best horseriding holidays

From riding across desert dunes in India to galloping across the Jurassic Coast, horse riding holidays are an incredible way to travel the world. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting a feel of the saddle, we’ve rounded up a list of horse riding experiences that promise a holiday that blends adventure and luxury in the great outdoors.

Lucknam Park, Wiltshire, UK

Best for: Beginners to advanced riding in the lush English countryside

An elegant country house hotel, Lucknam Park is a stately property featuring a mansion with 42 rooms and suites, and cottages complete with private gardens and their own kitchens. But what we’ve got our eyes on is the majestic stables – home to 12 horses- the property’s equestrian centre is open to guests of all ages and capabilities. You can ride across the 500-acre estate, taking in flowering meadows in the summer, ancient woodland, and manicured parkland. For a dedicated stay, look out for their Equestrian Escape package, which typically pairs overnight accommodation with private riding and dinner.

I recently visited Lucknam Park and can’t recommend it enough. In addition to the beautiful grounds, make sure you check out the newly renovated spa while you’re there.

Natasha, Managing Editor

Where: Lucknam Park, Chippenham SN14 8AZ
Website: www.lucknampark.co.uk

Louma, Dorset, UK

Best for: Easy trail rides and lessons for beginners; rides along the Jurassic Coast for advanced riders

Sandford Stables, located at the lovely luxury farm stay Louma, is home to some beautiful horses and offers arena lessons as well as trail rides. Experienced riders can trot along forested pathways, jump over logs and canter along stretches of open fields. Or if you’re new to riding, you can have a 1-on-1 lesson in the arena where you will learn the basics of horsemanship and riding from highly skilled and experienced instructors. The stables can also organise guided trail rides down toward the Jurassic Coast for confident riders, ranging from half-day hacks to full-day excursions that stop at local country pubs along the route

Where: Louma Country Hotel, Champernhayes Ln, Bridport DT6 6DF
Website: www.loumafarmandretreat.co.uk

The horses at Sandford Stables are some of calmest and happiest I’ve ever been around and this really is paradise for horse people.

Andrea, Contributing Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor

Reschio, Italy

Best for: Training with world-class Spanish dressage horses

Set amid the rolling hills of Umbria, the Reschio Estate blends ancient heritage with elegant Italian style. Scattered across the 1,500-hectare estate are beautifully restored historic farmhouses alongside a luxury 36-room hotel set inside the estate’s 10th-century castle. At the heart of Reschio lies its equestrian centre, founded in 1999 by Count Antonio Bolza. Home to world-class Pura Raza Española dressage horses, the stables offer tailored training, estate hacks, and regular evening dressage performances.

Where: Tabaccaia di Reschio, 06060 Lisciano Niccone PG, Italy
Website: www.reschio.com

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana, USA

Best for: Western-style riding for beginners and experienced riders

Tucked away in one of Montana’s most pristine valleys, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers a blend of the rugged outdoors with all the modern comforts you can ask for. Set on a historic 19th-century homestead, the guest ranch is home to a herd of more than 70 well-trained horses, ready to take guests across meadows, mountain trails, and open skies. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the ranch offers tailored experiences from arena lessons and obstacle courses for younger guests to roping practice on foot. Guided by expert wranglers, each ride gives you the chance to see the wild beauty of Western Montana from a real rancher’s perspective.

Where: 79 Carriage House Ln, Philipsburg, MT 59858, United States
website: www.theranchatrockcreek.com

NIHI Sumba, Indonesia

Best for: Equine retreats and relaxed riding

NIHI Sumba, a remote retreat on the Indonesian island of Sumba, offers a stunning equestrian experience that feels like you’re at the edge of the world. While the resort is known for its wild beauty and immersive luxury, it’s the connection with Sumba’s indigenous horses that sets it apart. You can explore the island’s diverse terrain, from sweeping beaches to dense rainforests, on horseback, guided by skilled horsemen. For something more spiritually inclined, NIHI’s Equine Retreats blend riding with elements of wellness and self-discovery, using the intuitive nature of horses to champion healing and personal growth. Whether galloping through the shallows at low tide or taking part in a ceremonial procession of native Sandalwood horses, NIHI Sumba’s equestrian programme is exceptional for riders seeking wellness and adventure.

Where: Hoba Wawi, Wanokaka, West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
website: www.nihi.com

Cuixmala, Mexico

Best for: Beach riding and beginner-friendly lessons

Set along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Cuixmala was once a private estate, and now the reserve has opened its doors to guests to explore its landscapes on horseback. From quiet jungle paths to open stretches of beach, the well-trained Criollo horses are matched to each rider, whether novice or experienced, and the pace is as relaxed or adventurous as you choose. With its thoughtful blend of comfort, sustainability, and authentic connection to the land, Cuixmala is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the beauty of your natural surroundings.

Where: Carretera Melaque Puerto Vallarta, Km. 46, 48983 Emiliano Zapata, Jal., Mexico
website: www.cuixmala.com

Mundota Palace, Rajasthan, India

Best for: Polo players and experienced riders

At Mundota Fort & Palace, just outside Jaipur, horseback riding is a part of the estate’s quiet, storied past. The 450-year-old heritage property offers a rare range of equestrian experiences, from hacks through the Aravalli foothills on indigenous Marwari horses to stick-and-ball sessions on India’s first private luxury polo ground.

Where: Mundota, Rajasthan 303706, India
website: www.mundotapalace.com


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