Below you'll find an overview of our ranch holidays worlwide. Some of them will surprise you! All of them will delight you.
RANCH HOLIDAYS IN THE USA
The USA, North America must be one of the most famous places in the world to go on a horse riding holiday. The cowboy culture and ranch holidays in the United States are the reason. We offer a large selection of ranches in the US. Ranch holidays here are suitable for beginners onwards and all our ranch horse riding holidays offer really good and faster riding for experienced riders, unlike many ranch holidays from other tour operators.
Ranch holidays Montana:
Montana is a very large state and about 25% is national forest or public lands. Many animals roam here including bears and wolves and the somewhat less dangerous moose, bison, deer, elk, bighorn sheep and antelopes. Montana has several national parks including the world's first, Yellowstone ,which it shares with Wyoming and Idaho. The Glacier National Park has a spectacular alpine landscape. Unicorn offers two horse riding holidays in Montana.
We have a family run ranch holiday in Montana, Bridger Ranch. Your hosts have years of experience looking after guests. The ranch has been handed down through the family and the hosts are directly descended from the original homesteaders who actually carved this ranch out of the wilderness. Their love and knowledge of the surroundings and local environment that has been inherited by your hosts is passed onto the guests with lots of narrative tales and historical explanations. The accommodation is in comfortable en-suite log cabins. We know that all cowboys like their food but the meals here are taken around the kitchen table and are quite fantastic. Most horses on the ranch are bred and trained with gentling methods. If guests are interested natural horsemanship clinics are available. Cattle wok is undertaken for all the neighbours, so there is 22 square miles of territory to cover. On this ranch riding holiday in Montana you will be welcomed along with many others who have discovered this haven and return year after year to enjoy the riding, peace and hospitality.
We offer a another dude ranch holiday in Montana, Sunrise Ranch. The location is stunning. The ranch is 7000 feet above sea level and is extemely remote, being surrounded by 2 million acres of wilderness. Old Faithful and Yellowstone National Park are only 1.5 hours drive away. Like most of our ranches, Sunrise caters for all levels of rider. There are 120 Appaloosa/quarter horses available and different riding groups for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. The ranch is family run and welcomes families to stay. It has a great children's program from infants to ten year olds, and plenty to do for the older children. If you like fishing as well as horse riding then you'll be interested in the excellent fly-fishing streams (both on and off site) and the stocked casting pond, and there's a fly-fishing guide for the guests. There is something for everyone on this horseback holiday in Montana.
Ranch holidays Wyoming:
Wyoming is the 'Cowboy State' and was once home to that famous cowboy Bill Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill. To put things into prespective Wyoming is the ninth-largest State in the USA and yet it has the smallest population. Rugged landscape, magical scenery and wide open spaces make horse riding holidays in Wyoming, in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, very special. Wyoming is home to America's and indeed the World's first national park - Yellowstone. It's here that the Old Faithful geyser faithfully erupts virtually hourly to thrilled crowds. Just south of Yellowstone lies the Grand Teton Nationla Park which is a great place for horse riding. In winter Wyoming transforms into a world reknowned ski resort.
Ranching is still a key industry here, and one of the world’s largest rodeos – Cheyenne Frontier Days, is held every July. The guest dude ranches are ever popular and Unicorn's rides here are both ranch holidays.
A great horse riding holiday in Wyoming is at the 1,300 acre Bitteroot Ranch. This is both a guest dude ranch and also a working cattle ranch.The riding here is some of the best and most diverse trail riding in North America. It is located in a remote valley bordering the Shoshone National Forest. Fifty miles of unspoiled mountain wilderness separate the ranch from Yellowstone National Park. For a small additional fee you can also take a 1-3 day pack trip into the Wilderness Area. For faster paced riding there is easy access to the high plains around the Wind River Indian Reservation. Your safety and enjoyment is paramount at this ranch and it has a broad pool of horses for all skill and confidence levels. You always ride in small groups with people of similar riding ability. During your stay you will have frequent opportunities to help drive cattle, which graze in the adjacent national forest during the summer. Many of the horses enjoy cutting and driving cows and you will appreciate getting the feel of this traditional western way of life. This is a superb horseback vacaton in Wyoming.
