Are you someone who just can’t get enough of horses, even when going on vacation? If so, you’re probably not alone! The good news is that there are a variety of ways to include horses and horseback riding on your next vacation. Below are five ideas for horseback vacations!
Ride on the Beach
Who doesn’t love going to the beach? Whether you’re traveling to sunny California or Florida, a cooler state such as Oregon or Washington, or maybe a tropical island like Hawaii or Puerto Rico, there are many places where you can enjoy the beach and ride horses! In fact, most coastlines have a number of different stables where you can rent a horse and ride along the beach. Just do a little research, pick a beach, and you’re set!
Dude Ranch
A dude ranch is the classic horseback getaway, and there are a number of options and price ranges to choose from. States like Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana are known for their amazing dude ranches, but there are many other states and even several international locations that have them as well. I recommend checking out DudeRanch.org to find the perfect dude ranch for your vacation.
National Park Rides
Did you know that a number of our country’s beautiful national parks offer horseback rides as well? If you’re wanting to hit up a park such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon, check out the horse or mule rides they offer. Just a heads up though—some of these rides (such as the mule ride into the Grand Canyon) need to be booked well in advance.
Local Camping
If you’re wanting to stick a little closer to home, check out campgrounds and state parks in your own neck of the woods. Many campgrounds have accommodations for horse camping (which I did plenty of in my younger days). Most of these places also have miles of scenic trails to ride on. However, if you don’t want to take your own horses (or don’t have horses), many state parks also rent horses and offer guided trail rides as well.
Horse Show Vacay
If you’re searching for something a little closer to home and maybe not so woodsy, why not turn your next horse show into a mini vacay? Whether you’re going to a small town or a big city, research fun things to do during your stay at that location. Museums, restaurants, local attractions—most places have plenty to do and see!
What’s a horse vacation that you’re hoping to take soon? Or feel free to share a memorable one that you’ve already taken!
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