The 10 Best Horseback Riding Destinations Around the World

There is something truly magical about seeing the world from the back of a horse.
You can travel by car, plane, boat, or bus, but horseback riding gives you a completely different way to experience a destination. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, you get to slow down, follow the rhythm of your horse, and experience landscapes from a completely different perspective.
For horse lovers, a riding holiday can be so much more than a vacation. It can be an opportunity to experience a new culture, meet incredible horses, explore places that feel completely different from home, and create memories that stay with you long after you've returned.
From riding across Icelandic lava fields to exploring the Mongolian steppe or watching wildlife from horseback in Africa, there are incredible equestrian adventures all over the world.
So, where should you go?
Here are 10 incredible horseback riding destinations to add to your bucket list.

1. Iceland 
Ride Through the Land of Fire and Ice.
Iceland is an incredible destination for anyone who wants their horseback riding adventure to feel completely different from home.
The country is famous for its dramatic landscapes, including volcanoes, lava fields, mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and black-sand beaches. Experiencing these landscapes from the back of an Icelandic horse makes the adventure even more memorable.
The Icelandic horse is also a huge part of the experience. This unique breed is known for its strength, sure-footedness, and distinctive tölt, a smooth four beat gait that is one of the reasons riders travel to Iceland specifically to experience these horses.
Riding experiences range from shorter excursions to multi-day adventures. This makes Iceland an option for riders looking for anything from a quick equestrian experience to a much bigger adventure.
Imagine riding through a volcanic landscape with mountains in the distance, the wind around you, and an Icelandic horse beneath you. It is the kind of experience that can make an ordinary vacation feel extraordinary.
Perfect for: dramatic scenery, Icelandic horses, adventurous beginners, and experienced riders.

2. Mongolia
Experience Horse Culture at Its Heart.
If your dream riding holiday involves wide-open spaces, adventure, and getting away from modern life, Mongolia deserves a spot on your list.
Mongolia has one of the world's strongest horse cultures. Horses have long been deeply connected to everyday life, including transportation, herding, sport, and tradition.
Imagine riding across enormous grasslands with mountains stretching into the distance, spending the night in a traditional ger, and waking up to another day in the saddle.
Mongolian riding holidays can be much more adventurous than a typical trail ride. Some journeys involve several days of riding across remote terrain and staying in simple accommodations or camps.
It isn't necessarily about luxury and that's exactly what makes it appealing.
For the adventurous rider, Mongolia offers the chance to experience a landscape and culture in a way that feels wonderfully removed from everyday life.
Perfect for: adventurous riders, long-distance trekking, remote landscapes, and cultural experiences.

3. Patagonia 
Ride at the End of the World.
Patagonia stretches across southern Argentina and Chile and is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable.
Think enormous mountains, glaciers, open grasslands, forests, rivers, and wide valleys.
Horseback riding is deeply connected to the region's gaucho culture, making a riding holiday here about more than simply seeing beautiful scenery. Depending on your itinerary, you may ride across traditional ranch land, explore the foothills of the Andes, or spend time at an estancia.
One particularly special option is the Torres del Paine region in Chile. Riding with local guides gives visitors the opportunity to experience the landscape through a tradition that has been part of the region for generations.
Patagonia is ideal for someone who wants their holiday to feel like a genuine adventure rather than a standard vacation.
Imagine spending your day in the saddle surrounded by mountains and open countryside, then watching the sunset over one of the world's most spectacular landscapes.
Perfect for: mountain lovers, experienced riders, gaucho culture, and unforgettable scenery.

4. Kenya
 Experience a Horseback Safari.
Have you ever imagined riding a horse while seeing wild animals in their natural environment?
Kenya can make that dream a reality.
Horseback safaris offer a completely different way to experience Africa. Instead of seeing the landscape exclusively from a vehicle, riders can travel through open areas and wildlife conservancies on horseback.
Depending on the location and safari, riders may encounter wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, antelope, and other African animals.
However, horseback safaris aren't all the same. Some are designed for experienced riders who are comfortable riding at faster speeds and in open environments, while others are more accessible to less experienced riders.
If you're considering this type of adventure, always check the operator's experience requirements carefully and make sure the trip is suitable for your riding ability.
For an experienced rider, there are few things more exciting than exploring the African landscape on horseback.
Perfect for: experienced riders, wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and safari enthusiasts.

5. Botswana
Ride Through the Okavango Delta.
If Kenya sounds exciting, Botswana takes the horseback safari experience somewhere completely different.
The Okavango Delta is a unique landscape of waterways, islands, floodplains, and wildlife, making it an incredible environment to explore on horseback.
Riding through the delta allows you to experience the landscape at a slower pace while being surrounded by nature.
Horseback safari operators may offer multi-day experiences where riders spend their days exploring the wilderness and their nights in safari camps.
Because these rides can take place in areas where wild animals are present, many experiences are designed specifically for confident and experienced riders.
For riders who want a combination of wilderness, wildlife, and adventure, Botswana can provide an unforgettable experience.
Perfect for: experienced riders, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers.

