Our Top 6 Suggestions for Cultural Riding Holidays
A selection of horseback riding holidays with a focus on culture.
Our Top 6 Suggestions for Cultural Riding Holidays
Ever since they were initially domesticated around 5,500 years ago, horses have played an important role in shaping history. They have carried soldiers into war, worked the fields, provided food and labour, entertainment, transport, and companionship. Horses have always been loyal, faithful, and true companions, and while they are now primarily used for sports and leisure, there are still many parts of the world where they remain a vital part of everyday life, making cultural riding holidays the perfect way to explore any country.
At Unicorn Trails, we are committed to offering our guests the finest cultural riding holidays. Our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the rich heritage and traditions of each destination, allowing you to connect with local people and experience their way of life from a unique perspective.
Here are six of our top picks:
Italy:
During the reign of the Roman Empire, horses were used for a variety of purposes including military, agriculture, and transport. Nowadays, Italy is a rich breeding ground for sports and competition horses. Italy also boasts a rich cultural tapestry that includes great food, Renaissance art, Roman ruins, and world-class fashion.
On our Horses and History ride in Tuscany, visitors stay in a luxurious farmhouse on the grounds of a 17th Century castle surrounded by tranquil meadows, castles, and archaeological sites. While this programme caters to experienced and skilled riders, non-riders will find ample opportunities to relax in the breathtaking surroundings or venture further afield to immerse themselves in Italian culture and savour the local cuisine.
Cultural riding holidays don’t come any more extravagant than this. The ride is not limited by specific cultural events, which allows visitors to plan their trip for a time that is convenient to them and to schedule their itinerary according to their needs and preferences.
Spain:
The Andalusian horse is a key component of Spanish culture, descended from the Iberian horses that inhabited the peninsula well before its human occupants. Used for military purposes, circus performances, and bullfighting, no trip to Spain is complete without seeing an Andalusian horse in its natural environment.
On our Camino De Santiago trip, visitors can embark upon one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes on horseback, riding a Pura Raza Española (PRE) horse in blocks of a week or more as rider’s individual circumstances dictate, and staying in different hotel accommodation along the route every night. The ride culminates at The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where riders share this momentous event with thousands of other pilgrims, all of whom have their own motivation for making the trip.
Because this ride is planned around a defined annual pilgrimage, dates are fixed and each stage of the journey must be completed within a specific timescale, meaning that guests must be competent riders and capable of spending up to 6 hours a day in the saddle, while travelling over a variety of terrains in walk, trot and canter.
India:
India is renowned for cultural riding holidays! Horses are revered in India, often referred to as Ashva in many Hindu scriptures. The Marwari horse is indigenous to India, ranging in height from 14hh to 16hh and possessing many of the same physical features as the Arabian horse.
On our Pushkar Fair and the Diwali Festival vacation, the Marwari horse is the steed of choice to experience the cultural magnificence of two of India’s greatest festivals. This holiday is only offered on a set date every year in order to coincide with the festivals, although the opportunity exists to extend the trip by a further two days if desired to include a visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Guests will spend their nights in a mix of accommodations, from palaces to forts and even luxury tents. This point-to-point route is designed to provide an authentic Indian experience while maintaining the strict hygiene standards that Western travellers are accustomed to.
This full-service trip gives experienced and confident riders the chance to experience some of the greatest cultural events that India has to offer and places it firmly amongst the most exciting cultural equestrian vacations on offer anywhere in the world.
Albania:
In Albania, great value is placed upon the horse, as a friend, a holy creature, and a protector. This makes them the perfect vehicle through which to connect with the landscape, the people, and the culture of the country while riding a medieval caravan pathway through Zagoria. The horses used on our Ancient Pathways trip are a local mixed breed of Arab and Tarpan. Standing at approximately 14hh tall, they are sure-footed and sturdy, highly capable of navigating the rocky terrain and instilling confidence in their riders, who must be aged 16 and over and competent riding in all gaits in vast, open spaces.
Egypt:
Horses have been a mainstay of Egyptian culture since about 1600 BC. Tomb paintings and inscriptions indicate that the horse has long been revered by the Egyptian people, and it is well known to be an important element of royal iconography. Egypt’s horses are a local breed, descended from Arabians, and well suited to handling the desert climes that they call home.
Egypt boasts a wealth of cultural riding holidays and must-see venues. Our Ancient Egypt Trail offers a unique way to experience them. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you’ll ride a fit, responsive steed while exploring these historic wonders. Starting in Cairo, you will join your party and meet your guides, before embarking on a journey in which you will experience the pyramids of Giza, visit the Egyptian Museum, and explore the Valley of the Kings. A boat ride on the Nile provides a change of scenery and a break from the saddle, although the prospect of galloping through fields of sugar cane or walking leisurely through a banana plantation may be temptation enough to remain mounted.
After staying in a variety of different types of accommodations, ranging from boutique hotels to bedouin style tents, catered for at all times by an accompanying chef, you will arrive in Luxor where you will visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and watch hot air balloons take off at dawn before catching your flight home. This trip will appeal to travellers who relish the opportunity to experience horse riding in the desert, immersing themselves in local culture, retracing the steps of early settlers, all while enjoying the dry and warm climate. Not for the faint-hearted, this is a fast-paced journey but one which will leave lasting memories.
Mexico:
Horses first arrived in Mexico in the 1500s aboard Spanish ships and have since been a powerful representation of the country’s culture and history. In Mexico, horses are still trained for charreria, an event much like the American rodeo.
One cultural event which sees up to 4000 horses gathered in one location at a time is the annual Pilgrimage to Cristo Rey. This horseback pilgrimage started in 1956 and occurs annually in January as Mexican horse riders from all 46 municipalities gather as a sign of their faith and devotion.
This cultural riding holiday is not to be missed, and with the help of Unicorn Trails, you can be a part of this magnificent event. Riding highly trained quarter horses or Mexican Criollos that range in height from 15hh to 16.2hh, you will spend 9 days immersed in Mexican culture, travelling as a group through historic Mystery Villages, staying in a mix of accommodations, and being part of the Pilgrimage.
Book your Cultural Horseback Riding Trip with Unicorn Trails
Unicorn Trails is delighted to offer guests from around the globe the chance to participate in cultural riding holidays, learn more about the history of the regions that they visit, and ride well-trained, impeccable mounts. By stepping out of the everyday and experiencing the extraordinary, both intermediate and advanced riders will hone their skills, build their confidence, and come home a little wiser than when they left.
We have only mentioned 6 options in this blog post however, we offer a wide range of cultural riding holidays for you to choose from. Each ride offers unique insights into the local culture and history while also providing an unforgettable equestrian experience. To discuss your preferences, availability, and budget, please contact the experienced team at Unicorn Trails today. We can’t wait to make your travel dreams a reality.
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