UNICORN TRAILS MOUNTAIN HORSE RIDING HOLIDAYS A horse riding holiday in the mountains has many notable differences from other horse riding holidays:
- panoramic views
- ever changing scenery
- deep stillness and peace
- challenging and diverse terrain
- often at a walking pace on difficult tracks but can be faster at other times
- may be at high altitude and physically challenging
Sometimes riding in the mountains can be done by relatively inexperienced riders who are very fit, with a good balance. As the pace can be slow, trust in your horse and confidence is more important on those rides than technical riding ability. However on other rides, the time needs to be made up on the open terrain and the pace really picks up, making riding experience a prerequisite. A large variation in comfort at night is also found: from charming guest houses, to primitive camping in remote and inaccesible places where all equipment is carried on pack animals.
Due to all these advantages and variations, mountain rides are amongst our favourites and we have an excellent selection.
In Europe choose from the pretty rolling hillsides of Tuscany in Italy, to mountains populated with small villages in Bulgaria and Poland, Ireland and Greece.
Moving up the scale of challenge, we have mountains with strange volcanic and rock formations such as in Iceland or Turkey. Then even in Europe there are the massive Pyrennean Mountains in France or in Spain.
Let's not forget the Rocky Mountains of the USA, also home to the cowboy culture and summer grazing pastures for cattle.
Further afield there are also some classical challenges: Crossing the Andes Mountains on horseback from Chile to Argentina (the historic, very tough route) or from Argentina to Chile (lower, faster route); touring the Volcanos of the Andes mountains in Ecuador. Crossing the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, from the desert to Marrakech is a notable challenge.
We haven't even started on the ultimate mountains - Himalayan range, home to many nomadic cultures of central Asia. See our riding holidays in: Tibet, Kazakstan and Uzbekistan
If you are confused or cannot make a selection from the rides below, don't hesitate to call and we'll select you the perfect mountain riding holiday from personal knowledge of all the options.
• Cyprus, Drapia Farm
Explore the spectacular mountains and sunlit olive groves on horseback or learn to ride. Relax on the beach with non-riding companions.
• France, Carcassonne Pyrenean Trail
Explore the Pyrennean Mountains, a beautiful area redolent of history and a superb ride in the rugged countryside near the Spanish border, guided or unguided with comfortable lodgings and excellent dinners.
• France, SB Carcassonne Pyrenean Short Break
Situated in the rugged countryside near the Spanish border this ride offers a chance to see a beautiful, mountainous area redolent of history and enjoy rural France and the hospitality and food of its inhabitants.
• Greece, Kephalonia Riding Week with 2 Day Trail
Swim with your horse in the Medditerranean Sea. All abilities.
• Greece, Lassithi Trail Guided
Only for intermediate or experienced riders, this adventurous trail of 100 miles takes you through the remote mountains and friendly villages of Crete.
• Greece, Lassithi Trail Unguided
Only for intermediate or experienced riders, this adventurous trail of 100 miles takes you through the remote mountains and friendly villages of Crete.
• Italy, Sardinia Mountain to Sea Trail
Boutique style accommodation, intimate and friendly. Great horses with a varied trail but back to base each night. Great introduction to trails.
• Italy, SB Sardinian Country Retreat
Boutique style accommodation, intimate and friendly. Tuition and riding out for all levels, families welcome.
• Italy, Umbrian Adventure
Set in unspoilt countryside, surrounded by woodland, overlooking mountains and valleys on all sides. This ride caters for everyone. The summer itinerary involves an optional nights camping by Roman Ruins.
• Spain, Alpujarras Trail
The Alpujarras is exceptionally beautiful & grand making it perfect for a horse riding holiday in Spain. Your experienced host has run trail rides in these mountains for 20 years. Ride pure Andalusians.
• Spain, Andalucia of the Moors
One of several Unicorn horse riding holidays in the Alpujarras, Spain. Exceptional natural beauty and an experienced host. Riding into the Spain of the 19th Century. Great for single riders.
• Spain, Catalan Culture & Beach Trail
Trail through medieval villages, gallop on the beach and forests of Catalonia. Ride lively Andalusian and Andalusian crosses, for competent riders only.
• Spain, Catalan Smugglers Trail
Trail through the Pyrennean Mountains, following in the footsteps of ancient smugglers, aboard lively Andalusians and crosses. Swim in the rivers with your horse!
