5 Best Places to Go Horseback Riding in the World

Horseback riding is one of those experiences that connects you with nature in a way few other activities can. Whether you’re exploring wide-open plains, winding through mountain trails, or crossing vast deserts, riding on horseback lets you take in the world at a different pace. If you’re looking for the best places to go horseback riding, these five destinations offer some of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll find.

1. Saudi Arabia – Ride Through Ancient Desert Trails

Saudi Arabia might not be the first place that comes to mind for horseback riding, but the country has a deep-rooted horse-riding tradition, especially with Arabian horses. These horses are known for their endurance, intelligence, and smooth gait, making them ideal for long rides through the desert.

One of the best places to ride in Saudi Arabia is AlUla, home to stunning rock formations, ancient tombs, and vast, open deserts. There are several riding tours that take you through historic trails once traveled by traders and explorers. Riding at sunrise or sunset adds a dramatic effect as the golden sand reflects the changing colors of the sky. For those looking for a deeper cultural experience, some stables offer traditional Bedouin-style riding excursions, where you can learn about the historical bond between the Arabian people and their horses.

The Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) is another incredible destination for more experienced riders. As the world’s largest sand desert, it offers an endless expanse of dunes that create a surreal riding experience. The feeling of moving across these ancient lands, with nothing but the sound of your horse’s hooves in the sand, is something truly special.

If you’re interested in visiting Saudi Arabia, completing Umrah, and exploring tourist attractions, Tarteel Travel can help make your journey unforgettable.

2. Texas, USA – Cowboy Country

If there’s one place that embodies the cowboy lifestyle, it’s Texas. The state has a long history of horseback riding, and whether you want to ride through rolling prairies, dense forests, or rugged hills, there’s a trail for you.

One of the best ways to experience Texas on horseback is by visiting a working ranch. Many ranches offer trail rides that let you explore vast open lands, often with opportunities to see wildlife like deer, armadillos, and even bison. Some places even let you participate in cattle drives, where you work alongside real cowboys herding livestock across the landscape.

For those who prefer scenic trails, Big Bend National Park offers an incredible backdrop. The desert, mountains, and canyons provide a unique environment for riding, and guided tours can take you along some of the most breathtaking routes. Palo Duro Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” is another stunning spot to explore on horseback, with dramatic red rock cliffs and winding trails that stretch for miles.

3. Mongolia – Ride Like a Nomad

Mongolia is often considered the birthplace of horseback riding, and even today, many Mongolians still rely on horses for daily life. The country’s vast, open grasslands make it one of the best places in the world to ride without the constraints of roads, fences, or boundaries. Here, horseback riding is more than just a recreational activity—it’s a way of life.

One of the most famous riding experiences in Mongolia is the journey across the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with rolling hills, rivers, and ancient ruins. Riders can travel from one ger (a traditional Mongolian tent) to another, experiencing the nomadic lifestyle firsthand. Many tours include cultural elements, allowing riders to stay with local families, learn about traditional Mongolian horsemanship, and even participate in Naadam Festival games, which include horse racing, archery, and wrestling.

Another incredible route is the Khovsgol Lake region, where riders can traverse lush green valleys, forests, and crystal-clear lakes, all while surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The horses in Mongolia are tough and resilient, used to traveling long distances, making them perfect for adventurous riders looking to cover vast distances on horseback.

4. Iceland – Through Volcanic Landscapes and Black Sand Beaches

Iceland is home to one of the most unique horse breeds in the world—the Icelandic horse. These small but strong horses are known for their friendly nature and their special gait called the “tölt,” which provides an incredibly smooth ride even over rough terrain.

The landscapes of Iceland are nothing short of dramatic. Riding trails take you through lava fields, past waterfalls, and across black sand beaches, offering an otherworldly experience. The Reykjanes Peninsula is a particularly popular spot, where you can ride along rugged coastlines with views of the North Atlantic.

One of the most breathtaking routes is through the Valley of Thor (Thorsmork), where riders pass through deep valleys carved by glaciers and rivers. The contrast between green moss-covered mountains and volcanic rock makes it one of the most visually stunning places to ride in the world. Horseback riding is deeply embedded in Icelandic culture, and many tours include stops at farms where you can learn about the history of these special horses.

5. Argentina – Ride with the Gauchos in Patagonia

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding through a landscape that feels completely untouched, Argentina’s Patagonia region is the perfect destination. This remote and rugged area offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, with endless grasslands, towering mountains, and pristine rivers.

One of the best ways to experience horseback riding in Argentina is by joining a gaucho (Argentinian cowboy) on a ride through the Pampas or the foothills of the Andes. The gaucho culture is still very much alive, and riding with them offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Estancias (ranches) in Patagonia offer multi-day riding experiences where you can cover vast distances, camp under the stars, and ride alongside herds of wild horses. Some of the most famous trails take you through Los Glaciares National Park, where you can ride past glaciers, turquoise lakes, and rugged peaks. The region’s diverse terrain means that rides can range from gentle grassy plains to challenging mountain paths, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Bottom Line

Horseback riding is one of the most immersive ways to experience the world’s landscapes, cultures, and histories. Whether you’re navigating the ancient desert trails of Saudi Arabia, galloping through Texas ranches, riding across Mongolia’s endless plains, exploring Iceland’s volcanic terrain, or trekking with gauchos in Patagonia, each destination offers something truly unique.