Set in the middle of the Bighorn National Forest Unicorn is delighted to offer a wonderful ranch riding holiday at Moose Ranch in Wyoming. If you are looking for a wonderful ranch experience in a remote setting surrounded by nature and wildlife with some cattle work then look no further. There are 18 very solid spacious log cabins with views and verandahs. As so often on USA ranch holidays there are many non-riding activities and entertainments to suit everyone such as heated swimming pool, hot tub, guided and unguided fly fishing and lots of evening fun with singing around the campfire, square dancing and cookouts. In addition to the extensive horse riding program there is a fully supervised children's programme from infant onwards. Pack trips are also available into the surrounding wilderness areas. The welcome is genuine and the nature pristine. Almost everyone returns to visit here again.
Ranch holidays Arizona:
Arizona is desert country, the land of cowboys and indians and miles of open space. Many of John Ford's famous films were shot here. Its climate - dry desert air and guaranteed sunshine - is very attractive to tourists though beware there can be a big difference between the day and night-time temperatures. The 'jewel in the crown' for Arizona is the truly awesome Grand Canyon. This is a sight that everyone must see at least once in their lifetime and Unicorn has a fabulous horseback holiday in the Canyon. However, there is much more to Arizona. In fact it has 27 National Parks including the amazing Monument Valley with its enormous sandstone spire formations and the beautiful Painted Desert. The Sonoran Desert and Sagauro National Park feature typical desert scenery and Unicorn has some of its Arizonan equestrian holidays based here.
Here's a flavour of our horse riding holidays in Arizona.
Adjacent to the Saguaro National Park we have our riding holiday called Arizona, Tucson Ranch, a family run ranch set in 5 square miles of desert. This is one of our premier horseback vacations. Guests love getting involved with the weekly cattle work. Experienced riders are catered for with brisk lope rides but less able riders, of all ages, are also welcomed.There are slow rides on the flat and also rides up into the heights of the Saguaro National Park. Families are welcomed here although there is no specific children's riding programme. As expected on a riding holiday in the USA, food is varied and plentiful and the accommodation is of a good spec and spacious with an outdoor pool and indoor hot tub. There are lots of non-riding activities and entertainment such as roping demos, barrel racing and shuffleboard. This is a great choice for a USA ranch holiday.
We have another premier ride in the same area, a luxurious cattle and guest dude ranch called Tanque Verde. This 4 star outpost of the Old West is set in 640 acres adjacent to the Saguaro National Park and Corondo National Forest. The scenery is simply spectacular and from here guests can explore the wonderful flora and fauna of the Sonoran desert.This equestrian holiday caters for everyone - riders of all ages and abilities and even non-riders. Beginners to experienced riders will enjoy the riding programme and there is a separate supervisd programme for children making it perfect for a family riding holiday. The ranch is not too far from Tucson and the Grand Canyon can easily be visited. Another good choice for a USA ranch holidays and especially if you are seeking some warming winter sun.
Ranch holidays Colorado:
Colorado is a year round destination, famous for the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains and great hospitality. At 1608 metres above sea level, the capital Denver, is known as the Mile High City. This state is home to three spectacular National Parks, native American ruins and ghost towns left over from the gold rush. We have an excellent dude ranch holiday here in Colorado called appropriately Colorado,Rocky Mountain Ranch. This ranch is in a wonderful location, situated right on the continental divide, about 100 miles west of Denver. The ranch is surrounded on three sides by forest or protected land making an area the size of Britain to ride in with not a fence in sight. Every ride out from this ranch has a view to rave about. You'll also have lots of fun team penning the cattle each week. This is a family friendly ranch and it has a fully supervised children's programme as well as a particularly good range of non riding activities. If families aren't your thing then the last 2 weeks from the end of August are always designated adult only weeks. We think you will love this horse riding holiday in Colorado.
RANCH HOLIDAYS IN CANADA
Ranch holidays Alberta
Alberta represents the ranch and cowboy culture in Canada. Nature lovers will love Alberta's Rocky mountains, lakes, glaciers and forests. It is home to several national parks including Banff and Jasper. Situated in the south/mid-west, it is the most westerly of the 'prairie and plains' provinces, yet also home to Canada's magnificent Rocky Mountains. Banff is its famous jewel, both the picturesque town and the national park. Set in the Rockies it is a major ski resort but is just as beautiful in both summer and winter, with popular tourist spots such as Sulphur Mountain and Lake Louise. There's lots of wildlfe in Alberta and you stand a great chance of seeing moose, bear, mountain goats, big-horn sheep etc. Visitors can take the Icefields Parkway and walk out on to the frozen icefields.
