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.

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.