Castle Leslie

With just a week available, I had to make the most out of every day. After spending a day recovering from jetlag and catching up with friends, it was off to Castle Leslie in County Monaghan. Located on the border of Northern Ireland, this was a perfect couple of days of horse-themed luxury.

I rented a car for the week, and while I adjusted pretty quickly to driving on the left-hand side of the road and shifting gears with my left hand, train service is available for anyone who doesn’t want the added stress of navigating the country roads by car.

The castle has an illustrious family history, and offers several options for accommodations. If you really want to make a splash, you can stay in the castle proper, or if you’d prefer more peace and quiet, the Old Stable Mews are located far out back on the property.

Most people interested in riding will be content to stay in The Lodge, which is connected to the stables and features the upscale Snaffles restaurant, drinks at Connor’s Pub, and a spa for relaxing after time in the saddle.

I arranged the trip to Castle Leslie through Unicorn Trails Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide, and the reservation process was easy and well managed. Every detail of the trip was smoothly planned in advance, and checking in at The Lodge was an easy process. The accommodations were well equipped and exceedingly comfortable. It was a huge highlight that the small balcony overlooked the stable yard.

My kids were heading back to school that week, but airfare from New Jersey to Ireland drops significantly in September: my flight was about $400, compared to over $1,000 in August.

My non-horsey husband agreed to deal with the back-to-school week so I could enjoy an adventure with my old friend, George Barry, who I’ve known since we were teenagers, when he and his sister and my brother competed in the International Tetrathlon exchange through Pony Club back in the late 1990s.

We’d traveled together before, and he’s a competent rider, and since riding is a high-risk sport—and so is driving a car in Ireland—I felt a little safer traveling with a companion.

Cross-Country Jumping

After settling in, we stretched our legs with a wander around the grounds and the castle. That evening we enjoyed an elegant six-course dinner at Snaffles. The food was delicious, featuring mainly locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and the service was impeccable. After dinner, we wandered out the door to the stables and admired the facilities and horses before retiring for the evening.

The full Irish breakfast the next morning was equally as impressive as dinner, if not more so. There was also an impressive array of fresh fruit, pastries and other breakfast items that left me wishing my appetite was larger. But with our horses waiting, I reined in my appetite. After changing into boots and breeches, we headed out to the stables.

The horses were fit and well cared for, and the borrowed helmets and cross-country vests were in good condition and up to the latest safety standards. I rode a gorgeous big gray mare named Blueberry, while George was on a stout gelding named Arnie. I’m 5’11”, and Blueberry took up my leg nicely. There were horses of all shapes and sizes, for riders of all shapes, sizes and levels of experience. A questionnaire in advance made sure that we met our ideal match.

Our instructor, Steven Carty, performed a brief assessment before we set off across the countryside. Steven was lovely and we chatted about the horses, the lifestyle working at the stables, and the history of the estate. If we’d had another night, I would have enjoyed sitting down with him for a pint at Connor’s Pub.

The jumps were on the small side, but since we were both out of practice, it was perfect. The cross-country course is extensive, but since we only had one day, we kept things simple, and the horses clearly knew the drill.

Next, we made our way to the corner of the lake, where we could jump in and out from a small bank or down a series of steps. Splashing through the lake with the castle in the background felt like a scene from a fairytale.

A walk in the woods that afternoon left me wishing we had more time to explore the estate. It was a peaceful way to wrap up our short visit, as the grounds and gardens are just as beautiful as the buildings.

The Wild Atlantic Way

I would have happily spent a week at the castle living the life of luxury, but our next stop would bring plenty of fun adventures. (In fact, if I were to do the trip again, I’d arrange to head to the castle after the beach).

A couple hours’ drive west to County Mayo brought us to the small coastal town of Westport, a scenic village set on the calm, clear waters of Clew Bay. The bay is home to a number of tiny islands—“one for every day of the year”—and set in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, the mountain where Saint Patrick is said to have driven the snakes from Ireland.