Alberta Working Ranch
The USA does not hold the monopoly on ranch holidays. This is an excellent ranch riding holiday in Canada. Get away from it all and gain an inside view of this authentic working family ranch. Set at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this small working Canadian 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. Riding experience would be beneficial for this but is by no means essential as on this horse riding holiday beginners can also participate. The first cattle drive takes place in the first part of June and allows you to take the yearlings into the Forest Reserve. Usually they are gathered and driven three miles to the neighbour's corrals on one day. They will stay there overnight, and the next morning we combine the herd and move them between 15 and 20 miles into the Forest Reserve. A second cattle drive takes place in mid-July (weather permitting). This involves taking up the heifers that have been with the bulls for six weeks. This drive is similar to the first as they will go into the same pasture. The third cattle drive is the Fall Roundup. This drive takes place about the middle of October as the cattle need to be out of the Forest Reserve by the 15th of the month. Cattle drives are extremely popular and you will need to book early to reseve your place. Branding Week offers a traditional branding experience that even today, echoes the practices of the past. Help the crew gather, sort and brand. You're welcome to observe or pitch in and learn the basics. Why not combine your stay at the ranch with a two day stay in the city for the world famous Calgary Stampede in July? Please contact Unicorn Trails for details.
Alberta - Calgary Ranch
Unicorn offers another ranch holiday in Canada. Situated near the historic Fort Assiniboine, between the beautiful Sand Hills Wildland Park and the meandering Athabasca River, we find a secluded ranch nestled in an area surrounded by forests. Experience the cowboy life on this ranch. Guests have the opportunity to participate in cattle work on the ranch and experience trail riding through a portion of Alberta's historic Klondike Trail with abundant wildlife - favourites are the bald eagle, beavers and moose. Even guests with limited riding experience will be comfortable in the saddle and penning cattle after a few hours of gentle tuition. This horse riding holiday in Canada is an ideal family destination. Many extras can be arranged - e.g. canoe trips, gold panning, visits to local rodeo shows, bird watching, wagon rides, viewing the Northern Lights, wilderness survival and nature tours.
RANCH HOLIDAY IN FRANCE
Languedoc-Roussillon is quite simply stunning. This is the area in the extreme south of France, bordering Spain in the south, then running north-eastwards along the Mediteranean coastine. It is packed with mountains, gorges, vinyards, pretty villages and beaches. This is Cathar country so it is bursting with history and you will see ancient Cathar castles in various states of disrepair, perched high upon the mountain tops. They are certainly worth the climb to visit. The town of Carcassonne has a gorgeous walled old town and a fabulous castle with a multitude of towers and turretts and evidently Walt Disney based his Cinderella's Castle on Carcassonne's. Perhaps you will have already read the 2005 best seller Labyrinth by Kate Mosse which is set in this region in Cathar times. If not, it could be your holiday read.
Did you know that you don't have to go to America for a ranch riding holiday? Indeed you don't, when here in the Haute Langeudoc Natural Parc there is a fantastic ranch with western riding style. You'll have a mix of trail riding, cattle work and team penning. If you need lessons in cattle work then these can be arranged for a small supplement. You'll need to book early if you want to experience the cowboy lifestyle French style - this is one of our most popular riding holidays in France.
RANCH HOLIDAYS IN ARGENTINA
Horse riding holidays in Argentina, South America are a natural way to explore the culture and landscapes that make Agentina so special. The vast estancias - cattle ranches - with their impressive haciendas - estate houses - have been passed down through families for many years, some originating back even into the 17th century. Luckily for us, many estancias, though still traditional, authentic working cattle farms, now welcome guests. They make for an upmarket and relaxing based horse riding holiday. The scenery is stunning and the hospitality warm. Often riders of all levels can be catered for.