• Spain, Fiestas of Andalusia
Beautiful finca in National Park, riding on well schooled Andalusians from beginner to experienced riders, comfortable accommodation, swimming pool.
• Spain, Mediterranean Wine & Spa Coastal Trail
Swim with your horse and enjoy the best in Catalan cuisine and wine with lovely overnight accommodation. Point to point trail on Andalusian and cross horses for competent riders.
• Spain, Mountain To Sea Trail
Fast trail ride through the Catalan countryside form mountains to sea on pure bred and Andalusian crosses. Comfortable accommodation and lots of good riding.
• Spain, Ride to Jatar
Week with mini trail to Jatar, horse riding trail to Jatar, Andalusian horses trail ride, trail riding in Andalucia
• Spain, SB Andalusian Mountain Retreat
Beautiful finca in National Park, riding on well schooled Andalusians from beginner to experienced riders, comfortable accommodation, swimming pool.
• Spain, Western Gredos Mountains
Point to Point trail, English style riding with varying scenery, charming villages and Spanish. Comfortable hotels, good company and beautiful horses.
• Turkey, Cappadocia Trail
A trail ride to explore and discover the natural, historical and cultural wealth of Cappadocia's unique landscape, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Suitable for fit, confident riders and accompanying non-riders.
| • Bulgaria, Bulgarian Trail
Once you have riddden this trail you will feel like you have really got to know Bulgaria and its people. Ride across the central Balkan Mountains on good horses.
• Bulgaria, Melnik Culture and Wine Trail
Ride along the Greek border through the Rhodopes, Slavyanka and Pirin mountains. Expect stunning scenery, an abundance of history and culture, and of course fine wine.
• Bulgaria, Mountain and Wildlife Trail
A ride on good horses exploring the high mountains of central Bulgaria with a focus on nature.
• Bulgaria, Rhodopes Based Stay
Fast and good riding in the unspoilt Rhodopes Mountains in rustic country hotel. Cultural tour for fit riders.
• Bulgaria, Rhodopes Mountain Trail
Enjoy mountain scenery in this hospitable country which has a tradition of excellent horsemanship. The riding is at all paces where the terrain permits on responsive, fit horses. For good riders.
• Romania, Carpathian Estate Ride
Relaxed riding, unspoilt nature and a warm welcome from a local nobility on this trail with very historic restored accommodation including Ceausecu's former Hunting Lodge.
| • Ethiopia, Abyssinian Explorer
Highlights of Ethiopia including Lalibella and riding on the Ethiopian Highlands with the semi nomadic Oromo people. Amazing and unusual trip.
• Morocco, Central Atlas Summer
Explore the High Atlas on magnificent ArabX Barb horses in this vehicle supported camping trip for intermediate riders onwards.
• Morocco, SB Atlas Mountain Eco Lodge
Enjoy all that the Atlas Mountains have to offer on this relaxing short break. Ride out every day in a different direction and return to the comforts of the eco lodge.
• South Africa, Gold Fever Wilderness Horse Trail
Riding for all levels in wilds of the South African highlands, with a jeep safari at the famous Kruger Park. Non rider itinerary available.
| • Canada, Alberta Working Ranch
Set at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Canada this small working cattle ranch is the real thing. On 2 week programmes guests will experience cattle work and learn the basic techniques of working cattle and ranch roping.
• Canada, Wilderness Pack Trips
Pack trips through the Canadian Rockies - the real deal with awe-inspiring scenery and remote camp sites.
• Canada, Yukon Expedition
Wild camping trip in the pristine nature of the Yukon
• USA, Colorado, Rocky Mountain Ranch
On the continental divide, 100 miles west of Denver, every ride from this ranch has a view to write home about. Excellent riding and lots of fun team penning the cattle each week.
• USA, Montana, Bridger Ranch
If you are interested in improving your riding skills, especially western and horsemanship, this is the place to come with regular clinics organised throughout the year and one day or more a week set aside for natural horsemanship clinics on demand. Cattle work is also done for all the neighbouring ranches.
• USA, Montana, Sunrise Ranch
Set at 7000 ft and surrounded by 2 million acres of wilderness. Family run & offers a great children's program for all ages as well as having adult only weeks. Close enough to visit Yellowstone & Old Faithful.
