Horseback riding isn’t just about lessons at riding clubs or pony rides at farms. Horse trekking, where you enjoy nature while riding, offers a beautiful scenery experience and a chance to connect with horses, providing a soul-refreshing journey.
Within Japan, many horse trekking courses are available across various regions, including forests and seaside trails. However, around the world, there are equestrian tours that showcase landscapes on a scale different from those in Japan.
Here, we introduce some of the most breathtaking horseback riding tours worldwide that everyone should try at least once.
Where do you want to go?
Traveling abroad or even within Japan has become more restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people look forward to trips and exploring overseas once the situation calms down.
After experiencing restrictions and a confined lifestyle, many seek tours where they can relax and rejuvenate by enjoying beautiful scenery and nature. Although fewer cases have been reported, COVID-19 has made outdoor experiences more appealing, especially as they reduce the risk of infection.
Sharing photos at scenic spots on SNS has become popular, attracting interest in some of the world’s most spectacular views. Many breathtaking spots are located domestically and internationally. Here, we guide you on how to find stunning equestrian tours and popular scenic spots, helping you plan a memorable trip. Use this to help craft your perfect travel itinerary.
Salar de Uyuni Salt Flat
Located in western Bolivia, Lake Uyuni is surrounded by the Andes Mountains and sits at an altitude similar to Mt. Fuji. It is known as a breathtaking natural wonder, often featured in photos of surreal landscapes where the sky and salt flats appear to merge.
From April to November, you can enjoy the dry season where the salt flats are exposed and white, creating a vast, stunning white landscape. From December to March, the rainy season turns the salt flats into a giant mirror reflecting the sky, clouds, and surrounding scenery, offering a mystical experience.
Many people also enjoy horseback trekking on the Uyuni Salt Flat, especially during the rainy season. Riding horses on this shimmering, mirror-like surface provides an extraordinary, almost otherworldly experience that’s highly recommended.
Wharariki Beach
Located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Wharariki Beach is near Farewell Spit in the Tasman Sea. Although it’s a remote beach, accessible via a 20-minute walk from parking and a scenic trail crossing hills and streams, its pristine white sands are awe-inspiring.
The highlight of visiting Wharariki Beach is the chance to see seals, sea lions, and penguins if you’re lucky. The hiking trail from the parking area offers views of sheep on the hills along the way, combining nature and wildlife encounters.
Horse trekking from farms toward the beach passes over hills and through scenic landscapes. While there are beginner courses, the trek is suitable for experienced riders, offering an adventurous and rewarding experience.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a vast region at the southern tip of South America, spanning across Argentina and Chile. It features diverse natural landscapes, including arid deserts, grasslands, glaciers, and temperate rainforests, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Notably, the glaciers and lakes of Los Glaciares National Park are iconic sights many recognize from photographs.
Driving through Patagonia provides a unique experience of wild, untouched nature, unlike typical domestic horseback treks, offering a true adventure in pristine wilderness.
Yatsugatake
Yatsugatake is a mountain range extending across Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures. The scenery from the highlands is breathtaking, and the area is home to rare plants and animals. Many farms offer opportunities to interact with animals, making it a popular sightseeing spot.
Horse trekking in the lush nature surrounding Yatsugatake is popular, especially courses that traverse forests and hills. The courses are often gentle, making them accessible to beginners, and the changing seasons mean you can enjoy different scenery year-round, creating a versatile travel experience.
Sites to Find Tours
When planning a horseback trekking trip, how do you gather information? Many start with brochures at travel agencies or ask staff for recommended plans. Some may prefer to plan from scratch, creating their own itinerary.
However, it’s necessary to gather various information such as trekking routes, accommodations, and access methods. In Japan, many websites provide reliable details, and if you’re unsure about the credibility, you can verify directly with travel agencies or make phone inquiries. It’s quite feasible to visit some sites with limited information as well.
International trips, however, require more thorough research for safety. Reliable sources with plenty of information—photos and reviews—are essential. We introduce five websites that offer trusted horseback trekking information, helping you choose the best route for your preferences. Explore these sites for helpful guidance and make your trip memorable.
Equus Journey
Equestrian Traditions and horseback travel | Equus Journeys (equus-journeys.com)
Horseback Trial Ride
Horse riding holidays all over the world | Cap Rando – Horseback riding vacations
Guide to Iceland
Equitours
Risonare Yatsugatake
Activities | Risonare Yatsugatake Official Site — Enjoy the Gifts of Nature
Summary
We hope you found this helpful. With the weather cooling down in Japan, it’s the perfect season for horseback riding. As autumn leaves change color, many seek relaxing rides through scenic landscapes with horses.
Travel restrictions are gradually easing for international travel, and now might be a good time to start planning your trip, especially since many had to wait longer. Use the listed sites as references to create a memorable journey and enjoy a great adventure.