Why Horseback Riding is Perfect for Family Vacations

Are horseback riding vacations good for kids? Absolutely!

Not only is horseback riding fun for the whole family, but also it has tons of benefits for kids. These benefits include:

• Providing active time outdoors
• Bonding with animals
• Building confidence in children
• Connecting families with nature
• Teaching responsibility, patience, and empathy
• Creating lasting memories and strengthening family relationships

The great thing about this is that you and your kids don’t need any prior riding experience. There are tons of beginner horseback riding vacations for families. Additionally, expert guides will help you learn along the way.

These kid-friendly horseback riding tours always keep your safety and your child’s safety in mind. Horses are selected for their calm and friendly temperaments, ensuring that you feel secure and form a bond with the animal in nature. Trained guides are not only skilled horseback riders, but they are also intimately familiar with the trails and riding areas. They will make certain that you and your family are safe on the route.

Types of Family Horseback Riding Vacations

Many kinds of family horse riding holidays are available. Here are 4 of the main ones.

Family Ranch Vacations

There are tons of ranch vacations with horse riding for kids. And these really are the perfect places to take the family. Along with trotting through the wide-open spaces of the ranch and the nearby wilderness, you’ll be able to spend cozy evenings by a campfire, get a firsthand look at ranch life, enjoy petting zoos and nature hikes, and unplug from the digital disturbances of everyday life.

Trail Rides & Day Trips

Any household can attest to how hard it can be to plan a family holiday. Between school, work, and extracurricular activities, it can feel like there’s no time to relax.

That’s where trail rides and day trips come in. These short trips are ideal for weekend getaways or brief adventures. You can spend a few hours or a whole day on the trail, getting away from the bustle of family life and enjoying nature, before returning to your schedule.

Beach Horseback Riding

Perhaps one of the best kinds of family horse riding holidays, beach riding vacations are relaxing, scenic, and beginner-friendly. They provide the opportunity to canter through the sand, relishing in the marine breeze against your skin. Your kids will love it.

Vacation Packages

For those who can carve out the time, vacation packages are great for families. These week-long stays with riding programs for all ages are the perfect kid-friendly horseback riding tours. Spend a week with your family riding, bonding, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Top Destinations for Family Horseback Riding

Iceland

Tour: Riding Between Rivers Holiday in Southern Iceland

Difficulty Level: Easy

Minimum Age: 8

Journey along the Thjórsá River in Iceland on this brief two-night excursion. See the longest river in the country and take in the incredible views of one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Hekla stands proud in the distance, earning its nickname as Queen of the Icelandic Volcanoes.

Pass through mossy and grassy farmland on the way to the Hvítá River. After a rewarding day of riding, unwind with dinner on the farm and a soak in a hot tub.

Iceland provides a quiet riding environment, making it a wonderful getaway for families seeking a calm retreat. Parents and kids will have the opportunity to bond with the Icelandic horse, a breed unique to Iceland with its own special gait.

This tour requires minimal physical activity and is suitable for everyone.

Morocco

Tour: Sandy Shores, Arid Landscapes and Palm Oasis

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Minimum Age: 12

Your kids will absolutely love the landscapes of Morocco. From the pristine Atlantic beaches to the impressive hills of the Sahara Desert to the peaceful palm groves filled with lush flora, this tour has opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

Immerse your family in the culture of Morocco by visiting inviting Berber fishing villages and dining on a traditional Friday couscous meal. Hike in the mountains that overlook the ranch, or let your horse wade into the water on an excursion to the sea. Ride through a eucalyptus forest that is hundreds of years old. In the evenings, swim in a refreshing pool or pamper yourself in a hammam.

This tour is challenging, which means that you don’t need specific skills but must be in good health. It’s best for older kids with a desire for adventure.

Kazakhstan

Tour: Astana Unbridled: 12 Days of Riding, History and Hospitality in the Capital of Kazakhstan

Difficulty Level: Easy

Minimum Age: 8

This 12-day tour combines modern city exploration, cultural immersion, and horseback adventures. Visit the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, and many of its attractions, including the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Astana Opera House, and the Saken Seifullin Museum.

Explore the Alzir Museum, dedicated to the women who were imprisoned in the labor camp during Stalin’s purges. Learn about Kabanbai Batyr, a famous 18th-century warrior.

Take the horse paths around the Nura River. Meet the elegant Orlov Trotters, a variety of horses known for its easy temperament, swiftness, and strength. Participate in Kokpar, an ancient equestrian game.

This tour is designed for riders of all skill levels and can be adjusted to fit your preferences.

Dominican Republic

Tour: Caribbean Beaches Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Minimum Age: 12

On the back of the reliable Criollo horse, feel the ocean breeze as you ride with the swells. Visit various beaches, each with gorgeous blue-green waters, dancing palms, and fine white sand. See every shade of green in the meadows, jungles, and palm trees that decorate the area, and enjoy the striking views of mango groves and coconut palms.

Riding toward the mountains, you can get to know your horse companion. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for relaxation, including eating lunch by a serene waterfall, swimming in a river or the ocean, and sunbathing.

This tour involves moderate physical activity but does not require physical training.

USA

Tour: Wilderness Ranch Vacation

Difficulty Level: Easy

Minimum Age: 4

One of the best family horseback riding trips has to be this ranch vacation in New Mexico. With children as young as 4 able to participate, it’s perfect for families with younger kids.

Experience diverse terrains, including areas full of yucca and the alpine mountains. Observe wildlife like deer, bears, and eagles. With one of the darkest skies on the planet, you can stargaze as you cozy up to a warm fire.

This easy tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Tips for Planning a Family Horseback Riding Trip

There are many things to consider when planning this kind of horseback riding trip for young children.

What to Pack

The last thing you need is to have a bad vacation because you don’t have the proper gear. Here’s what to pack:

• Helmets (if not provided)
• Comfortable clothing

o   Long pants

o   Breathable shirts

o   Closed-toe shoes or boots

o   Gloves

• Sunscreen
• Water bottles
• Bug spray
• Sunglasses
• Camera

How to Choose the Right Tour or Ranch

Ensure that the tour or ranch you are considering is right for you and your family. Look for trained and well-cared-for horses, little groups, and flexible itineraries. Check that the trails are easy for novices.

When it comes down to it, you know your family best. Choose a vacation that they will love.

Other Considerations

Some tours have age and weight limits. Make sure your kids are old enough to ride. Some tours offer pony rides for small children.

Also, be sure to check out the riding experience recommendations. It may be wise to take your family to a local horse-riding class before your trip so that they can learn the basics beforehand.

Conclusion

Horse riding vacations with children provide the ideal opportunity for you to get away from your busy everyday life and experience some adventure, relaxation, and togetherness. Whether you’re riding around the farm, cantering along the beach, or trotting on the banks of a river, you’re guaranteed to create lasting memories and grow closer to your family.

Ready for an extraordinary family adventure? Explore our family horseback vacations with Horse Tours Club and book your dream holiday today!