Your Horse Riding Holiday Calendar: Our Month-by-Month Guide

Those who love horse riding know that the perfect equestrian holiday depends on more than just skill and passion – timing is everything. Choosing the right season for your trip can transform a good ride into an extraordinary adventure that you will never forget. Our experts have put together a comprehensive month-by-month guide to assist you in planning your next horse riding holiday calendar. With decades of experience and knowledge, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From the type of horse riding experience you are looking for to the ideal weather conditions and local events, this guide will help you make an informed decision on when and where to book your next equestrian adventure.

January and February:

Explore snow-covered landscapes in Canada, Sweden, and Norway
Experience the peak season in South America by visiting Chile and Argentina
Discover desert adventures in Morocco, Jordan and Egypt
Enjoy safari holidays in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique

As the new year begins, snow-covered landscapes offer a magical opportunity for northern adventures. Canada, Sweden, and Norway provide ideal conditions for snow riding when the thick snow creates a stunning backdrop for your equestrian pursuits. These countries can also give riders the chance to witness the Northern Lights, adding an extra layer of wonder to a winter ride.

For those seeking warmth, January and February are a popular choice for a horse riding holiday calendar, and the ideal months to escape the cold and enjoy some sun-soaked riding adventures.

South America: This is the peak season for South America, and some routes in this vast continent can only be ridden between November and March, making it the perfect time to explore. In Chile and Argentina, the iconic ride Across the Andes and the Patagonia is only available during these months. Additionally, countries like Uruguay and southern Brazil, (excluding the Pantanal region), enter their summer season, presenting excellent riding conditions with vibrant landscapes and inviting temperatures

Mexico & Costa Rica: In Mexico, the temperature is perfect from November to April, making it an ideal time for horse riding holidays along its beautiful beaches and scenic trails. During this period, most of Costa Rica also experiences its “dry season,” offering consistently warm and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring its diverse landscapes on horseback.

Dominican Republic: Another destination you might want to consider for sunshine and beaches is the Dominican Republic which is great from November to April, though it is worth noting that February is hurricane season.

Northern Hemisphere: If planning your horse riding holiday calendar to escape the cold winter, there are still sunny destinations in the Northern Hemisphere. Arizona ranches offer long hours of sunshine and comfortable temperatures from October to April. Desert riding in North African countries like Morocco, Jordan and Egypt are all ideal during this period, and some Mediterranean European rides remain sunny. Additionally, Rajasthan in India offers the best riding conditions from October to March – dry and sunny but not too hot.    

 

Africa: For those craving some warmth, Southern and East Africa are hot but still enjoyable during these months. Destinations like South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique (avoid February due to hurricane season), Kenya, and northeastern Tanzania are perfect for beach or safari holidays to soak up sunshine and heat

Further Afield: January and February mark the peak of summer in Australia and New Zealand. If you enjoy hotter climates, the antipodes are a great choice. These countries boast a variety of horseback riding adventures, from beach rides along the coast to treks through breathtaking natural landscapes

March:

Last chance for snow rides in many northern destinations
Kenya is our top tip for March
Experience the summer sun in Peru and Ecuador
Enjoy fewer crowds and long hours of riding in Southern Europe

March marks the last chance for snow rides in many northern destinations as winter draws to a close. It’s also the final opportunity to embark on the Andes Crossing and explore Patagonia until the next season. Many rides that were popular in January and February continue to be at their peak during this time.

Kenya: March is an excellent time to visit Kenya, as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate experience with the stunning wildlife and landscapes.

Southern Europe: As spring approaches, southern European countries such as France, Spain, southern Italy, Portugal, and Greece begin to warm up with midday temperatures of 25°C being common. This time of year is ideal for long hours of riding, with destinations at their best during spring (March – June) and autumn (late September – November). These months are ideal for those planning a horse riding holiday calendar without the typical crowds while experiencing perfect riding temperatures and time to absorb the charm of local culture and cuisine.

April:

This is where European rides really start to come into their own
Last chance for North African desert rides and the Dominican Republic
Desert riding is possible again in Namibia

Europe: This is when European riding truly comes alive, continuing through September. As the landscapes awaken from winter, visitors can enjoy longer rides with pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Central Turkey and Cappadocia thaw, making them perfect for riding once more. Visiting Turkey during this period, while still colder than peak season, offers a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine while enjoying fewer crowds.

Last chance: This month offers the final opportunity for North African desert rides before the intense heat sets in. It’s also your last chance to join our Caribbean Adventure in the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Kenya and Tanzania are beginning their long rainy season, so it’s best to avoid these destinations until the end of June.