And don't forget Argentina is the home of polo. Why not try a chukka or two while on an estancia, probably against the gauchos, or go for a whole week of immersion into this addictive sport on a polo horse riding holiday. If you haven't played before, lessons can be arranged, but we can't guarantee that the gauchos will let you win! Of course you may not want an estancia stay but seek a more challenging horseback holiday. In this case Argentina has many exciting trails to offer often hopping from one estancia to another. Head for the magnificent and immense Andes Mountains. Another option is to ride along ancient Inca trails. Look out for armadillos, guanco, the indigenous monkey puzzle trees and perhaps best of all, condors riding the thermals- catch a feather for your gaucho hat!
We cannot forget the fantastic Argentinean horses. Since they were brought from Europe in the time of the Spanish conquests, horses have played a major role in the people and culture of Argentina. The horse is an essential part of cow-herding by gauchos on the estancias. The most common breed of horse is the Criollo, the national horse of Argentina. This sure-footed breed is known for its stamina and endurance - the perfect horse on your perfect Argentinean horseriding holiday. You may be luckily enough to time your riding holiday to coincide with a local festival. These are taken very seriously and you will see proud owners parading their beautifully groomed horses through the streets ,maybe followed by a rodeo attended by the whole town.
RANCH HOLIDAYS IN PORTUGAL
There can be no better country in Europe for a horse riding holiday than Portugal. It shares the Iberian Peninsular with its much larger neighbour Spain, and is often unjustly overshadowed by Spain, but Portugal has a wonderful warm and sunny climate, ancient traditions, a unique form of architecture called Manueline, and a distinctive culture all of its own.
Ranch Holiday, Algarve
If you think that ranch holidays are limited to the USA then think again! Here in the Algarve we offer a fabulous and very popular ranch holidays with the wild west on your doorstep. We call this our Western Style Algarve ride. All the horses are schooled in western riding using natural horsemanship. This may the Algarve, but you will ride out daily on glorious trails without seeing another soul. Enjoy the magnificent views and peacefulness of the countryside enveloping you - just rider and horse. Should you fancy a trip to the beach, then no problem, it's close by. Back at the ranch in the evening join your hosts and fellow riders around the camp fire for drinks. This riding holiday caters for all level of riding, beginners to advanced riders.
RANCH HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Unicorn Trails is in a unique position to advise you on horse riding holidays in South Africa. Our Managing Director, Wendy Hofstee, grew up in South Africa. She was passionate about horses, qualified as a vetinerary surgeon including wildlife capture training in the Kruger National Park and moved to the UK in 1990 where she subsequently founded Unicorn. So you won't find better specialist advise than with us on either riding holidays in South Africa or riding holidays throughout Africa in general.
It's here in South Africa that we offer our Horizon Ranch ride. This is a very popular and flexible ranch. In order to meet individual preferences, the ranch does not run to a set itinerary for this riding holiday. They offer guidelines as to what they think you will enjoy each day, but the daily activities are organised to meet each client’s specific requirements. Rides are organised into small groups so that experienced riders can enjoy stimulating and fast rides, whilst novice riders are brought on at a pace comfortable to them. Individual requests for private rides, flatwork coaching, cross country lessons or round pen demonstrating, can also be easily accommodated. A number of non-riding activities are always on offer for those feeling saddle weary. The Ranch is superb riding country. The going is easy, the horses run unshod on perfect sandy soil, and though the bushveld is thick in places, most of the countryside is open and flat and perfect for extended canters. Rocky koppies provide an ideal vantage point from which to appreciate the vastness of the Waterberg plateau. Swimming the horses in one of the many dams is an excellent way to cool down after a long morning ride. Leisurely viewing of the resident hippo family, either sunbathing in the winter sun or wallowing in the dam, has proved to be a popular interlude during a ride.
Cattle Mustering
The 1200 strong cattle herd on the Ranch are stud Bonsmaras, a hardy African breed suited to the region’s harsh conditions. Guests can join in the daily routine of herding and yard work, check calving cows or drive a herd between widely spread pastures. The Bonsmara is a non-aggressive breed and the ideal animal with which to experience the challenge and excitement of mustering cattle. Herding cattle also stimulates one to work closely with the horse and gives a rewarding purpose to a morning ride.
RANCH HOLIDAYS IN ICELAND - YES ICELAND!!
This ranch holiday in Iceland must be unique! The rounding up of sheep is an Icelandic tradition with roots back in the past when pastures and fields near the farms were so precious that they had to be kept for the hay harvest. Thus the stock was driven to the mountains during the summer. On this tour we join the farmers in South Iceland when they gather thousands of sheep from the mountains. We experience Icelandic horses at their best, sure-footed and eager to fulfil the task set for them every autumn.
