Being around horses changes how a place unfolds. You move more slowly, pay closer attention, and experience the landscape differently.
It’s part of why equestrian travel is gaining traction.
You don’t need to be an experienced rider to appreciate this type of travel. What matters is a willingness to step into a different pace. These are the horseback riding retreats worth planning a trip around.
For the “I want luxury and horses” traveler
If you want riding to sit alongside great food, design, and downtime, these are the places to look.
Rosewood Mandarina — Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Set between jungle and ocean, Rosewood Mandarina offers riding that moves through both. Guided rides take you along the coastline or deeper into the terrain, with the landscape shifting from dense greenery to open views of the Pacific. The rest of the stay follows that pace. Start the morning on horseback, spend the afternoon by the pool or in your villa, and end it with a proper dinner. Polo is also part of the program if you want to mix things up.
The Gleneagles Hotel — Perthshire, Scotland
Gleneagles has been doing this for a long time, and it shows. The land opens up quickly, with long stretches of trail that pull you through rolling hills and into quieter stretches of countryside.
You can pair riding with lessons or spend time on other country pursuits like falconry. It all feels considered without being overly polished.
Castello di Reschio — Umbria, Italy
In Umbria, Italy, Castello di Reschio is a quieter stay set on a restored estate. It’s known for its Andalusian horses, and the riding matches the pace of the place. You’re not trying to cover ground here. It’s slower than that. Rides move through olive groves, wooded paths, and open stretches of the estate, where the landscape feels just as much a part of the experience as the horses themselves. The rest of the day can shift between hiking, cycling, swimming, or truffle hunting across the property.
For the “I want to feel like a cowboy or cowgirl” traveler
If your ideal trip is early mornings, long rides, and wide open spaces, start here.
Lone Mountain Ranch — Big Sky, Montana
Lone Mountain Ranch feels like the version of the West most people picture; Yellowstone vibes hands down. Log cabins sit within a wide mountain landscape, with direct access to trails that stretch well beyond the property. Days are spent riding into the backcountry, often on the same horse, which gives the experience a different rhythm as the trip unfolds. In winter, the pace shifts and sleigh rides take over, offering a quieter way to move through the same terrain.
Paintrock Canyon Ranch — Wyoming, USA
For something more hands-on, Paintrock Canyon Ranch in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains is just about as real as it gets. This is a working ranch, so you’re not just there to ride; you’re part of what happens on the land. Days are long, with time in the saddle, cattle drives, and the chance to learn real horsemanship.
Paws Up Montana — Montana, USA
Paws Up Montana sits somewhere in between. You can go from a relaxed trail ride to something more involved, like cattle work or horsemanship clinics, all while staying in high-end homes or luxury glamping setups. It’s a great option if you want variety without losing that traditional ranch feel.
For the “I want to go somewhere unexpected” traveler
If you want riding to feel different from the usual ranch setup, these stand out.
Nihi Sumba — Sumba Island, Indonesia
At Nihi Sumba, the setting does most of the work. The resort sits on a remote stretch of coastline, where rides take you along wide, empty beaches. When the timing is right, you can ride straight into the ocean, with nothing but the sound of the waves and the steady movement of the horse beneath you. It’s one of those moments that feels slightly unreal while you’re in it.
Hestaland Guesthouse — Borgarnes, Iceland
Hestaland offers something totally different. You’ll ride through lava fields, valleys, and long stretches of open land that don’t look like anywhere else. The horses change the feel of it, too. Icelandic horses are smaller and move differently, with a unique fifth gait that makes the ride smoother and feels distinct, even for experienced riders.
Selman — Marrakech, Morocco
Selman Marrakech blends equestrian tradition with a luxury hotel experience. Arabian horses are central to the property, with riding, training, and dressage (an equestrian sport described as horse ballet or gymnastics) all part of the day. You can spend time at the stables, then head into the city or stay back at the hotel without breaking the flow of the trip.
For the “I want something immersive and meaningful” traveler
If you’re looking for something beyond riding alone, these stays take a different approach.
The Lodge at Primland — Virginia, USA
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland is less about structured riding programs and more about how you spend your time overall. Riding is part of the day, but not the center of it. You can pair it with hiking, stargazing, or time outdoors.
Sterrekopje Farm — Franschhoek, South Africa
Sterrekopje Farm is not your typical equestrian destination. Set on a 123-acre biodiverse farm in the foothills of the mountains, it’s designed as a healing sanctuary. Days move between yoga, creative work, long meals, and time in nature.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa — Tucson, Arizona
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa takes a different approach altogether. The equine program at Purple Sage Ranch is built around guided, nonverbal interaction rather than traditional riding.
You’re not focused on technique here. The work centers on awareness and communication, offering a different way to engage with the horses.
Is horseback riding covered by travel insurance?
If your trip centers on horseback riding, it’s worth knowing how coverage works. Depending on where you are and what you’re doing, it may require more planning than a standard sightseeing day.
The good news is that with Faye, horseback riding is covered within the base policy, meaning no need to shell out more for our Extreme Sports add-on. That means if something unexpected happens during your trip, you won’t be left to figure it out on your own. See a full list of covered sports and activities here.
Ready to ride
Horseback travel has a way of staying with you, not just for the places it takes you, but for the way it shifts your sense of time and pace, and with Faye, you have coverage in place so you can stay present.