Namibia: As the intense heat begins to subside, the vast Namibian desert opens up once again for riding enthusiasts. With temperatures dropping to more comfortable levels, adventurers can explore the unique landscapes that stretch across the horizon. The riding season in Namibia will continue into October. It is advisable to book Namibian rides well in advance as this is a very popular destination for a horse riding holiday calendar that often sells out a year in advance.

May & June:

Central and Eastern Europe begin to warm up
Ranching season kicks off in all along the Rocky Mountains
Start of the season in Pantanal, Brazil
Flood season begins in the Okavango Delta in Botswana

Europe: Europe continues to be a perfect riding destination with warmer weather further south and central Europe, including Eastern European destinations such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary which come into their own now. This is also the start of the Scandinavian summer season

The Ranching Season: In North America, the Rocky Mountain states – Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah – and parts of Canada kick off their ranching season. As the snow melts, cattle ranches begin moving their herds to higher pastures which gives riders an opportunity for authentic cowboy experiences, such as the Prairie Working Ranch Stay in Canada. These areas remain perfect for riding until about October when the first snow falls – when exactly is dependent on the altitude of each ranch. The bulk of the cattle work is usually done at the start and the end of the season.

Pantanal in Brazil: this is also the start of the season in the Pantanal of Brazil – the rains start diminishing in April and it stays dry from June into September/October.  Located in central-western Brazil, the Pantanal spans over 42 million acres, and it is the largest tropical wetland in the world. The Pantanal is also well known for its biodiversity and large concentrations of wildlife and is home to the world’s largest collection of jaguars. (Mammals are best spotted between July and October). Unicorn  Trails offers an exclusive 7-night ride in the Panatal that is a must on any horse riding holiday calendar.

Ecuador:  With the highlands of Ecuador being quite wet in the first half of the year, the perfect time to explore this fascinating country is between June and October, with milder weather often holding until December. Our Hacienda La Alegra Ride is a based-stay that offers year-round getaways that can be booked from 2 nights upward.

Peru: A surprising country for a horse riding holiday, the climate of Peru is similar to neighbouring Ecuador. The best time to visit the highlands is between June and September, although earlier and later in the year still make for pleasant riding. The Luxury Sacred Valley ride explores the seldom-visited Inca valleys on horses descended from the conquistadors. The programme also includes a bucket-list visit to Machu Pichu.

 

 

Georgia: Georgia is a fascinating country with a rich equestrian history. Horses play an important part in the history and culture of Georgia, especially in the Tusheti Mountains where it is the fastest and easiest way to travel and transport goods. There are two Horse Drives in Georgia that riders can join. The Spring Drive happens at this time when the herds are moved between the beautiful Vashlovani National Park to the mountain highlands of Georgia to spend the summer months. The Tusheti mountains are spectacular in spring and summer and worth including on a horse riding holiday calendar

Atlas Mountains: In Morocco, June offers a unique chance to journey across the Atlas Mountains as both desert and mountain are navigable on horseback at this time. The Central Alas Mountain Trail showcases the desert, towering peaks, and the plains on a point-to-point camping trail.

Botswana Floods: In Botswana, the Okavango Delta flood season starts around this time, attracting an abundance of wildlife. The flood season typically extends until the end of September. This is a favourite destination for many travellers, so if you plan to visit during this time, it’s best to book in advance as it is a popular choice for the horse riding holiday calendar.

July and August

For warm weather head to Spain, Greece or Italy
If you prefer moderate weather, consider Sweden, Norway or Finland
North American ranches and pack trips are in full swing
These months are the ideal time to visit Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan

Hot Temperatures in Europe: Midsummer in Europe offers a wealth of horseback riding vacation opportunities. Mediterranean countries like Spain, Greece and Italy have hot, sunny conditions that are perfect if you want to combine a few hours of riding with relaxing on the beach.

Moderate Temperatures in Europe: If you prefer more moderate temperatures in the summer months, northern countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland or even the Terschelling Island in the Netherlands have comfortable riding weather and long daylight hours. Higher altitude regions, including the Pyrenees Mountains, straddling France and Spain, as well as the green hills of Ireland, and the Scottish Highlands, which offer cooler alternatives for summer riding.

Iceland: Iceland also reaches its peak season during these months and there are adventurous trails that can be taken through its fascinating and diverse landscapes. A particular favourite on a Horse Riding Holiday Calendar is the Lagoon Trail which includes otherworldly rides across Lake Hóp and Lake Húnavatn. The Glacier Trail is also popular in June, with a route that passes extinct volcanoes, glacier lakes and the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, and travels the sand deserts close to the Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers

 

Morocco: Morocco’s coastal regions and High Atlas Mountains also provide pleasant conditions for riding, even as the deserts heat up. Among the wide choice of holidays is the Agadir Beach Ranch, just 2km from an unspoilt beach and offering a great mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture for riders and non-riders alike.