This segment of the trip was organized by Ireland Equestrian Tours and operated by Go Trekking Ireland. Laura Lamb of Ireland Equestrian Tours sent a number of brochures over with information about the various options, and the Wild Atlantic Way seemed a good fit for a bit of adventure and beach riding after our cross-country schooling up in County Monaghan.

We stayed at George’s uncle John’s house on the way, and got an early start to Westport so that we could be out riding early, before the tide came in. We met the proprietor of the Westport Woods Hotel, Michael Lennon, who took us to his stables to select our horses for a beach ride. I chose a tall, athletic and solidly built chestnut hunter type named Coady, while George rode a gray named Naymar.

Beach Ride to Remember

We followed the horsebox to a spot where we unloaded and mounted up. Four of us set off across the bay. Our guide, Joanne Mason, was on a smaller cob who was fairly submerged in some of the deeper water crossings, so I was glad to be on a long-legged sport horse!

Eventually we ended up on Bertra Strand, where we had a good gallop on the beach and then rode out on a grassy headland overlooking a couple of large islands. After clattering over a stony section, we came to another beach where we rode out in the waves, before crossing back over to Bertra Strand for another good gallop in the shadow of Croagh Patrick. By the time we wrapped up our antics, the tide had come in, so we picked our way around the bay and back to the horsebox.

After riding, we stopped at a local pub for a truly Irish experience: drinking a pint in front of a peat fire. While harvesting peat is banned in much of the country, some locals are still allowed to harvest a limited amount using ancient methods, and the particular smoky atmosphere in the pub evoked a bygone era.

At Michael’s suggestion, we spent the afternoon at Ballinrobe Races, about 45 minutes south. It was the final meet of the season and there was a good crowd out for the racing. This was a fun way to see another aspect of the Irish horse industry and enjoy the excitement of placing a few small bets. I braved the bookies and bet a couple of Euros on two winning horses, bringing home around 40 Euros and a slightly inflated sense of my ability to judge a winning horse.

That evening, we settled on the Westway Pub in downtown Westport for a bite to eat. The food was fresh and simple and the atmosphere smart but casual. I’d hoped to stop in to listen to the traditional music at another pub up the street, but with another day of riding planned, opted for an early bedtime instead.

Surfing Beach

The next morning the horses were hauled to Carrownisky Strand, a popular surfing beach a half-hour or so down the road. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and a little surreal unloading the horses in a sandy parking area populated mainly by surfers and families taking their kids to the beach for the day.

We made a bit of a spectacle, galloping on the wide, sandy beach, which is the home to an annual horse race. The horses were eager to go and we were all too happy to oblige, with sea spray splashing in our grinning faces.

To cool the horses out, we hacked to the nearby Bunlahinch Clapper Footbridge, the largest complete clapper bridge in Ireland, at 50 meters long. Its 37 arches are constructed in a primitive style, each made of flat limestone slabs, and likely dates to the 1840s.

On the way back, we walked past cow pastures and bogs where sheep were grazing on the verdant grass, later taking another lively canter down the beach. The horses were very fit and had plenty in the tank to give another good run.

Mountain Ride

The original plan was to do the mountain ride the following day, but with stormy weather in the forecast, I opted to join a group going out that afternoon. After a short rest at the hotel, I headed back to the stables with Michael and an American woman and her daughter who had just arrived on holiday. (George had taken an unplanned dismount into the saltwater on our beach ride and wasn’t keen to go on a three-hour ride in soaking wet clothing, so he stayed behind and had a stroll around the town).

I was on Coady once again, and we rode directly from the stables and enjoyed a long, leisurely hack to the base of the mountain. Other than an easy canter up a long gravel track, this ride maintained a leisurely pace and was a good opportunity to take in views of the peat bog, the mountain, and sweeping views of Clew Bay, following narrow lanes winding over hills and through little valleys past cottages and farms.

That evening, we walked from the hotel to the Quay for dinner at the Towers Pub, a little more upscale than the previous evening’s location. Following Joanne’s recommendation, we followed dinner with pink gin cocktails garnished with strawberries at the Coast Hotel across the street. It was charming and refreshing and a nice accompaniment to the live music featured that evening.

