Calling all horse lovers – if you’ve had dreams of galloping through wild plains on a horse tour overseas with a few mates, then you’re going to want to give this a read.
Here are five places around the world where you can turn these dreams into reality.
So what are you waiting for? Stop horsing around, fix your saddle, and get ready to giddy up!
1. The Andes, Peru
Hop on that saddle big boy or girl, and ride through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, high in the mighty Andes.
Imagine trotting past remains of the ancient Inca civilisation whilst the towering peaks of the Andes mountains loom over you?
The Peruvian Paso horses are an absolutely joy to ride, and with the help of local, knowledgable guides, a horse riding tour through this part of the world is guaranteed to leave you with awesome memories.
2. Estancia Los Potreros, Argentina
Take a trip to the Argentinian outback and ride horses with modern-day cowboys (gaucho) past ranches and scenes of traditional country life.
Horseback riding has played a major role in Argentina’s history, economy and folklore, and horses continues to play an important role in modern times.
Head to Estancia Los Potreros, a 6,000 acre cattle ranch in the mountains just north of Cordoba, for an unforgettable ride through cattle country led by local guides.
3. Loire Valley, France
Gallop past historic castles along the tree-lined banks of the Cher River and catch a glimpse of what life was like for French royalty in earlier times.
Located in central France, Loire Valley is peppered with some of the greatest castles history has left behind, and a ride through this stunning region is an absolute must-do for both horse lovers and castle buffs alike.
4. Rajasthan, India
Most people ride camels in Rajasthan, India.
But what most people don’t know is that there’s also the option to join a horse riding tour too. Equestrian tours through India’s exotic Thar Desert use Marwari endurance horses, which will take you past impressive palaces and jumbles of small desert villages populated by smiling locals.
5. Masai Mara, Kenya
For even more adventure in Africa, throw the jeep to the sidelines and join an equestrian tour instead, riding polo ponies through the Masai Mara in Kenya alongside zebras, elephants, giraffes, lions and countless other animals in the country’s wild plains.
At the end of the day, share a sundowner with your tour mates before spending the night in comfortable tents, ready to do it all over again the next day.
Sources: National Geographic, Equitours.