The best equestrian destinations and their horse breeds
Imagine galloping through the wild and unspoilt natural sites of our beautiful planet! In France, Mongolia or Iceland, there are sublime landscapes just waiting to be explored. Equestrian tourism is the perfect alternative: it allows you to slow down, take in a unique view of the environment and learn about a country's equestrian traditions. If the idea of going on a horse-riding trip or simply meeting a local breed of horse appeals to you, we've got just the thing. Here are the best equestrian destinations for discovering horse breeds around the world!
Do you love travelling and horse riding? Combine these two interests through equestrian tourism and set off to discover the different breeds of horse that correspond to each destination! Whether it's the Camargue horse in France, the Connemara pony in Ireland or the Kentucky Mountain Saddle in the United States, you'll find that each destination has its own equestrian traditions. It's a great way to combine cultural discovery with learning about the world of horses!
What's more, horse riding is the perfect way to discover a destination. Firstly, it's an accessible activity that requires no previous experience. Secondly, it allows you to slow down and appreciate the natural landscapes that surround you. Finally, it's a unique opportunity to discover a country's equestrian traditions, as well as its local and emblematic breed of horse! So what are you waiting for? Discover local horse breeds around the world by following our guide to the best equestrian destinations!
The Camargue in France
The Camargue is a must-see equestrian destination in France. Situated in the south of the country, this region is mainly located in the Bouches-du-Rhône département between the 2 arms of the Rhône delta, on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Camargue is renowned for its unique biodiversity, which fascinates birdwatchers and horse lovers alike! The magical marsh landscapes of the Camargue are home to pink flamingos, herons and egrets, as well as another emblematic inhabitant of the region: the Camargue horse.
The Camargue horse can be recognised by its white coat. It lives in semi-liberty in the marshes of the region and is renowned for its stamina and ability to evolve in marshes and salty areas. The Camargue horse is small, generally measuring between 1.35 and 1.50 metres at the withers. Perfectly adapted to its local environment, it feeds on the vegetation of the Camargue marshes, made up of reeds, salty grasses and aquatic plants. If you want to discover an emblematic breed of horse in France, the Camargue is undeniably one of the country's best equestrian destinations. What's more, the Camargue horse is a docile breed, making it the perfect mount for horseback rides in the region. Take a horse ride in the Camargue and enjoy an authentic experience deeply rooted in the local traditions of southern France!
Andalusia in Spain
Andalusia is a region ofSpain covering the south of the country, bordered to the north by Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha, to the east by Murcia, to the south by the Mediterranean Sea and to the west by Portugal. Andalusia is renowned for its great cultural diversity, with influences from Jewish, Christian and Muslim cultures. In terms of landscapes, there are mountains, deserts, fertile valleys and beaches. In a warm and sunny atmosphere, Andalusia invites you to enjoy the outdoors with the horse native to the region: the Purebred Spanish Horse or Andalusian.
The Andalusian is an elegant horse with a noble bearing. It is a breed of horse renowned above all for dressage and equestrian shows. Even though they are rather energetic, Purebred Spanish horses remain calm and very attentive to their rider. On average, they measure between 1.60 and 1.70 m at the withers.
During your trip to Andalusia, an interesting way to admire the abilities of the Spanish Purebred is to go and see a dressage show. A horse ride in Andalusia is also a great way to discover the region's landscapes with ease. By going with a local guide, you can be sure of an enriching and authentic experience. If you prefer, you can also visit a traditional stud farm to learn more about how the equestrian world works in Spain.
Connemara in Ireland
Connemara is a region ofIreland renowned for its rugged beauty. Located in County Galway, in the province of Connacht, Connemara boasts a diverse and unspoilt landscape. The mountains and hills of the region are dotted with sparkling lakes, including the famous Lough Inagh. In some places, vast expanses are covered by golden peat bogs. Finally, the coasts are wild, with rocky coves and cliffs that border the Atlantic. The famous "Wild Atlantic Way" passes through Connemara, of course!