All too soon, it was time to head to the airport, return the trusty rental car and fly home.

◆ Amber’s Packing Tips and List for an Irish Riding Holiday

This article about a horseback riding holiday in Ireland appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Horseback Riding Holiday in Ireland appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Unicorn Trails has many remote and adventurous destinations throughout the world, but this one tops the charts for diverse scenery, unique culture, and local hospitality.

Panama City

My friend, Ali, and I spend a night in Panama City to enjoy a traditional Panamanian meal, including yucca and plantains, in the brightly decorated Sabroso restaurant on the Amador causeway. Colorfully lit buses drive the road beside the park where families walk enjoying the city lights reflecting in the water.

Lunch in El Valle, a town constructed in the middle of an extinct volcano, breaks up our five-hour drive to Santa Fe. We arrive just in time for dinner at Hotel Anachoreo and join our friends, Dawn and Tracy, for homemade fish soup, with fresh herbs from the hotels incredible garden.

Our host, Lizzie, a fit-looking young woman originally from Zimbabwe, arrives to introduce herself and let us know the plan for the morning.

“My farm is on the river, which isn’t always passable because of the rain, so the horses will be transported by road—the long way around—to a friend’s farm, where we’ll begin,” she says.

While handing out cushy saddle seat covers and saddle bags, she reminds us to pack our bathing suits and towels.

Meeting the Horses

After a breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs, crepes and bacon, we hop in Lizzie’s Jeep to a small corral where her helper, Jose, is just finishing tacking up the horses.

Ali is given Pali, a small palomino mare; Dawn is presented with Luca, a tall brown-and-white Paint Horse; and Tracy has a cute blue roan named Chombin.

Jose and Lizzie adjust the stirrups and I mount up on Capitan, a gaited chestnut Criollo. The western saddle is extremely comfortable.

“They are locally made,” Lizzy tells me. Some of the horses are also bitless, which is always a pleasant surprise.

Lizzie leads the way on a stallion named Calypso.

“He hasn’t been ridden in a while,” she tells us. “We’ll see what happens.”

Jose takes up the rear on a mule named Mr. Red, ponying Little Dude, a small gray Criollo gelding. Kids come out to greet us.

Calypso, eager to run uphill, takes the lead on a wonderful gallop up the mountain road. Resting at Cerro Tute, historically known as a rebel hideout, we tie the horses to a fence for a snack and enjoy the views of the small town of Santa Fe, population approximately 3,500.

Petroglyphs and Swimming

After crossing the peak, the pine trees turn into cactus plants and the dirt road turns to clay—from forest to desert just like that! We zig-zag through an array of round rocks displaying petroglyphs (see pg. 72). The wind cools us from the hot sun, but it’s so strong that it blows the sun brim off my helmet. Even Ali’s special brim with Velcro and hooks can’t fight it.

We cross a large river, tie the horses to trees and untack them.

“Time for a swim,” Lizzy announces.

Ali takes Pali right in, deep enough to swim. I hop on Capitan and he is eager to cool off. The current is strong, but the horses plunge through. It’s so much fun I can feel my smile growing from ear to ear the deeper I get. The water is just right—refreshing but not too cold.

Leaving the horses behind for Jose to take home, we head into town for a delightful late lunch at a local restaurant and have some yummy ginger chicken. We stop at a store where I purchase a wide-brim hat for under my helmet, and the others find shoes for swimming.

A vivid rainbow can be seen from our hotel, where we enjoy fresh cheese from the cheese shop before dinner.

A Steep Climb to the Cows

A local farmer, Wilson, has invited us to explore his land. We enjoy coffee and homemade muffins in his barn the next morning before heading out. This is the first time Lizzie has taken him up on his offer, and he seems excited to have us.

Ali has decided to give the mule, Mr. Red, a try, and he turns out to be a good choice for the narrow, rocky paths clinging to the hillside. We dismount and follow Wilson to a hidden cave, complete with bats and human bones.

Steep climbs that lead to incredible vistas and long canters on the sandy footing are a treat. After a rest in the shade, Jose helps Wilson round up his cows, and we help herd them back to the ranch where a homemade picnic awaits us.

