World’s top destinations to explore by horseback

The windswept cliffs of the Iceland’s Skagafjördur Bay, the vibrant green countryside of Monte Verde, the sprawling vastness of rural Mongolia – what do these destinations all have in common? They’re best explored by horseback.

Monte Verde, Brazil

Until recently, horseback was the easiest way to get around Monte Verde, Brazil and it’s arguably still the best way to explore the area’s green, mountainous countryside.

While riding is prohibited on the Monte Verde reserves, there is no shortage of private land and trails that offer some of the best views, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.

Just 100m away from a riding facility, Pousada Oliveri is a great guesthouse for those looking to maximise their time spent with horses.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France

In the heart of the Camargue Natural Park is the capital city of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. This idyllic French waterfront town is a popular destination for visitors hoping to spot the region’s indigenous white Camargue horses.

Many of these horses now live in captivity but there are a number that still roam free through the Camargue Natural Park. For those interested in riding one of these beautiful, domesticated steeds, stables can be found throughout the park and in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

If you a book a night at Auberge Cavaliere du Pont des Bannes, you won’t have to travel far to see the beautiful Camargue horses, as the property has an onsite equestrian centre option to guests.

Another great option is Hotel Mas Des Barres where guests can sign up for horse riding excursions to explore the surround Camargue area.

Göreme, Turkey

Horses have played an important role in the history of Turkey’s Cappadocia region (known as the “land of beautiful horses”) and they remain a fixture of daily life to this day. In fact, the best way to experience the unique landscapes of Göreme and the Göreme National Park are atop a native Anadolu Pony or Arabian horse.

A stay at Cappadocia Cave Rooms will give you everything you need for the perfect stay in Göreme, including panoramic views of the region’s famous fairy chimneys and horse riding excursions.

Varmahlid, Iceland

Skagafjördur Bay is said to be the true home of Icelandic horse riding, where herds of the native Icelandic horse still roams free. Nestled along the Eastern slope of Skagafjörður, the village of Varmahlid is a great place to learn more about the country’s rich equestrian history.

Stables both in and near Varmahlid offer riding tours, allowing visitors to see the breathtaking Skagafjördur bay by horseback. While riding, keep an eye out for the horses’ ‘tölt’, a style of trot specific to the Icelandic horse.

Syðra-Skörðugil Guesthouse and Magical Horses Bed and Breakfast in the nearby Ásgarður have onsite stables where guests have the chance to meet and ride the famous Icelandic horses during their stay.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The native Mongol horse has been essentially unchanged since the time of Genghis Khan, which makes meeting one a particularly unique experience. For horse lovers visiting Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar should be high on your list of destinations to visit.

Starting Ulaanbaatar, you can travel by horseback across the Mongolian countryside and see first-hand how central a role horses still play in country’s rural regions. Many of the areas outside of Ulaanbaatar are completely uninhabited – no roads, electricity, just you, your horse, and the vast landscape.

Located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Tanan Center Serviced Apartments is the perfect home base for your adventures. The apartment’s central location and on-site parking means that it’s easy to get to wherever your riding adventure begins.