25 Bucket List Destinations Every Horse Enthusiast Should Visit

Long before roads, horses shaped how people moved through the world. That bond still lives on in places where riders connect with the land in motion. These 25 destinations let you experience the world on horseback like people once did—up close and with purpose.

Andalusian Trails, Spain

Sun-bleached hills and olive groves frame the riding paths of southern Spain. Mounted tourists trace centuries-old routes once traveled by Moors, with Andalusian horses leading the way. Many stables near Ronda provide guided treks into Sierra de Grazalema, combining skilled horsemanship with panoramic views across the rough Spanish countryside.

Banff National Park, Canada

Glacier-fed lakes and alpine trails await those who saddle up in the Canadian Rockies. Guided pack trips follow winding valleys, where wildlife sightings are common. Moreover, backcountry camps offer multi-day rides, giving horse lovers a rare chance to explore untouched wilderness from the back of a sturdy mountain horse.

Sossusvlei Desert Rides, Namibia

Golden dunes stretch endlessly in this part of the Namib Desert; their silence is broken only by the rhythm of approaching hoofbeats. Horses here are hardy and desert-trained, capable of crossing extreme terrain. Overnight treks under the stars turn each ride into an unforgettable journey through otherworldly expanses.

Lipica Stud Farm, Slovenia

Carriage wheels once rolled here for royalty. The Lipica Stud Farm dates back to the 1500s and remains the cradle of the famed Lipizzaner horses. Visitors can tour historic stables, watch dressage displays, and even ride these elegant white stallions across the manicured grounds of this cultural landmark.

Petra Backcountry, Jordan

Prized for their stamina and agility, Arabian horses guide travelers along sandstone ridges and into hidden canyons surrounding ancient Petra. With each step, riders follow paths once used by Nabatean traders. During the journey, local horse riders share insight into desert riding, and centuries-old caravan traditions are still remembered here.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Floodplains and tall grasses make up this rare horseback safari setting. Here, travelers track elephants and antelope without the sound of engines. Horses adapt to changing water levels, moving through swamps and savannas alike. Few places in the world match this level of immersion with nature from the saddle.

Camargue, France

Salt flats and reed marshes line this wild region near the Mediterranean coast. White Camargue horses roam freely, often seen herded by local cowboys known as gardians. Guided outings pass pink flamingo habitats and rice fields, pairing wildlife sightings with the thrill of riding a legendary native breed.

Mongolian Steppe, Mongolia

Endless plains extending toward the horizon trace paths once used by Genghis Khan’s armies. Nomadic guides lead journeys across the steppe, often including overnight stays in traditional gers. Horses are short and stocky, bred for stamina, and entirely at home in this vast terrain.

Patagonia Trail Rides, Argentina

Wooded slopes and glacial waters shape the edge of the southern Andes, and horseback routes still connect remote ranches deep in the region. Gauchos serve as both hosts and guides, teaching visitors how to ride in their own independent style. Trips range from short outings to weeklong adventures deep into Argentina’s most dramatic scenery.

Masai Mara, Kenya

Zebra herds join giraffes and wildebeests along the path as mounted tourists cross Kenya’s iconic savanna. Unlike a typical safari, riders creep across open plains, getting closer to animals without the hum of a vehicle. Outings are led by expert rangers who match the mounted guests with steady, safari-trained horses.

Hunter Valley, Australia

A short journey from Sydney, Hunter Valley’s rolling vineyards give way to bushland trails. Guided rides pass kangaroos and gum trees, with occasional breaks at cellar doors for tastings. Australian Stock Horses, valued for their steady nature and endurance, are perfect for the varied slopes and diverse terrains of the region.

Kananaskis Country, Canada

Mountain-trained horses carry guests into the less-traveled folds of the Canadian Rockies, where forest trails lead to alpine ridges and glacier-fed streams. While outfitters handle supplies, riders focus on the terrain ahead. Thanks to their calm disposition and sure footing, these seasoned horses make backcountry travel both steady and rewarding.