Dawn’s Paint Horse, Luca, is the perfect mount to practice roping cows while Wilson and Jose brand calves. What a day!

Tropical Forest Waterfall

Dawn’s sister, Danialle, has finally arrived (delayed due to passport issues), and she joins us for the rest of the week. Just when you think it can’t get any better, Lizzie keeps throwing surprises at us.

We begin to explore the tropical forests of the Santa Fe National Park, a 290-square mile conservation area. Surrounded by hanging vines and tropical plants, a very steep climb takes us to a stunning waterfall, where we can jump in to cool off and swim around in its pools.

The newly purchased shoes for swimming come in handy. The current is strong in parts, so we have to be careful. At the end of a great ride we cross the river, dismount and enjoy a wonderful riverside BBQ, finished off with Ali’s special grilled pineapple.

A freshly graded red dirt road on the side of a mountain allows for long gallops. At the top, we rest and take in the views, trying to spot our hotel below.

Organic Farm & Hanging Bridge

Deep in the forest, we ride to an organic farm for lunch, of which 90 percent of the ingredients are home-grown. The owner gives us a demonstration of how coffee is made. Everyone we meet is super friendly and accommodating.

The clouds continue to linger in the next valley, and we can feel the mist in the air, but the rain subsides for the entire week. Everyone has been happy with their mounts. Nothing seems to faze them: not the horses running in pastures next to us, cows coming to check us out, trucks on the road, or barking dogs.

They are put to the test when we have to cross a long, skinny hanging bridge hovering above the river. We dismount and walk them across. I am shaking in my boots, but Capitan doesn’t flinch. These horses are amazing—even at an old telephone booth, Dawn coaxes Luca right up to grab the receiver.

Goodbyes & The Canopy Tower

Our last ride finishes at Lizzie’s farm, where we untack the horses and help Jose bathe them and turn them out. It is with sweet sorrow that we say goodbye to the horses, the farm, Wilson, Lizzie and Jose. The experience has been incredibly unique.

Ali and I finish the trip with a breakfast tour of The Canopy Tower, just outside of Panama City, where we get to watch various tropical birds and monkeys at the top of the rain forest. A nature walk rewards us with an anteater sighting, a first for me.

Panama has never been a destination at the top of my list, but Unicorn Trails Santa Fe Jungle Ride with Horseback Panama touched my heart. The horses, the people, the locally grown food, and the stunning scenery definitely won me over.

For more on the Santa Fe Jungle Ride, visit here.

Other Horseback Riding Destinations
◆ Top 10 International Horseback Riding Destinations
◆ The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
◆ Riding Through Sicily
◆ Riding Camargue Horses in France

This article about a trail ride in Panama appeared in the August 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Trail Ride in Panama appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

After a swim in the pool and a soak in the hot tub, I joined guests in the main lodge for their final social gathering and outdoor barbecue. The stories of their week’s riding adventures were abundant, and everyone seemed eager to return, one on her sixth visit. I spent the next few days learning the secret to The Hideout’s success.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch History

In 1995, David Flitner and Paula De Cabooter-Flitner started construction of the guest ranch, building the main lodge, cabins, arena, and barn on a prime riverfront location of the property, offering unobstructed views of the Big Horn Mountains.

Initially named after a local historical ranch, Trapper Creek Guest Ranch, it was rebranded as Hideout Adventures, Inc. Peter De Cabooter, Paula’s nephew, arrived from Belgium in 2006 to help, and a year later was joined by his wife Marijn and their twin boys.

The reins were eventually handed over to Peter, and The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch began its growth.

Year-Round Focus

Taking over full ownership in 2017, Peter began the transition from a seasonal three or four months per year operation into a more sustainable year-round business. His corporate experience is key to The Hideout’s success today.

“In order to keep a reliable crew and create a culture, we needed to offer more year-round jobs for our staff,” he says.

Peter follows the “3 C Culture” of character, conduct and competence.

“One can train for competence, but not for character and conduct,” he explains. “And this is even harder in a seasonal environment.”

