Are you planning to go horseback riding on your travels? Or are you planning to explore the world from the back of a horse? Whether galloping across Egypt's deserts or trekking the Andes, horseback adventures can be unforgettable! But if you are here, you are here for the beauty of the journey with the horseā¦ how do you make sure to choose a responsible and ethical company that puts their horsesā welfare first?Ā
Donāt worryāIāve got you covered! Hereās the ultimate guide to making ethical choices for a rewarding and conscientious horseback riding experience. š And I have made sure to do some research for you, adding in some bucket list destination horse riding experiences at the end! What are you waiting for? Letās get into it!Ā
What Is Ethical Horse Riding? š“
Horse riding tourism can be a magical way to explore the world, but itās not always a fairytale for the horses involved. While many of us dream of cantering through breathtaking landscapes, the behind-the-scenes reality at some tourist spots can be heavily concerningā¦š Overworked, underfed, and poorly housed horses are sadly all too common in the tourism industry. Choosing ethical horse riding experiences ensures the horses are treated with care and respect. Itās about making sure theyāre healthy, happy, and enjoying the adventure as much as you are! But how do you go about choosing the right experience? ššš¼
Tips for Ethical Horse Riding Abroad š
Choosing an ethical organisation means a great experience for you and happy, healthy horses. Top-notch stables keep thorough welfare records, work with qualified vets, and make sure their horses are treated with respect, all while balancing tourism and high-quality care. The horse's well-being should always come first! š“ The key to ethical horse riding is all about finding the right organisation, and a little research can go a long way in making your horse riding adventure memorable for the right reasons! Whether you're a spontaneous traveller who plans on the go, or a meticulous planner, here are some friendly tips to keep in mind when picking your organisation:
šļøāāļø Ā Weight limits: Look for clear weight guidelines that align with the horses' natural abilities. This shows the organisation knows their horsesā comfort levels, with care for their well-being and abilities.Ā
ā° Work hours: Ethical stables enforce limits on how long their horses work and ensure they get proper breaks. We donāt like being overworked, so why would they?
š Horse health: Keep an eye out for horses that look healthy, with shiny coats, bright eyes, and no visible bones sticking out. A healthy horse is a happy horse!
š§¹ Clean facilities: Stables should be well-maintained, with proper ventilation, fresh water, and quality food and forage.
š Reviews: Dive into TripAdvisor or Google reviews. Pay attention to mentions of horse health or anything that raises a red flag.
š± Social Media Sleuthing:Ā Instagram and Facebook can be goldmines for insight! Browse through an organisationās posts to see the condition of their horses and how theyāre treated. (Pro tip: Check their websiteās āContact Usā page for quick links! š)
š Compare your options: Donāt settle for the first option you find. Research a few organisations and see which one ticks the most ethical boxes!
š Extra green flag:Ā Smaller riding groups = more personalised attention! When groups are kept small, horses get more rest and care, and as riders, you can enjoy a more intimate experience. Quality over quantity every time!
Red Flags to Avoid š©
Before booking your horse riding experience, it's important to know the red flags of poor welfare and what to avoid:
š© Underweight, injured, or visibly stressed horses: Keep an eye out for horses that look unwell. Pro Tip: Look for horses without their saddles on to spot things like saddle sores, which could be hidden by the saddle itself.
š© Super cheap rides: If the prices are too good to be true, it could mean corners are being cut when it comes to horse care, so make sure to dig a little deeper!
š© Exhausted horses: Horses that are very sweaty or look overworked are signs that theyāve been pushed too hard.
If youāre still unsure, donāt hesitate to reach out to the organisation directly! Drop them an email or give them a call with any questions about the horsesā care and conditions. Youāll be surprised how much you can learn just by asking!
Our Top Picks for Responsible Horse Riding Adventures
So if you have got to this point in the blog, youāre probably planning a horseback riding adventure, or exploring the idea of how to make sure you do your research! Whether you're dreaming of a one-day trail ride or a multi-day horseback holiday, I've rounded up a list of bucket list destinations perfect for every kind of rider. š“
Iāve done the legwork (or should I say hoof-work?) by researching ethical horse riding experiences around the world. These handpicked destinations hold horse welfare to a higher standard while offering unforgettable adventures and experiences. But donāt stop here! I encourage you to do your own research to find the best ethical horseback riding experiences that match your values!
European Horse Riding Destinations
Iceland: Land of the Viking Horse with Viking Horse
Weight Limit: 110kgs (240lbs)
A family-run company offering small-group horse riding adventures just 15 minutes from Reykjavik. Surrounded by mountains, lush green nature, and the volcanic landscape of RauĆ°hĆ³lar, they provide well-trained and cared-for Icelandic horses, high-quality equipment, and warm, professional service for an unforgettable experience in Iceland.
Small-group horse riding adventures near Reykjavik.
Explore volcanic landscapes and green nature at RauĆ°hĆ³lar.
Well-trained Icelandic horses with high-quality equipment.
Warm, professional service for a memorable experience.