Ranches and Pack Trips: North American ranches and pack trips are in full swing across Northern America from June to August and it is the busiest time for moving herds into the high mountain pastures. Our Yukon Expedition ride is perfect at this time of the year and allows riders to explore this remote region on horseback. For an excellent overview of Ranch holidays on offer, take a look at our ‘Ultimate Guide to Horseback Riding Ranch Vacations’.

Central Asia: Central Asia and the Silk Road routes along the Himalayan Plateau come alive during the summer for equestrian holidays. Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan all offer extended riding seasons, stretching from June through September. Many traditional festivals across Asia take place during these midsummer months, which will add cultural colour to your riding experience.  A particularly immersive package for fit riders is the 16-night, part trek/part road trip,  Nomadic Steppes in Mongolia.

 

Peak Safari Season: In Africa, the peak safari season begins. Game viewing becomes easier in Southern Africa as the vegetation thins out. The great wildebeest migration reaches the Masai Mara in Kenya around August and this marks the start of spectacular animal movements across East Africa. Witness this spectacle on the Masai Mara on Horseback tour.

September:

Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors in many European destinations
Safari season in Africa is still in full swing
Southern USA and Arizona ranches start their season
Last opportunity to explore many high mountain destinations in the northern hemisphere
Last chance for Iceland and Sweden.

Central and Southern Europe: The lower Central and more Southern European and Mediterranean destinations are just perfect now with slightly cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. This includes the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary to mention but a few. The Italian Heart of Tuscany ride is a choice option for the novice horseback rider’s ‘horse riding holiday calendar’ and is perfect for those wanting to improve their skills. The hosts offer on-site instruction and numerous activities for families all set against the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

Safari Season is Still in Full Swing: Kenya and Tanzania remain perfect as does South Africa. In Botswana the Limpopo Valley has great game viewing, while the Makgadikgadi Pans become huge dry salt pans, ideal for riding, with the flood waters starting to recede in the Okavango Delta at the end of the month. See the Makgadigadi Pans for yourself on the Kalahari Zebra Migration.

Ranches: In the southern USA the Arizona Ranches start their season and continue until April. The autumn colours are in full blaze in Canada and the Wilderness Alberta Fall Ride takes full advantage of the season to showcase this beautiful region on a 7-night based-stay for novice riders upward.

Last Chance: September marks the last chance for many high mountain destinations in the northern hemisphere, including some of the ranches in the Rockies, the Yukon, Central Asia, Atlas Mountains and the Pyrenees. For those wanting scenic riding, mountains, hidden coves, and stunning beaches, the High Pyrenean Bandit Trail is the ideal horse riding holiday calendar addition.

October:

Start of the riding season in Rajasthan, India
Head to Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan for desert riding
South America’s riding season gets underway
Last chance for many European destinations, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia

India – October sees the start of the riding season in Rajasthan, India, which kicks off with the vibrant Pushkar Fair. The season continues into March.  For riders wishing to experience India at its liveliest, the Pushkar Fair and Diwali Festival ride is filled with superb riding, joyful celebrations and a peek into the culture of this fascinating country.

Desert Riding – The deserts of Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan enter their prime riding season, which lasts through April. The 9-day Petra to Wadi Rum package in Jordan  explores ancient wonders in a country steeped in history, including a day at a Spa hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea

Start of the South American season – South America’s riding season gets underway, with Argentina and Chile having particularly good conditions. Uruguay also has good, dry sunny weather, ideal for the Wild Land of Criollos Trail that takes riders through UNESCO and RAMSCAR protected areas on varied terrain that includes hills, forests, wetlands and pristine beaches on a 7-night adventure.

Mexico – As it enters its warm, dry sunny period, Mexico is an ideal destination to include in a horse riding holiday calendar. Perfect for riding adventures across its varied landscapes.

North America – In North America, the southern states come into their own as temperatures cool. The autumn colours in Canada create a spectacular backdrop for rides through forests and mountains.

Africa – South Africa remains a prime location for game viewing, with the opportunity to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat. The Limpopo Valley in Botswana offers excellent wildlife watching, with diverse ecosystems and abundant animal life.

Last chance: Many European destinations offer the final opportunity for rides before winter sets in including in Iceland and Sweden. Georgia’s unforgettable Autumn Horse Dive happens at this time, with herds being brought from the mountains to the Vashlovani National Park for the winter. In East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania provide great conditions before the short rains start in November/December. Namibia offers breathtaking desert riding before the intense heat arrives, and it’s the last chance to explore Brazil‘s Pantanal before the rains start.