Tuscany, Italy

In Tuscany, cypress-lined ridges and medieval hill towns create a dreamlike setting for visitors exploring central Italy. Horses trot through vineyard-dotted trails and olive groves. Some farms include riding holidays paired with cooking classes or olive oil tastings. These activities allow guests to unwind with traditional Tuscan meals after a day on the trail.

Castle Routes, Ireland

Stone ruins and moss-draped pastures tell stories of the past as hooves gently tread along winding lanes once followed by knights and farmers. Irish Cobs and Connemaras, favored for their calm demeanor and steady pace, guide riders past ancient castles that, though weathered, still possess an undeniable presence.

Masurian Lakes, Poland

Forest-lined lakes and quiet trails define Poland’s Masurian region. Here, horses splash into shallow streams and ascend wooded slopes as deer and cranes tiptoe between the trees. Some farms double as guesthouses, and riders rest in converted stables to enjoy the hush that settles after long rides.

Damaraland, Namibia

In Namibia’s jagged northwest, desert-adapted horses move steadily between rock-strewn valleys and dry riverbeds beyond the reach of vehicles. Their endurance becomes clear during multi-day rides that trace wildlife corridors. Although giraffes and rhinos occasionally emerge on the horizon, the horses’ quiet strength grounds each journey within this craggy expanse.

Highlands Of Iceland, Iceland

The interior of Iceland reveals lava-covered ground and quiet falls hidden among stretches of blackened soil shaped by eruptions. Icelandic horses, known for their smooth tolt gait, carry guests across this mossy ground and over icy rivers. These rides carry a sense of stillness, surrounded by barren earth under a restless sky.

Cappadocia Valleys, Turkiye

Cappadocia’s volcanic valleys are marked by towering fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings. A ride through the area at sunset bathes the scenery in a magical glow. Turkish horses escort adventurers along scenic ridges and riverbeds, while overhead, hot air balloons drift serenely, offering a stunning contrast to the rock formations.

Hokkaido Trails, Japan

Native Hokkaido horses are compact and resilient, built for the region’s cold climate. They guide riders near volcanic fields and continue across ridgelines before reaching meadows that bloom during summer. Their calm nature suits beginners, yet they handle hilly trails with ease. Combined with sweeping views of Mt. Yotei, each ride balances natural beauty with traditional horsemanship.

Mackenzie Country, New Zealand

Clear skies and glacier-cut valleys define this South Island terrain. The route passes vast lakes and grazing land, rising toward ridges where snow remains year-round. Long stretches pass in solitude, with no other travelers in sight. Local horses, bred from station stock, easily manage these grasslands and mountain slopes.

The Pampas, Argentina

Expansive grasslands blanket central Argentina, a region steeped in enduring gaucho traditions. Guests may join local horse riders to help move cattle or explore the open range. Criollo horses dominate the land—agile and raised with the same freedom as the land they roam.

Ladakh, India

Thin air and steep trails set the scene for high-altitude rides in the Indian Himalayas. Horses climb rocky paths past ancient monasteries and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Treks often include mountain passes and river crossings, with occasional stops in tiny villages that cling to the slopes.

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Hardy Highland ponies lead the way over heather-covered moors and tidal flats shaped daily by the sea’s pull. These sturdy mounts remain focused and responsive despite the wind and shifting land. Paired with the wild solitude of the Outer Hebrides, they turn each outing into a truly grounded, unforgettable experience.

Thorsmork Valley, Iceland

Thorsmork Valley in Iceland blends glaciers, volcanic terrain, and lush greenery. Icelandic horses move steadily through the uneven terrain, where lava fields meet rolling green slopes. Summer trails uncover hidden waterfalls and stretches of black sand, with guides linking short excursions to longer journeys across the nearby highlands.

Altai Mountains, Kazakhstan

In this remote part of Central Asia, narrow tracks cut under pine cover and follow gentle slopes beside glacial streams. Tourists on horses stay with Kazakh families in yurts, sharing meals and stories each night. The local horses are miniature but surefooted, bred for centuries to handle cold weather and steep mountain paths.