6. Andalusia, Spain 
Horses, History, and Beautiful Countryside.
Not every incredible riding holiday has to involve crossing a remote wilderness.
Andalusia in southern Spain offers something completely different.
Beautiful countryside, historic towns, traditional Spanish culture, delicious food, and a long-standing equestrian tradition.
The region is especially appealing to riders who want a mixture of horses, culture, food, and scenery.
You can spend part of your trip riding through the countryside before exploring historic towns, enjoying Spanish food, and experiencing the local culture.
Longer riding journeys can combine several hours in the saddle with opportunities to experience traditional Spanish landscapes and communities.
Andalusia is also a wonderful option for someone who wants their vacation to include plenty to do when they're not riding.
You could spend your morning riding, your afternoon exploring a historic town, and your evening enjoying a delicious Spanish dinner.
Perfect for: culture lovers, foodies, intermediate riders, and European getaways.

7. Costa Rica 
Tropical Riding Adventures.
For something completely different, head somewhere tropical.
Costa Rica combines lush forests, beaches, mountains, and incredible biodiversity, making it a beautiful setting for a horseback riding adventure.
Imagine riding through tropical landscapes, following forest trails, or exploring the coastline before finishing your day near the beach.
Costa Rica can be particularly appealing if you want your riding holiday to feel like a traditional vacation as well as a lush equestrian adventure.
There are riding experiences ranging from shorter excursions to more immersive trips.
You can spend your morning exploring on horseback and your afternoon enjoying everything else Costa Rica has to offer.
For riders who love warm weather, beautiful green scenery, and a little bit of adventure, Costa Rica could be an amazing addition to your travel bucket list.
Perfect for: beach lovers, tropical adventures, couples, and riders who want a mixture of relaxation and riding.

8. Australia 
Explore Your Own Backyard on Horseback.
You don't necessarily have to fly halfway around the world for an incredible riding holiday.
Australia has an enormous variety of landscapes to explore from horseback, from beaches and bushland to mountains and open country.
For riders looking for a particularly scenic adventure, Australia's Snowy Mountains, Queensland, Western Australia, and other regions offer completely different experiences.
Some Australian riding holidays include beach riding, while others focus on mountain trails, cattle work, or remote wilderness.
One of the best things about exploring Australia on horseback is the variety. You can experience a completely different landscape without even leaving the country.
And for Australian riders, there is something pretty special about discovering your own country from the saddle.
You may not need a passport for your next riding adventure, just a good pair of riding boots and a sense of adventure.
Perfect for: Australian riders, beach lovers, beginners, and anyone wanting an adventure closer to home.

9. Montana and Wyoming, USA
The Classic American Ranch Experience.
For the ultimate Western riding experience, look toward Montana and Wyoming.
These states offer enormous landscapes, mountain ranges, forests, rivers, and traditional ranch country.
A ranch holiday can feel very different from a conventional trail ride. Depending on the ranch, guests may experience cattle work, long trail rides, campfires, and the everyday rhythm of ranch life.
It's a great option if you've ever watched a Western movie and thought, "I want to do that."
You don't necessarily need to be an advanced rider either. Some ranch experiences cater to beginners, while others are designed for riders who want longer days and more challenging terrain.
Imagine spending the day riding through open country, coming back to the ranch in the evening, and watching the sunset over the mountains.
It is the kind of trip that makes you feel like you've stepped into another world.
Perfect for: Western riding fans, families, beginners, and anyone dreaming of cowboy country.

10. New Zealand
Mountains, Coastlines, and Adventure.
New Zealand is another destination where the scenery almost seems too beautiful to be real.
From mountains and forests to beaches and rolling countryside, there is an incredible variety of landscapes to explore.
For riders who love adventure, New Zealand offers the opportunity to combine horseback riding with the country's famous outdoor lifestyle.
Longer riding holidays can take you away from major cities and into quieter areas where you can spend several hours each day exploring on horseback.
It is also a particularly appealing option for Australian riders because it is relatively close compared with destinations in Europe, Africa, or South America.
Whether you're interested in a scenic trail ride or a longer backcountry adventure, New Zealand has plenty to explore.
Perfect for: outdoor lovers, adventurous riders, couples, and travelers who love mountains and nature.

How to Choose Your Horseback Riding Destination
With so many incredible places to choose from, how do you decide where to go?
Start by thinking about what you actually want from the experience.

• Do you want adventure?

Look toward Mongolia, Patagonia, Botswana, or Kenya.

• Do you want beaches?

Consider Australia, Costa Rica, Spain, or other coastal destinations.

• Do you want mountains?

Patagonia, New Zealand, Iceland, and Montana could be worth exploring.

• Are you fascinated by horse culture?

Mongolia, Spain, and Argentina offer particularly interesting equestrian traditions.

• Are you a beginner?

Don't automatically assume that an entire destination is suitable or unsuitable based on its reputation.
The specific riding operator and itinerary matter enormously. Some destinations offer rides for complete beginners, while others require riders to be confident at a canter or comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.
Always check the experience requirements before booking and choose an adventure that matches your riding ability.
Most importantly, remember that you don't have to be an experienced equestrian to enjoy a horseback riding holiday. There are experiences designed for a wide range of riders, so don't be afraid to look for one that suits you.

Where Will Your Horse Take You?
One of the beautiful things about horseback riding is that there isn't just one way to experience it.
You could spend a morning riding along a beach in Australia, cross volcanic landscapes in Iceland, explore the Mongolian steppe, follow gaucho trails in Patagonia, or watch wildlife from horseback in Africa.
Every destination offers something different.
But the best part may not even be the destination itself.
It's the feeling of sitting in the saddle, hearing your horse's footsteps beneath you, looking out at a landscape you've never seen before, and realizing that you're experiencing the world in a completely different way.
So start your bucket list.
Pack your riding boots, grab your favorite tack-cleaning supplies, and start dreaming about where your horse will take you next.