While the landscapes and authenticity of Connemara attract many visitors to this region of Ireland, this magical place is also a renowned equestrian destination. The native breed of horse is the Connemara pony. Connemara ponies generally measure between 1.28 and 1.48 metres at the withers. While the larger ones are used for sport, the smaller ones are perfectly suited to younger riders. Agile and hardy, the Connemara pony is the ideal mount for a horse ride in Connemara.
During your stay in Connemara, you can of course go horse riding through the hills of the region, but also on the wild beaches. These activities will not only allow you to admire Connemara's natural treasures, but also to fully immerse yourself in the local Gaelic culture as you chat with your guide. Prepare to be dazzled by this wild corner of Ireland on your next equestrian trip!
Iceland
Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Greenland and Norway and to the north-west of the Faroe Islands. The island is famous for its unique landscapes, with volcanoes, glaciers and geysers! There are also lava fields, hot springs, fjords and black sand beaches. Iceland lies very close to the Arctic Circle, but thanks to its position in the heart of the North Atlantic, the country enjoys a relatively temperate climate. The island's famous animals include the emblematic puffin, sheep and, of course, the Icelandic horse!
If you want to discover a breed of horse that is unique in the world,Iceland is the perfect equestrian destination. The Icelandic horse is a breed like no other, and one of the most well-preserved in the world! Firstly, this robust little horse is perfectly adapted to Iceland's extreme climate. Secondly, it has a special gait that no other breed of horse has: the tölt. Finally, to protect the Icelandic horse, a law prohibits the import of other breeds of horse to the island, and any horse that leaves the island can never return.
Icelandic horses are an integral part of Iceland's history. Before the Vikings arrived in Iceland, there were no horses on the island. Over time, however, horses became indispensable for agricultural work and transport. The horse gained in importance in Icelandic culture and became a central animal in Norse mythology. Taking a horse ride in Iceland is a not-to-be-missed activity for discovering this breed of horse in its local environment. Go horseback riding on a black sandy beach to enjoy a truly unique and mystical atmosphere, or admire Iceland's most famous purple flower while strolling through a field of Lupins.
Mongolia
Mongolia is located in Central Asia. Bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, the country is known for its expanses of steppe (treeless vegetation), its nomadic traditions and its culture influenced by the legacy of the Mongol Empire. The south of the country is dominated by the Gobi Desert, while the north and west are home to mountains and freshwater lakes. Mongolia is also known as an equestrian destination, as horses are central to its nomadic culture.
The Mongolian horse is a hardy, hardy horse with a reputation for independence. Relatively small, they measure around 1.20 to 1.40 m at the withers. With its robust build, sturdy legs and hard hooves, it can cover long distances over difficult terrain without even needing shoes. Perfectly adapted to the Mongolian climate, the Mongolian horse can also survive the extreme temperatures of a freezing winter or a very hot summer.
Visiting Mongolia is an opportunity to discover a culture in which the horse is central. It's an equestrian destination that will delight lovers of wide open spaces and history, as well as those who want to discover Mongolian traditions. If you want to meet the Mongolian horse, you can take a horse trekking tour of the steppes and mountains with nomad guides. You can also take part in the country's most important annual festival, the Naadam Festival, which includes horse racing! This traditional festival takes place every summer in July.
Kentucky in the United States
Kentucky is a state in the south-east of the United States also known as the Bluegrass State. This nickname is due to the "blue grass" found in the state's pastures. In addition to these pastures, Kentucky has a diverse landscape ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the fertile plains of the west. This American state is also known for its bourbon, its musical culture and, of course, its equestrian traditions!
The state's native horse is the Kentucky Mountain Saddle. This horse is known for its gentle, comfortable gaits, perfect for guaranteeing riders a long, comfortable ride. However, the Kentucky Mountain Saddle is a tough, hardy all-rounder that can be used for farm work. The horse generally stands between 1.42 m and 1.63 m at the withers and has a solid yet elegant outline, with a muscular body and strong legs.
Kentucky is an equestrian destination not to be missed in the United States, where you can experience the Kentucky Mountain Saddle and the state's equestrian culture. If you're planning a trip there, be sure to visit the area around Lexington. There are a number of thoroughbred breeding farms here, which are very popular with tourists, as well as the Kentucky Horse Park, another well-known attraction offering an insight into the history of racehorses and Kentucky's equestrian activities.
The Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago of 18 main islands linked by tunnels, bridges and ferries. The archipelago is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, at the bottom of the Norwegian Sea. Like Greenland, the Faroe Islands are one of the 3 countries that make up the Kingdom of Denmark. The archipelago's landscapes are wild and unspoilt, combining mountains, waterfalls and fjords in an atmosphere that is often misty or rainy. The Faroe Islands are renowned for wildlife watching, diving and hiking. The latter is an activity you can enjoy on foot or on horseback!
If you can, we strongly advise you to take a horse ride in the Faroe Islands. This will give you the chance to meet a rare and ancient breed: the Faroese horse, also known as the Faroese pony. This breed is closer to a pony than a horse, with a height of between 1.20 and 1.30 m at the withers. The Faroese pony is hardy and has a thick coat that protects it from the archipelago's changing climate. Docile and intelligent, they are the ideal companion for beginners.
The Faroese horse is an integral part of the archipelago's history. It was used by the inhabitants for their agricultural needs and was even exported to the British Isles for work in the mines before falling into oblivion and coming close to extinction. Fortunately, the population has recovered and the Faroese pony is now a protected breed. To meet or ride one, you can visit the Fjallaross riding centre near Tórshavn. This is the only company on the Faroe Islands that lets you ride a Faroese pony in the wilds of the Faroe Islands. An authentic experience not to be missed.
The Alentejo Region in Portugal
Do you love the sun, heavenly beaches and horses? Then you absolutely must add the Alentejo to your list of equestrian destinations! This region of Portugal, renowned for its rural and ecological tourism, is sure to please. The Alentejo lies in the south of the country, bordered by the Tagus to the north and the Algarve to the south, with Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Sparsely populated, the Alentejo occupies around a third of Portugal and is the cradle of bullfighting and Lusitano horse breeding.
The Lusitano is a saddle horse breed of Portuguese origin. Although it went through a period of decline due to the popularity of Thoroughbreds and sport horses, the Lusitano is regaining popularity thanks to equestrian shows and its dressage skills. The Lusitano is a gentle, obedient horse that is receptive to learning. They are also powerful, making them perfect for working cattle.
The Alentejo is an equestrian destination where you can discover Portugal's stud farms, explore picturesque hills or the coast's sandy beaches and watch traditional dressage demonstrations. In fact, if the idea of riding a horse on a Portuguese beach appeals to you, don't hesitate to take advantage of your visit to Lisbon to go horse riding in Comporta. Horse-riding in the Alentejo is a unique opportunity for horse-lovers in Portugal!
The Altai region of Siberia
The Altai is a mountainous region that brings together four countries: Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China. The Russian part is located in Siberia, in the Republic of Altai and the Altai Krai. The region is a perfect equestrian destination for nature lovers. It's got everything: mountains, rivers, forests, steppes and rocky deserts! The most famous sites in the Altai include Mount Belukha, Lake Teletskoye and the Chulyshman Valley. What's more, the Altai mountains are the birthplace of a very ancient breed of horse: the Altai horse.
The Altai horse is used to the region's extreme climates. It is a robust breed of horse that is perfectly suited to mountainous terrain. Rather small, the Altai horse measures between 1.30 m and 1.45 m at the withers. They play a central role in Altai culture, providing a vital resource for the local nomads. Historically, Altai horses were indispensable to the Altai peoples, who used them for travel, agricultural work and traditional rituals.
During your trip to the Altai, you can learn more about the history of this horse by meeting the region's nomadic populations. You can also go on an excursion through the Altai mountains, an experience that will give you a real moment of connection with nature.
You now know the best equestrian destinations in the world for discovering local breeds of horse. Each of these destinations is more beautiful than the next, with a breed of horse perfectly suited to the climatic conditions and terrain of the region.
Equestrian tourism offers a unique opportunity to combine the discovery of a culture with the practice of horse riding. Even if you've never been on horseback before, there are plenty of rides available and you can check out our 5 tips for a successful first ride to ensure you have an enjoyable experience wherever you decide to go!