November:

Dry season in the Ethiopian highlands
Head to South Africa for safari riding
South American season is in full swing
Desert riding in North Africa and the Middle East is good
Many southern European destinations still have excellent conditions

Ethiopian Highlands – November is the dry season in the Ethiopian Highlands and a perfect time for riding. The Abyssinian Explorer is another bucket list destination on a horse riding holiday calendar if looking for a horseback adventure in the land of the Oromo people. The trip includes a trip to Lalibela, a religious treasure with churches carved into the rock, and the centre of the Coptic Christian faith.

South Africa – South Africa remains an excellent destination for safaris as the summer begins in the Cape and along the Wild Coast. Or top rides include the Wild Coast Beach Trail, with miles of perfect beaches and routes into the Transkei, home to the Xhosa people and their famous son, Nelson Mandela. It is a great time to explore multiple locations in this diverse country. From the scenic beach trails along the coastline to game reserves teeming with wildlife, there’s something for every rider.

South American Season – The South American season is in active now with Argentina, southern Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay all offering great riding. For adventurous riders who like camping in dry weather, our Atacama Desert Trail in Chile has perfect conditions for this 10-day adventure for fit, confident riders who are prepared to conquer the driest desert on earth. We guarantee there will be no rain!

 

Dominican Republic – Head off on a Caribbean Adventure for sunshine and beaches in November. Swim with the horses on this point-to-point trail while staying in small hotels along the way. The season starts in the Dominican Republic at the end of the month and continues into April.

Europe – Southern Europe, including Greece, Spain, some parts of France, Italy, and Portugal, still have perfect riding conditions.

December

For winter sun, try Arizona, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, or the Rajasthan Desert in India.
Consider a getaway to Southern Europe for a holiday close to home.
South America and Southern Africa are in their peak seasons
Christmas/New Year rides make super riding holidays

Sunny Escapes – For those seeking sun, destinations like Arizona (and the Southwest USA in general) offer riders perfect riding weather. The Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch package gives riders the chance to follow the same routes through the Sonoran Desert that US presidents and movie stars have enjoyed in the past. Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan also offer enjoyable warmer climates that make them a strong winter escape option for your horse riding holiday calendar.

Close to home – Southern Europe destinations like Greece are the ideal choice for a sunny end-of-year break. The Lasithi trail in particular is a favourite December ride that takes place on the beautiful island of Crete. Andalusia in Spain also offers packages that are both sunny and perfect for a break close to home. The Andalusian Mountain Retreat gives riders of all skill levels the chance to stay in a 500-year-old farmhouse while providing rides suited to all skill levels.

South America – South America is in peak season and offers the first chance to cross the majestic Andes Mountains.

Southern Africa – Southern Africa continues to be warm and welcoming, with South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique boasting excellent riding conditions due to their sunny skies and mild temperatures. However, be aware that Kenya and Tanzania are likely to experience rain during this time.

India’s Rajasthan Desert – The desert in Rajasthan, India is also wonderful in December, with a wide choice of rides to choose from that allow riders to experience this fascinating region.

Christmas – Nothing beats spending Christmas and/or New Year in a beautiful part of the world on a super riding holiday. Our top trip for this month is the unforgettable Christmas Ride, Rajasthan. This 2 week trip gives riders a chance to stay at some of the finest forts and palaces in the region while riding the beautiful Marwari horses on fascinating trails. On the Christmas Patagonia Explorer in Argentina, Christmas is spent riding Criollo horses in a scenic, and unique location. Although this trip may involve a long journey, the effort provides a memorable riding experience and is definitely one to consider for your horse riding holiday calendar.

See the full list of Christmas and New Year rides on our website.

Conclusion

When compiling your horse riding holiday calendar, the best time to visit often depends on your personal preferences and schedule. Whether you’re drawn to snowy trails, desert landscapes, lush forests, coastal rides, camping, pack trips or cosy hotels, there’s always a perfect horse riding destination waiting for you somewhere in the world. Ultimately, the joy of horse riding lies not just in the destination, but in the journey itself. Each season brings its own magic and can change familiar landscapes into new adventures.

Please keep in mind that the weather can change unexpectedly, and this is just a guide to help you plan your horse riding holiday calendar. Regardless of which month you choose, the dedicated Unicorn Trails team will work with you to ensure that your horse riding holiday is a memorable and enjoyable experience. We have a deep passion for horses and travel and have personally visited and ridden at the majority of venues we offer.  In this way, we can offer our clients independent advice and aim to provide detailed insights and support to help them make an informed decision.

 

Unicorn Trails specializes in creating the perfect horse riding holiday for all levels of rider. Whether you are interested in one of the rides mentioned,  or have something else in mind, we have over 300 rides across 58 counties, ensuring that there is a perfect match to your needs.

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