Tuscany, Italy: Vineyard Trail Rides with Asd San Piero
(Their website is currently under construction and will be available on 9 Dec ā24)
Instagram: @asdsanpiero
Weight Limit: 90kg (198 lbs)
Located in Siena, Tuscany, Scuderia Melissa Cipriani offers unforgettable horseback rides through scenic vineyards and olive groves. Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, enjoy 1- or 2-hour trail rides on their well-trained horses. Enhance your adventure with a Chianti wine tasting or a traditional Tuscan lunch, blending excitement with local culture.
Family-run agriturismos.
Classical riding education.
Open paddock horse management.
Rides through historic vineyards and olive groves.
Asian Horse Riding Adventures
Mongolia: Nomadic Heritage Experience with Stone Horse Mongolia
Weight Limit: 100kgs (220lbs)
Guided horseback riding expeditions through the cultural and wilderness landscapes of two of Mongolia's top parks, along with Gobi Desert tours, hiking trips, and herder family ger (yurt) stays. Their team of experienced trip leaders and guides includes both Mongolian and international experts, with backgrounds in conservation, tourism, and wilderness travel.
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Mongolia with their unforgettable guided adventures.
Intimate horseback riding with small groups of 6-8 riders for personalised attention.
Low-impact travel with a focus on sustainability and local conservation efforts.
Access to pristine wilderness areas that are inaccessible by vehicles.
A herd of 34 well-trained, cared-for, horses for a safe and memorable experience.
South American Horse-Back Journeys
Argentina: Gaucho Experience with Camino Pampa
Weight Limit: 90kg (198 lbs)
Immerse yourself in the stunning Argentine Pampas, as skilled Gauchos lead you on an unforgettable horseback riding adventure, uncovering the rich culture and serene landscapes of this unique region.
Horseback riding in the Pampas near Buenos Aires.
Experience Criollo horses and traditional gaucho saddlery.
Guided rides through natural trails and rural areas.
Enjoy an authentic Argentinian "asado" lunch.
Peru: Machu Picchu Trail Rides with Perol Chico
Weight Limit: 85kgs (187lbs)
Founded in 1996 by Eduard van Brunschot, Perol Chico offers an exceptional equestrian experience with elite Peruvian Paso horses. Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the ranch provides personalised service, expert guiding, and top-tier equine care. Discover the beauty of the Peruvian Paso horse and the Sacred Valley on an unforgettable adventure.
Purebred Peruvian Paso horses, expertly trained for long rides
Personalised experiences with a focus on care and detail
Mountain ranch accommodation
Ancient Inca trail experiences
New Zealand Horse Riding Explorations
New Zealand: Trek Through the Spectacular Scenery of Lake Tekapo with Mackenzie Alpine Horses
Weight Limit: 115kg (253lbs)
Experience a memorable horse trek through the stunning landscapes of Lake Tekapo with Mackenzie Alpine Horses. Owned by Sarah Simpson, who lives on the 10,000-hectare Balmoral Station, the trek offers breathtaking views of the region. With over 20 years of riding experience, Sarah combines her passion for horses and the incredible scenery of the area. Along with her expert guides, Sarah ensures an unforgettable horseback riding adventure across this iconic New Zealand landscape.
Horse treks through the scenic Lake Tekapo region.
Based on Balmoral Station, a high-country Merino farm.
Run by an experienced rider and support team.
Guided treks showcasing breathtaking landscapes.
African Horse Riding Adventures
Egypt: Ancient Wonders on Horseback with Horses & HieroglyphsĀ
Weight Limit: 91kgs (200lbs)
Now this one really stands out to me! A Luxor-based horseback riding company offering tours and holidays for all skill levels. Combining adventure, history, and cultural immersion, H&H features well-trained rescue horses, supporting ongoing equine rehabilitation efforts. Each ride contributes to their mission of providing care and second chances to horses while showcasing Egyptās stunning landscapes and ancient heritage.
Explore ancient Luxor and the Pyramids of Giza on horseback.
Ride rescued Baladi horses and support their rehabilitation efforts.
Enjoy desert gallops, Nile swims, and village treks.
Immerse in Egyptian culture with local food, markets, and music.
Be the Change: Support Ethical Tourism šæ
There are awesome organisations like Egypt Equine AidĀ and Brooke: Action for Working Horses and DonkeysĀ doing incredible work around the globe to improve the lives of working horses and donkeys. Theyāre not only focused on welfare, but they also educate local communities on sustainable and ethical equid tourism, helping make the world of equine tourism better for everyone, including the horses. š As we make the active choice to select ethical horse riding experiences, we are indirectly supporting the efforts that organisations like EEA and Brooke stand for!
The industry is evolving, we as tourists are evolving and itās all about making sure that horsesā health, the environment, and local communities are prioritised. A truly memorable horse riding experience should never compromise the horsesā welfare. šAs responsible tourists, we have the power to shape the future of equestrian tourism by supporting ethical organisations and promoting higher industry standards. Your choices matter in creating more sustainable, ethical, and GENUINE future experiences for horse riding tourism worldwide. šæ
By supporting responsible, ethical organisations, we can keep these four-legged partners safe and in return, we entrust our safety to them. So letās saddle up and ride into a brighter future where both horses and riders benefit from unforgettable, ethical experiences. š
Check out horse riding volunteer projects offered by Worldwide Vets below:
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