Having the right crew focusing on the principles of their authentic hospitality—taking care of its people, guests, and horses—is of the utmost importance, as is their branded Authentic Horsemanship.

Authentic Horsemanship

When Marijn first arrived at the ranch, she was far from a cowgirl. Mileage in the saddle and exposure to many horse trainers, including Yvet Blokesch of Featherlite Academy in the Netherlands and Parelli trainers Farrah Green and Amy Bowers, Marijn gained well-rounded horsemanship skills.

Marijn was introduced to liberty work by Kirsten Brein, trainee of Lorenzo the Flying Frenchman, and now shares her knowledge with interested guests. From various training methods, The Hideout shaped their own branded Authentic Horsemanship based on a trusting relationship through communication, respect and understanding.

Peter describes it as “An ethical, respectful, safe, enjoyable and professional approach, getting the best out of both horse and rider.”

The Horses and Trails

I could sense the Authentic Horsemanship methodology from the saddle while on one of their many horses. With over 650,000 acres to explore and elevations ranging from 4,200 to 13,100 feet, there are a broad range of climates and plenty of biodiversity within riding distance of the ranch.

We chose the cooler canyon ride to escape the August heat. I would be riding with Peter and Marijn’s son Victor, as well as Nina Reuter, a German woman who was originally a Hideout guest, but who left a corporate life in New York to join the Hideout crew.

We crossed rushing rivers surrounded by lush greenery in the red rock canyons, cantered on sandy footing, and galloped past the red Needle Rock towering above us. A short trailer ride brought us to the nearby bentonite clay-painted hills.

My mount, a palomino Quarter Horse named Sheridan, was a true gem. Being well tuned in neck reining, there was minimal rein contact needed, and gaits changed simply from my seat.

“What a wonderful treat for a trail horse,” I said to Nina.

“Yes,” she replied. “The key is to train the guests how to ride our horses.”

Orientation and Safety Talk

All guests, from beginner to advanced riders, participate in an extensive safety orientation at the start of the week, then mount up for an ability assessment.

I watched guests ranging in ages from 11 to 75 walk in a circle and stop, trot along the rail, and depending on their self-proclaimed ability, perform a few canter strides. Instructed to use only their seat for balance, some experienced difficulties, but Marijn reassured improvement by week’s end. It was a safe yet revealing way to split into groups before hitting the trails.

Returning later with big grins, everyone had fun and felt comfortable. Catering rides to their guests’ preference on length, pace, and terrain, the wranglers could now make informed decisions on who was capable of what.

The Whole Package

In my short visit, I concluded that what brings guests back repeatedly to The Hideout is their attention to detail, consistency, and authenticity. Their hospitality and horsemanship benefits everyone, especially the horses, creating a perfect balance.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyo., ticks all the boxes necessary for a comfortable adventure on safe horses in spectacularly diverse scenery. I applaud them!

Learn more about a visit to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch at thehideout.com.

This article appeared in the April 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch: Get Away From It All appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

If you’re hoping to incorporate your love for horses with your travel adventures, read on to find out our top 10 international horseback riding destinations.

The pull. The desire. The insatiable yearning to see another country, a different culture, from the back of a horse. This is the vacation so many of us horse lovers and riders seek. Maybe the time has finally come to check one or more of these treks off your bucket list.

But with an entire world of places and experiences to choose from, it’s a challenge to narrow down the options. From the fenceless steppes of Mongolia to the ancient art of Yabusame horseback archery in Japan, get ready to explore, fellow traveler.

To awaken your wanderlust, read on for our top 10 hand-picked horseback riding adventures in 10 different countries of destination, each specifically curated to expand your horizons and take you on the road less traveled.

1. Iceland

Ride the tölt of an Icelandic Horse and explore the land of fire and ice.

One of the least densely populated countries in the world, Iceland is also a land of contrasts: moss fields and mountains, black sand beaches and geysers, volcanoes and waterfalls, highlands and rivers.

What could be better to explore the beauty of Iceland than by riding a beloved native Icelandic Horse and experiencing its unique gait, the tölt?

