20 epic destinations for horse lovers

The Emerald Isle is most famous for the native Connemara ponies, with their distinctive long manes and versatility. The breed originates from the country's west coast but can be found around the island, especially if you join one of Ireland’s national pastimes, fox hunting, on your visit.

The Lipizzaner was bred during the heyday of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in what is now Slovenia. However, Vienna is the best place to see the horses, home to the Spanish Riding School, which puts on frequent shows. A large stud is also near Graz, in the south of Austria.

The Icelandic Horse (do not call them a pony, despite their small stature) is a national treasure and, surprisingly, a huge export for Iceland. Like their Irish island counterparts, these creatures were bred to survive the harsh climate and have long, wild hair to keep them warm. Today, multiple tours and barns offer horseback rides for visitors in the south of Iceland.

Home to the breed of the same name, this area in the south of France is a beautiful coastal destination. And one that you can enjoy from the back of a true local — a Camargue horse!

The aptly named Norwegian Fjord Horse hails from the west of the country and is a great location to view the trusty steeds in their natural habitat. The Langedrag Nature Park offers trail rides where you can see the best of Norway’s scenery from the back of a local, and the Norwegian Fjord Horse Center is a great place to learn more about the breed's history.

The province of Zeeland in the south of the country is a well-kept secret European beach destination. One of the best ways to explore it is on the back of a horse. And luckily, the shores of the Atlantic are home to numerous barns that offer riding tours of the area.

Morocco’s premier beach escape is also one of the best riding destinations in the country. Gallop along the ocean's crashing waves, through neighboring forests, and over dunes for miles.

Cairo houses one of the main wonders of the world: the pyramids. And every year, millions flock to see them, so if you want to avoid crowds and experience this site in a new way, take a riding tour. Plenty of barns outside of Cairo offer excursions on a daily basis, and it’s definitely worth doing!

Kenya is synonymous with safari. And while it’s exciting to roll around in a jeep spotting lions, cheetahs, and rhinos (oh my), one of the more unique experiences is to do so on horseback. 

This little-known landlocked country is often overlooked in favor of its neighbor, South Africa. However, Lesotho is the perfect horse trekking destination due to its proximity to the Drakensberg mountains. The entire country is elevated well above sea level, at about 4,600 feet, the views are epic from most points.

The state has long been known as “cowboy country,” and you’ll definitely feel that on your visit. And you can get a taste of the lifestyle on one of the many dude ranches in the area. Trot through Wyoming’s mountains, try your hand at herding cattle, and build a bond with your four-hooved partner! 

The army of Genghis Khan was full of expert equestrians, earning the land the nickname “Empire of the Horse.” Today, you can ride through the heritage lands of the conqueror and have a true adventure on the week (or more) longer horse treks, where you'll stay in yurts after galloping through the plains of Mongolia all day.

Horse riding is a national pastime in Kyrgyzstan, and visitors are more than welcome to take part in it. Horse treks provide a sample of traditional nomadic life and are a great way to see the country's landscapes.

Wine and mountains are the two main things Argentina is known for globally. But it has a not-so-secret obsession with polo, one of its most popular sports. And it’s easy to find a match to watch no matter where in the country you visit!

Most people hike or ski in Canada’s world-class mountains. But if you’re up for something a bit different, numerous Alberta and British Columbia ranches offer amazing vacation packages. You can take a quick trail ride, overnight camp, or even have the full farm experience and stay a week on site!

Costa Rica has no shortage of amazing scenery; from volcanoes to endless beaches and staggering mountains, there’s something for everyone here. And one of the best ways to see it all is on a trail ride. Numerous ranches offer day and overnight experiences throughout the country.

The Baja Peninsula is the stuff of vacation dreams, with long sandy stretches against the vibrant blue ocean. However, if you’ve tired of sunbathing or swimming, there’s nothing more fun than a canter along the beach, and plenty of outfits welcome tourists in Baja.

The racehorse capital of the world and host of the Kentucky Derby, the bluegrass state is also a fantastic destination year-round for horse lovers. You can tour various Thoroughbred stud farms, watch non-Derby races at Churchill Downs, and explore the local trails on horseback.

Most travelers to South America’s most famous park explore on their own two feet. But, if you’re keen for a bit of a break or just a different vantage point, try a ride through the mountains. You can organize a day ride or an overnight trek with many Patagonian tour companies.

Explore the desert as it was meant to be seen, not in an ATV, but on horseback. If interested, many operators offer quick gallops through Wadi Rum, overnight camping options, or custom tours.