THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO GO HORSEBACK RIDING
You could say that horses were my first love. If I wasn’t at school, you can bet your bottom dollar that I was at the stables. I was that girl that had an obsession with horses.
Nowadays, I don’t get to ride as much as I would like to. Owning your own horse is a very big commitment and I like to travel . . . A lot! I was desperate to include horses in my life though and then it dawned on me . . . what if I combined my love to explore with horses? I’ve now made it my mission that whenever I travel, I find somewhere amazing to go horse riding.
Now, this blog post is more of a diary for me, however, I would argue that one of the best ways to see the world is from the back of a horse. It allows you to get off the beaten path and into the wild in such a unique way. Even my husband has started to join my adventures and is loving exploring on the back of the horse, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
This ranch was something special and really blew me away. The epic mountains, the beautiful water, and the claw marks on the tree left by a bear came together and delivered a wonderful experience.
I’d forgotten, but when I was little, I used to day-dream of a holiday, visiting a horse ranch, in a far-away country, riding through the forests and in the mountains. Copper Cayuse not only reminded me of that dream, but also brought it to life, in a more amazing way than I ever could have imagined.
So far, Copper Cayuse has been my most favourite place in the world to go horse riding. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you are passing through British Columbia. They offer hourly rides to overnight adventures in the wild, and are suitable for beginners but is also extremely fun for experienced riders!
Prices start from $83 (Canadian)
I have such fond memories of this night in Oregon. What a special way to explore the pacific coastline. The staff at Bandon Beach were really friendly and made the whole experience really fun and enjoyable. After crossing the quiet road you make your way down to the beach and the scenery is really out of this world. Just as stunning as the famous Cannon Beach but not quite as busy. It was a great place to watch the sunset, and there was lots of restaurants nearby for a post ride feast!
These stables are perfect for beginner riders! Prices start from $65 per person
3. Mystic Saddle Ranch, Stanley, Idaho, USA (Sawtooth Mountains)
I have to admit, Mystic Saddle Ranch felt a bit more of a tourist attraction than an actual ranch, however you cannot argue with the scenery at this place. Even with the haze from the local forest fires. As I always say, one of the best ways to get out in to nature is on the trails on the back of a horse. It was at this place where my husband first tried out his saddle legs, and he hasn’t looked back since! Mystic Saddle Ranch is perfect for beginner riders!
Prices start at $59 per person
4. Seaview Riding School, Cumbria, England
Okay, so this is a fun one, but this is where I learnt to ride.
I was 7, in the car with my parents when we drove past the riding school and I asked my Mum what it was, quickly followed by a request to book me a lesson. I have to admit, I’m proud of 7 year old me for that decision shaped my childhood. I had a half an hour trek on a small pony called Edward, and I never looked back. From that point on, I think I spent every weekend at those stables. Learning everything I could about horses, making the best of friends and creating the fondest of memories.
The school is located on the edge of the Lake District, right next to the ocean, so if you are ever in the area, Seaview Riding School is a perfect place to learn to ride. I warn you though, it may just become addictive.
5. Cumbria Heavy Horses, Cumbria, England
I was invited to visit Cumbria Heavy Horses with a friend, and I assumed for this to be an easy ride on some slow moving horses. How wrong I was. These horses were fantastically energetic, making for a challenging ride in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside.
Recommended for more experience riders, this is an experience not to be missed.
Pebble Beach is famous for it’s beautiful scenery, expensive golf courses and is an amazing place to explore the pacific coast from the back of a horse. They have 27 miles worth of trails that will take you through the gorgeous Del Monte Forest and down to the beautiful beach (listen our for the seals!)
These trail rides are suitable for riders of all abilities, prices start from $100 per person.
This is a small start to what I hope will become an expansive list! I’m always looking for new places to go horse riding so if you have any recommendations please do let me know in the comments below!
Wow, what can I say. Cheval Essaouira are truely unique, where you will witness the best horsemanship I think I have ever seen. You’ll be riding beautiful Stallions across wide open beaches, over Moroccan Sand Dunes and against the backdrop of beautiful sunsets. All whilst being followed by the best group of loyal canines as well as talented photographers and drone pilots, who will capture your epic adventures. If the horse riding alone isn’t enough, multi-day treks also serve up some of the most delicious Moroccan food, amazing stargazing and incredible hospitality. Cheval Essaouria is suitable for all abilities, however if you are an experience rider, the multi day treks are for you! They will really allow you to test our your riding abilites (plus your courage) as you race your stallions along the coast.
Prices start from 20 Euros for a 1hr ride upto 900 euros for a 6 day trek
