Teletext Top 10 Horse Riding Holidays
Get in the saddle and take a tour around one of Teletext Holiday’s top 10 horse riding destinations. Experience the life of an American cowboy, trek across the trial of Ghengis Khan or wind down and take it slow on the beaches of Venezuela. No matter your level of experience Teletext has an ideal top choice for you.
Equestrian centre, Republic of Ireland
Take a short course at an equestrian training stable, where you'll be assessed and given a strict programme to take your horsemanship to the next level.
For experienced riders who find themselves in a rut, non-riding partners are usually well catered for. In Ireland, you're never that far from a golf course, fishing spot or country walk.
Trekking, Mongolia
Follow in the hoofprints of Ghengis Khan and his cavalry, trekking across wide open steppes and desert, through forests and over mountain passes.
While it's possible to spend your nights in hotels, the quintessential Mongolian trek involves camping in traditional yurts. Hiring horses and local guides is relatively inexpensive.
Ranching, United States
Get in the saddle and experience the life of an American cowboy on a ranch holiday in the United States, whether it's in Montana, Wyoming, Texas or Idaho.
You'll learn to live close to nature, perfect your horsemanship and join in ranch duties - but the luxuries of life are ususally part of the package. Suits anyone, even children and novices.
Find out more about America via our America Holiday Guide
Horsepacking, United States
Take a short course in horsepacking so you can get to enjoy the most remote areas of the States where motorised transport is forbidden but horse travel permitted.
A number of US outdoor schools offer courses in handling horses on the trail. You'll learn the basics, such as saddling, grooming and packing, before heading off into the wilderness.
Outback trek, Northern Territory, Australia
Horses still play an important role in the Australian outback. Out in the bush enjoy a "pub crawl" to the only places for miles with a room, food and a few beers, of course.
Ride past craggy coloured rocks, old mining settlements and through huge cattle ranches. This is galloping country but slow down to spot kangaroos, wild deer and kookaburra birds.
Andalusia, Spain
The home of the thoroughbred Andalucian horses, southern Spain has plenty for the horse-lover, including the chance to watch them perform in Jerez.
Head for one of the local ranches, either for arena lessons on an Andalucian or for a trail ride across the rolling hills. It's also possible to take a beach ride along the Mediterranean.
Find out more about Spain via our Spain Holiday Guide
On Safari, Africa
Equine tour operators run trips to African countries as diverse as Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa, with the option varying form jungle trails to coastal canters.
While some may offer luxury accommodation combined with daily rides, you can also move from place to place on moblie safari or stay out in bush camps.
Wales
Farms, riding centres and hostels in Wales offer riding holidays throughout the year. There's something for every level of rider, from rambling treks to cross-country courses.
Expect to take to the trails amid the peaceful Welsh hills and woods, with only sheep and wild ponies for company, whether its just for the weekend or longer.
Beach Trip, Venezuela
Take a beach ride in Venezuela, where the weather's warm enough to dismount for a swim, the pace is laidback and you can stop to sit and fish for supper.
Ride from camp to camp along remote stretches of endless sands, then fall asleep under the stars to the sound of the waves. Or stay at beachfront hotels and guesthouses along the route.
Riding tour, France
Ride past the chateaux of the Loire Valley, explore the forests and rivers of the Dordogne, dismount to sip wine in the cellars of Bordeaux, or ramble through the fragrant farmland of Provence.
Base yourself at a riding centre or farmhouse in your chosen region and take guided day trips, or join an escorted multi-tour where you'll stay in a different small village hotel each night.
Find out more about France via our France Holiday Guide
If you enjoyed this guide you may also like our guides to:
Top Ten Trekking Holidays
Top Ten Elephant Rides
Top Ten Holidays with your Pets
