Saddle up and explore the great outdoors with a horse riding holiday. Saddletravel.com has a range of trips for 2022, including the world’s best beach riding in Mozambique (pictured, above), a stay on a ranch in Montana, USA, and riding the Volcanoes Trail in Ecuador. Here we take a look at the best destinations for a horse riding trip.
Solo travellers: Estancia Beach Trail, Uruguay
What better way to switch off from the rest of the world than with a solo trip on the Estancia Beach Trail in Uruguay? Ride on deserted beaches, gallop alongside dolphins, whales and seals, or practise your cattle driving skills before an excellent evening of food and wine. This is a true undiscovered gem in the heart of Latin America. From £2,820; saddletravel.com/estancia-beach-trail
New riders: Andalusian Hacienda, Spain
Learn to ride in the warmth and beauty of Andalusia in Spain. Trips from four to eight days are available and the riding itinerary is totally flexible and can be adapted to suit guests from beginners onwards – making it ideal for groups of mixed abilities and families. It all happens from a traditional Hacienda with a fabulous pool overlooking the olive groves and a local chef who rustles up delicious Spanish food using ingredients grown on site. From £639; saddletravel.com/andalusian-hacienda
Multi-activity trips: Circle Bar Ranch, Montana, USA
You ride but your family doesn’t? Want to do more than just ride on your holiday? Look no further than the ranches of the United States. Circle Bar Ranch, found deep in Montana, has 520 acres of playground in a national forest. As well as riding for all levels there are e-bikes, archery lessons, clay pigeon shooting, trout fishing and even the opportunity to follow a mule train for overnight stays in a mountain lodge. With eight days there will be enough time to do it all. From £1,940; saddletravel.com/circle-bar-ranch
Budget trips: Tuscany short break, Italy
Luxury on a budget? No problem… a short break in a Tuscan castle in Italy should do it. Spend your mornings meandering through the most breathtaking countryside on a beautiful horse chosen to match your ability. Then in the afternoon lounge around the pool or take advantage of the onsite wellness centre which provides holistic and ayurvedic treatments. From £759 for five days; saddletravel.com/tuscany
New destinations: India, Ecuador, Mozambique and more
Traditional countries are still popular for riding holidays, including Iceland, Portugal, France and Spain. However, newer destinations are on the rise. The Leopard Safari in north west India is a once-in-a-lifetime trip as well as the Volcanoes Trail in Ecuador, or the world’s best beach riding in Mozambique. Albania, Bosnia and Bulgaria are also high on the list for new experiences.
See the full range of horse riding holidays at saddletravel.com