The sheep round-up riding holiday intertwines tradition, nature and history leaving nobody untouched by the Icelandic spirit of togetherness. Four nights on this tour are spent at Fossnes Farm. After each day in the saddle we can relax in a comfortable outdoor hot tub. The first and last night are spent in a hotel in Reykjavík. This horseback adventure in Iceland is an experience not to be missed.
Choosing rides from our huge range of horse riding holidays can be a challenge in itself and you may find yourself going into overload with all these fabulous holidays, but we can help you to narrow down your choice. You may already know which regions and countries you are interested in. However check out our ride category selector. Here you can look for rides by the following categories:
. beach riding holidays
. ranch riding holidays
. horse back safaris
. our premier selection
. family friendly horseback holidays
. singles riding holidays
. advanced riders
. horse holidays with tuition (dressage, polo, jumping)
. riding holidays for beginners
. fast riding
. winter sun horse holidays
. short riding breaks
. holidays suitable for the heavier rider
. cattle drives
. horseriding holidays in Eastern Europe
. desert riding
. adventure riding holidays
. health and lifestyle riding breaks
. mountain trekking
. centre based riding holidays
. trail rides
. unguided horse holidays
. holidays that can incorporate non-riders
. western style riding
. natural horsemanship holidays
. riding holidays with camping
. Christmas & New Year riding holidays
.
So as you can see there is something for everyone. WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!
Don't forget we can always arrange an extension to the riding element of you holiday. You may like us to suggest something or perhaps you have your own ideas. Whether it's time to relax on a beautiful beach, go white water rafting, take a cruise around the magical Galapagos Islands or a see the sights in a city stopover we will be delighted to make the arrangements for you.
Unicorn Trails is very proud to have rides all over the world. Here is a list of the countries we ride in. To see the relevant web page and learn more the country and our rides there, just click on the link:
Africa:
Horse Riding Holidays Botswana
Horseback safaris Botswana
Horse back holidays Ethiopia
Horse Riding Holidays Kenya
Horseriding vacations Madagascar
Riding Morocco
Horse Holidays Mozambique
Horse Riding Holidays Namibia
Horse Riding Holidays South Africa
Safaris on horseback South Africa
Riding Holidays Tanzania
Equestrian vacations Tunisia
Horse Riding Holidays Egypt
Europe:
Riding Holidays Cyprus
Horse Riding Holidays France
Horse Riding Holidays Greece
Horse Riding Holidays Iceland
Horse Riding Holidays Ireland
Horse Riding Holidays Italy
Horse Riding Holidays Portugal
Horse Riding Holidays Spain
Horseback Holidays Sweden
Riding Holidays Turkey
Horse Riding Holidays UK
Horse Riding Holiday GB
Horse Riding Holidays England
Horse Riding Holidays Wales
Horse Riding Holidays Germany
Eastern Europe:
Horseback Riding Holidays Bulgaria
Riding Holidays Czech Republic
Horse Holidays Hungary
Horse Riding Romania
Horse Riding Holidays Russia
North America:
Horse Riding Holidays Canada
Horseback vacations USA
Horse Riding Holidays United States of America
South America & Central America ( Latin America):
Horse Riding Holidays Argentina
Riding Holidays Brazil
Horse Riding Holidays Chile
Equine vacations Costa Rica
Horseback Holidays Ecuador
Equestrian Holidays Mexico
Horse back Hoildays Peru
Equestrian Vacaction Uruguay
Horse Riding Holidays Dominican Republic
Far East, India, Australasia, Middle East:
Horseback Riding Holiday Australia
Horse Riding Holidays China
Horse Riding Holidays India
Horse Riding Indonesia
Equine Adventure Jordan
Horse back Holiday Kyrgyzstan
Horse back Holiday Tibet
Horseriding Vacation Mongolia
Horse Riding Vacation Tajikistan
Horse Riding Holiday New Zealand
To create great photobooks of your riding holidays click the link below. They're really easy to make and look superb. We're great fans and have our personal "travelogue" books. We even have mugs of ourselves riding in various spots around the world!
Ranch horse riding holidays range from the classic