• USA, Wyoming, Moose Ranch
Beautiful setting, log cabins, barrel racing, quarter horses, fishing and wildlife. A first class ranch with something for all abilities.
| • Argentina, Andes Mountain Crossing
Fast riding on a well supported camping trip, for fit and experienced riders.
• Argentina, Ceiling of America Trail
Ride through incredible Andes Mountain scenery at the highest part of the Andes near Mendoza. Highlights for those without the time to cross the full range.
• Argentina, Inca Trails Expedition
Explore the inca trails on horseback, including the tropical forests and crystal clear streams of the Lerma Valley, the Calchaquí desert with its multicoloured mountains and the Cafayate Creek with its red hills, a breathtaking contrast.
• Brazil, Santa Catarina Trail
Trail from one fazenda to another in the cattle farming backcountry of Brazil. Superb riding at all paces 5.500 ft surrounded by outstanding ever-changing scenery. Why not treat yourself to the Christmas Ride?
• Chile, Chile to Argentina - Across the Andes
The ultimate challenge - cross the High Andes along the remote historic route. For the adventurous, tough and reasonably fit only.
• Chile, High Andes Cattle Drive
Experience life as a true gaucho on this annual cattle drive in the High Andes.
• Chile, Luxury Patagonia Lodge Retreat
Luxury accommodation, remote Andean mountain region, home bred horses, natural horsemanship, all riding abilities, world class fly fishing on site
• Costa Rica, Costa Rica Highlights
The very best of the Costa Rica riding: jungle, rainforest, volcanoes, waterfalls and of course, spectacular beaches! Comfortable accommodation and fantastic no rider programme.
• Dominican Republic, Caribbean Adventure
Exceptional adventure holiday exploring the unspoilt coastline and interior of the Dominican Republic on horseback
• Ecuador, Avenue of Volcanoes Trail
Point to point trail along the Avenue of Volcanoes in the Ecuadorean Andes. Accommodation in various haciendas and one refuge en route.
• Ecuador, Cotopaxi Cattle Round Up
Non-tourist cattle round up in the Avenue of Volcanoes, Ecuador. Join in with the local chagras (cowboys). Fabulous horse riding holiday.
• Ecuador, Hacienda La Alegria
Historical Hacienda set in the Andean Mountains surrounded by snow capped volcaoes, riding for all abilities and mini trails into the cloud forest.
• Ecuador, Hacienda Stay
A warm welcome awaits you at this exclusive Hacienda, from where you can ride out and enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Ecuadorian countryside.
• Ecuador, Trail to Pinan Lake
Join this trail ride as personal guests of the owners of a large working hacienda. They will accompany you on this adventurous trek and explore the Andes mountains on horseback following remote valleys and over high passes until you reach the isolated and pristine Lake Pinan.
• Mexico, Copper Canyon Trail
Adventurous trail through the remote Sierra Madre and canyons of Urique, Batopilas and Sinforosa, meeting the Tarahumara Indians en route.
• Mexico, Las Cavalcades
Charming hosts, beautiful accommodation, elegant horses, fine food and plentiful cocktails.
• Peru, Luxury Sacred Valley
This exclusive ride is more than an unforgettable riding experience in the Andes combining culture, history and adventure with fine Peruvian cuisine, comfortable mountain camps, and charming hotels.
• Peru, The Puma's Route
Ride along the desert, oases and to the Pacific Ocean coast in the south of Peru on smooth Peruvian Pasos.
| • India, Ladakh Trail
Adventurous camping trail in Ladakh region of India at high altitiude in the foothills of the Himalayas, visiting remote monasteries. Suitable for adventurous beginners as the pace is slow.
• Kyrgyzstan, Great Silk Road
An adventurous camping trip with incredible mountain views.
• Mongolia, Mongolian Explorer
Fantastic adventure in remote Mongolia from beginner onwards, vehicle suported camping trip with great guides.
• Tajikistan, Pamir Mountain Explorer
Adventurous trail through the wild, remote and beautiful Pamir mountains of Tajikistan.
• Tibet, Tibetan Adventure - The Tagong Horse Festival
Unique cultural experience of the Tagong Horse Race Festival and riding in the remote mountains wtih nomadic herders.
| Mountain Horse Riding Holidays
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Unicorn Trails
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Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
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Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com
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