There’s beauty to explore in every direction, and it doesn’t stop when winter comes. Bundle up for day rides through the snow. In the evenings, it’s time to gather outside and look up. Will the sky catch fire as the Northern Lights play in the inky, starry night?

Learn more at islandshestar.is.

2. Egypt

Explore the sands of time on an Arabian.

Do the epic landscapes of Wadi Rum, made famous by the Oscar-winning film “Lawrence of Arabia,” call to you? Do you dream of riding an Arabian, tail flying and neck proudly arched, as you race the ancient sands of their homeland?

In Egypt, you can experience a bit of Bedouin life and the reverence for their equine family. Let your eyes trace the detail of 2,500-year-old petroglyphs. Gaze through the inquisitive ears of your trusted Arabian from the Giza Plateau to the pyramids beyond.

Explore the Temple of Medinet Habu, the mountains of Thebes, and the banks of the fabled Nile. And finally, after a long day, ride into the Red Sea with your horse as you cool off in the clear waters.

Whether it’s a day trip or a week-long adventure, the history and beauty of Egypt will seep into your bones and stay with you long after you return home.

Learn more at rideegypt.com.

3. Mongolia

Travel the steppes and history of horse-based nomadic culture.

The vast, grassy steppes of Mongolia are joined by mountains, rivers, forests, and desert, filling this land with natural beauty—and very few people. The landscape and way of life have not changed much over the centuries.

Today, mounted nomads crisscross the huge country as they care for and move their herds and homes with the changing seasons.

To truly experience this land, its people, horses and culture, there’s no better way than on horseback. Exploring with a local horse—strong, small, fast and surefooted—lets you experience the terrain in the way it has been for generations. With few roads and fewer fences, the wide-open spaces invite you to canter freely and find the uncharted lands within you.

You may even have the chance to visit the Gobi Desert with its wild camels, Gobi bears, snow leopards and the rare wild Przewalski horses.

Learn more here (click on Mongolia).

4. Japan

Learn the ancient art of archery on horseback.

Yabusame is the ancient Japanese martial art of mounted archery, dating back to the 6th century. In ancient times, it served as both a military skill and a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods and to pray for the community’s well-being.

With archers having only a few seconds to shoot three stationary targets from their galloping horse, this art is difficult and exciting. You can watch a Yabusame competition at festivals across Japan. Often held at shrines, they are dignified events with traditional etiquette and costumes.

You can learn the art of Yabusame at a riding club in Munakata, Fukuoka, in southern Japan. After a lesson in archery and getting expert tips, you’ll make your debut as a Yabusame archer, firing arrows at your targets while riding a galloping horse.

The same club also offers beachside rides for all levels of riders along a tranquil beach.

Learn more with Rakuten.

5. Wales

Make your own adventure with a self-guided ride.

If you’re experienced in riding at all gaits over varied terrain and are confident in taking care of your horse each day, gather a friend (or a few) and head out to explore the vistas of Wales. But this ride is not the usual trail ride with people you don’t know and a guide deciding what you do and when.

Instead, you’re on your own. Each day, you mount up on your horse in the company of people you know. With a trail map tucked in your saddle bag and the day’s itinerary flexible, you can explore the rolling hills, lush landscapes, gurgling streams, and cozy towns that make Wales a perfect place for a holiday on horseback.

Get ready to create an unforgettable experience while you relax and enjoy the freedom as you choose your own adventure.

Learn more at free-rein.co.uk.

6. Kenya

Experience the magic of an African safari from horseback.

Impala. Wildebeest. Giraffe. Zebra. Lion. Antelope. Rolling savannah. Acacia woodland. Endless sky.

Experiencing the wild heart of an African safari is a bucket-list trip for many. Doing it on horseback brings you even closer to nature and the flow of each day on the savannah.

Internationally known riding instructor and author Wendy Murdoch personally hosts horseback safari adventures. Riding each day with the group, she shares her knowledge as the adventure of a lifetime unfolds.

