Horse riding
What could be more thrilling or romantic than seeing Europe on horseback? The huge range of treks, trail rides, and lessons available enable both experienced equestrians and novice riders alike to enjoy a horse-riding holiday in Europe. Even non-riders can take part in horse-drawn cart rides and caravanning.
Horses have been bred for thousands of years for agricultural, military and competitive purposes, as investments and as pets; this history is why you’ll find horseback holiday options in every corner of Europe. Choosing where to ride depends on the kind of terrain you want to cover, whether mountain or seaside, pastoral or in an urban park. You’ll also have a choice of particularly European breeds you want to try riding. No matter where or how you go on horseback, the perspective from high up in the saddle astride a beautiful, powerful mount is unequaled by any other means of sightseeing.
Equestrian centers and farms throughout Latvia and Estonia offer lessons for all ages and levels, days out on horseback, and special rides for non-riders on horse-drawn carts and sleighs, depending on the season. Visit the stud farm where Estonia’s native horse breed, the Klepper, is being preserved and developed.
Whether you ride or not, on your visit to Hungary you must meet a descendant of the Hussars’ mounts, strong and nimble horses who helped make Hungarian horsemen respected throughout Europe. Poland is famous for both Arabian and Hucul horses, and offers every manner of riding imaginable.
Slovenia loves horses and is fiercely proud of its Lipizzaner Stud Farm. Ride in the Julian Alps or across gentle meadows, using equestrian centers or staying at farms and ranches. Croatia’s horse riding is centered on the Istrian Peninsula, the Dalmation coast and in the easter region of Slavonia, providing diverse terrain including plains, lakes and rolling hills. The rocky coastlines on the Adriatic Sea are better suited to experienced riders. Resorts along the Adriatic Coast of Italy offer excellent riding on relatively gentle paths, whereas the Italian Alps present a greater challenge and stunning scenery as a reward.
France, Spain, and Portugal all have a long and rich history of equestrianism, and welcome horse-loving visitors with lessons, guided tours, and overnight excursions. Portugal is famed as the source of the Lusitano, one of the oldest breeds of saddle horse. Valleys, mountains, volcanoes and beaches look somehow different when you're sitting on a horse. Andalusia in southern Spain is horse heaven, where you can visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, attend the Jerez horse fair, or, as throughout Spain, enjoy riding a Spanish horse yourself.
Ride a Belgian Warmblood through the pastoral beauty of Belgium, either for a day or as part of an overnight trip, with accommodation at a 16th-century farmhouse (with 21st century plumbing). Enjoy the Haute-Sûre nature park on horseback, Luxembourg’s favorite equestrian destination. Holland has equine facilities in most towns, with guided tours for the less experienced rider.
Europe is dotted with equestrian centers where you can choose a horse ideally suited to trips into the heart of the Alps. In Austria enjoy horseback riding in national parks, attend a Spanish Riding School performance, or ride a fiaker through Vienna. Germany has stables in every part of the country; from deep forest to wide-open dunes, mountain trails to farm roads, there’s a place for you to enjoy Germany on horseback. The Czech Republic has a long tradition of breeding, racing and riding horses; here you have a choice of hundreds of equine events and riding opportunities to enjoy.
Horses in Scandinavia were bred for centuries to do hard work in a harsh climate. Today you can enjoy these sturdy mounts in breathtaking surroundings. Sweden has one of the highest ratios of horses to people in Europe, and is the home of two distinct breeds, the Gotland pony and the North Swedish horse. The Finnish horse of Finland is a very even-tempered breed, now used for trekking in the northern part of the country and stabled mostly in the south. Norway has three special breeds beautifully adapted to its topography: the fjord horse, mountain horse, and forestry horse. Although it is appreciated throughout Scandinavia, the Icelandic pony is perfect for trekking in Iceland. In Denmark, how about taking your holiday in a prairie wagon?
Horse riding is one of the most revered sports in the British Isles and opportunities to enjoy the equestrian world are legion. Explore the varied landscapes of moors and mountains across Britain – on horseback. In Ireland visit stud farms, attend races and show jumping events, try a horse-drawn caravan trip or just enjoy the pure pleasure of riding.
Interest in modern equestrian arts came to Greece in the mid-20th century; the growth in riding clubs has soared, so you can find a trusty Mediterranean mount with no trouble at all. In Turkey, take the 17-day Great Anatolian Ride along the path of 17th century Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi through northwestern Turkey, or investigate all the intriguing corners of fascinating Cappadocia on horseback.