impact ways to observe such incredible wildlife without compromising its future. Sunsets and al fresco dinners will add to your unforgettable trip: Visit African Horseback for more information.
4. Australian ‘Alps’ National Park
Brindabella National Park supports a diverse range of native animals, including a number of threatened species. Riding through this area opens up opportunities to animals including eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, bush-tail possums, the famous blotched blue tongue lizard and copperhead snakes! Its mountainous terrain makes for spectacular scenery, and you are permitted from Doctors Flat Road northwards.
5. Tuscany, Italy
Take yourself away from the busy cities and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside! Trekking here will provide an opportunity to relax and explore vineyards in a new way. Exquisite cuisine can be expected after a long day in the saddle exploring the rolling hills and varied woodland.
6. Sligo, Ireland
The spectacular Irish countryside and coastline can best be explored on horseback, as treks can take you to remote beaches and lakes, with stop-offs during the day in quant traditional settlements. Island View Riding Stables offers a wide range of options for all levels of experience.
7. Sierra Chicas, Argentina
Argentina may be the home of polo, but this is not the only way to enjoy life on horseback here. Perhaps you’d rather immerse yourself in the Argentinian way of life, herding cattle or helping with fence construction during your stay at an ‘estancia’. Space is not an issue in this part of South America…you can make your way across thousands of acres without seeing the same thing twice!
8. The Black Mountains Wales
This area is renowned for its rugged beauty, mountainous terrain and open moorland. A trusty Welsh cob will take you through the Brecon Beacons National Park where you’ll be able to observe a variety of wildlife nestled in the hedgerows. There are many trail options in this area, but we’ve picked this one as our favourite.
9. Hovsgal Province, Mongolia
A trek in Mongolia offers far more than the opportunity to see a beautiful part of the world from the ultimate vantage point of a saddle! You will also be exposed to the unique culture, where the legendary Mongolian horses are still integral to the nomad’s way of life, and are the last remaining nomadic horses left on the planet.
10. Nevada, US
True home of the cowboy, this area of North America is the perfect place for a trekking holiday. You can immerse yourself in life on the ranch which will improve your understanding of their traditional Western heritage as the rides take you over farmlands and grasslands. Appropriately named, Cowboy Trail Rides will offer you everything you’re looking for!
Whether you decide to travel far and wide or stay closer to home, always ensure you have the right horse riding travel insurance in place.