Horseback tours are one of the newer ways to explore countries. They are particularly popular in places like Ireland, Argentina, and Africa where there is lots of land to cover and lots to see in the countryside as opposed to just in the cities. In essence, rather than traveling by motorcoach, you ride to your destinations. Obviously you cover less ground but you get to see more of the countryside up close and often stay in small inns and bed and breakfast establishments.
The first time I looked at one of these tours I thought that much as I would enjoy it, it would be a poor choice for me as I am not a great rider. Turns out that there are tours geared for all levels of horsemanship from beginners to people who practically live in the saddle. For those interested in horses, the tours often provide a great way to become more familiar with native equine breeds as well.
When choosing a tour it is important to be honest about your riding abilities since it makes matching your with a suitable mount much easier and allows them to plan the trip better. It is also safer. There’s no point in pretending your ride horses for a living if you only get in a saddle a few times a year. Here are a few of the tours that I think look really great.
#1 South Africa Horse Safari at Ant Lodges
This tour is geared towards riders of all skill levels. Being on horseback, allows you to access areas that a vehicle cannot go and gets you much closer to the game animals like zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and wildebeest. There are no lions or elephants in this particular area. You stay on a private game preserve in safari lodges owned by the Baber family. The lodges are quite lovely and have a pool for the days you wish to simply relax. The horses are Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Boerped crosses. There are drive safaris available for those not interested in riding although the best wildlife viewing is definitely on horseback. Your stay price includes safaris, meals, accommodations, and riding. Everything can be customized including honeymoon packages.
#2 Peru & Machu Picchu
This one requires you be a reasonably good rider, it is not for beginners. You’ll be riding traditional Peruvian Pasos, one of the smoothest riding horses in the world. You start out on a ranch in Cusco, one of South America’s oldest continually inhabited cities and a former Incan capital and from there your journey takes you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a variety of Incan ruins along the way. You’ll go up the Andes Mountains for some magnificent views and visit various villages throughout the plateau. You’ll also get to see the Moray and Urquillos Valleys and the famed Machu Picchu. You will be climbing cliffs on horseback and there are some high altitudes for your body to adjust to but it’s an opportunity to explore the heart of the Incan civilization on traditional Peruvian horses.
#3 Alentejo Coast, Portugal
To me, this one sounds the most romantic. You explore the Alentejo coast f Portugal on horseback, spending lots of time on the beach and in local villages. You ride Lusitano horses, which are a Portuguese breed that is similar to the Spanish Andalusian. You do need to be reasonably comfortable on horseback since you spend lots of time cantering on the beach under the hot Portuguese sunshine. You’ll stay at boutique hotels and guesthouses and enjoy picnic lunches on the beach. It even includes excursions to see the dolphins. If you enjoy horses, does this not sound exquisitely romantic?
#4 South Queensland, Australia – Bush & Beach
Explore the Sunshine Coast on Australian stock horses through a tour founded by Olympian Alex Watson. This is a perfect trip for those who want to do a bit of everything. You ride through the rainforest, on the beach, and in the bush. You may even work some cattle. When not riding you have lots of other activities to choose from including diving, snorkelling, surfing, swimming and fishing. You’ll see lots of Australia’s unique wildlife from your saddle and enjoy resorts and bed and breakfasts. All levels of riders are accommodated and there is lots to do outside of the saddle too.
#5 Costa Rica
This is another trip that is designed to give you a taste of lots of different places. You’ll ride Costa Rican Criollos which is a breed that came out of the mixture of horses that have been brought to Costa Rica including Quarter Horses, Morgans, Andalusians, Peruvian Pasos, and Arabians. You can choose from itineraries designed for beginners through to advanced riders. You can explore the coast, rainforests, lagoons, mango plantations and mountain trails. There are also non-riding activities like a visit to the Arenal Volcano, snorkelling and swimming.
#6 Italy’s Amalfi Coast
This is another trip that can be great for riders of all skill levels. The Mediterranean coast is simply beautiful and you stay at a working farm that produces its own olive oil, meats, vegetables and cheeses and venture out on day trips by horseback to explore the local area including Roman ruins, small villages, and the coast. There are also plenty of non-riding day trips in the areas as well. The food is delicious, traditional Italian and you can take a cooking class while there. This is a perfect vacation for someone looking to get a real feel for Italian life and appreciates the all-natural approach of the farm.
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