Murdoch works with Safaris Unlimited, which keeps the true safari tradition alive with a mobile tented camp that is packed up and moved by your crew as you ride out each day to observe game. You’ll be transported back to the era of the movie “Out of Africa,” with touches of luxury and gourmet meals, yet still stay close to the land and the vast star-filled sky. 

Details for the 2025 trip will be posted on her website in the coming months.

Learn more at murdochmethod.com (click Safari).

7. France

Canter a fabled white Camargue horse through the sea of the French Mediterranean.

The Camargue region of southern France is home to a diversity of wildlife. Flamingos thrive in the marshy delta on France’s Mediterranean coast, but the beautiful and historically significant area may be better known for its native white Camargue horses. Believed to date back thousands of years, the hardy Camargues have evolved to thrive in the harsh environment of saline wetlands.

For generations, the area cowboys, known as le gardians, have worked with the silvery, salt-water-loving Camargue horses and still use them today to manage free-range herds of prized black Camargue bulls and cattle. Horses and cattle are often raised together on the same open ranches.

Riding a Camargue horse alongside a knowledgeable gardian is the best way to experience this land of salt and sea and history.

www.globetrotting.com.au/horse-riding-holidays/camargue-france

Also Read: Riding Camargue Horses in France

8. Scotland

Bring the family and relax at this horse-centric hotel.

No horse holiday wish list is complete without a ride through the vibrant green hills of the UK. But what if you want to bring the family and not worry about the little ones having fun, too?

Never fear, the Scottish Equestrian Hotel is here. As one of the UK’s largest riding centers, it offers a variety of riding programs from pony rides for the very young and a Pony Club program, plus lessons for all ages. Adults can head out for the six-day Castles Trail Ride.

It’s also a highly rated B&B that non-riders come to enjoy. With campfires, a pool, volleyball and special kids-only activities, this may be just the place for family reconnection time.

Learn more at scottishequestrianhotel.com.

9. Portugal

Explore classical dressage with lessons on the country’s treasured Lusitano.

Portugal’s connection with horses started in pre-Roman times and developed into a strong equestrian tradition that has stood the test of time. The legendary Portuguese dressage trainer Nuno Oliveira’s classical teachings continue, and the country’s beautiful and talented Lusitano breed is a Portuguese national treasure.

Many dressage schools and farms offer lessons for all levels of riders on well-trained Lusitanos. Whether you’re just starting as a dressage rider or you want to refine your abilities, a dressage riding holiday in Portugal can help bring you to the next level.

Learn more at equitours.com/europe/portugal.

10. New Zealand

Explore the magic of the “Lord of the Rings” region.

If you’ve drooled at the scenery in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, it’s time to journey to the land of hobbits and wizards, dwarves and elves. Glenorchy, on the South Island region of Otago, New Zealand, has been the set for LOTR as well as The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia and Taylor Swift’s “Out of The Woods” music video.

While you can find film set tours that take you to a few locations, why not take a journey on horseback through these magical lands? Just like Bilbo Baggins leaving the Shire astride his pony, a grand adventure awaits you.

Learn more at highcountryhorses.nz.

Planning Your International Horseback Riding Trip

When you’ve narrowed down which trip you want to go on, here are the next steps you’ll want to take.

• Check the expiration date of your passport. Renew it if needed and be sure it doesn’t expire during the trip timeframe.
• Research additional travel documents you may need, such as visas.
• Look up specific information about your destination (including travel advisories).
• Check out the U.S. Department of State’s helpful resources for international travel.

What’s Your Next Horseback Riding Destination?

Now that you’ve read your way around the world, listen quietly. With all these options, what’s calling to your adventurous soul?

Maybe it’s finding the immense quiet of an untouched land; being surrounded by indescribable natural beauty; or perhaps improving your horsemanship or getting away with your friends and family for a relaxed horse-focused holiday.

Whether you choose a single-day ride or a multi-day (or week) adventure, let this list and related ideas get your travel creativity flowing.

Here’s to exploring. To life. To seeing the world the best way: between two pointed ears and with the song of the saddle as your soundtrack.

Your adventure is waiting.

This article about the top 10 international horseback riding destinations appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Top 10 International Horseback Riding Destinations appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.