A land of pyramids and deserts, home to wide valleys, low mountains, the famous Nile River, and a history that has fascinated the world over, Egypt is a wonderful place for a vacation. And what better way to explore the scenery than on horseback?
Ride along the Nile and through the desert. See the great sights like the Sphinx or the Valley of the Kings. Adventure on a safari like none other in this incredible land.
The History of Horseback Riding in Egypt
Horse riding in Egypt dates all the way back to about 1600 BC based on evidence in the tombs of Egypt—people may have been riding horses in Egypt long before that, but these tombs contain the first records of horseback riding in the country.
Back then, Egyptians used horses for transportation and warfare along with hunting, utilizing horse-drawn chariots for these purposes. These chariots were fast and light, usually drawn by two horses. Inside the chariot, two men, a driver and a fighter, would ride.
Through the years, horses became increasingly loved, and they were particularly treasured among the Egyptian elite. The horse’s arrival in Egypt proves to be an important part of the county’s history and continues to be an important part of horse riding culture in Egypt today.
Egyptian Horse Breeds: The Baladi Horse and the Egyptian Arabian
The Baladi horse, also called the Egyptian horse, has come to have mixed bloodlines and is often shunned by breeders. While these horses used to be a breed of their own, today they are combinations of the original Baladi, the Arabian from the Middle East, and the English Thoroughbred from Europe.
Despite this, the breed is fast over short distances, and they are often spirited, intelligent, and bold. They are commonly used for racing, pleasure, and showing.
In contrast to the Baladi breed is the Egyptian Arabian, a much-loved breed that was crucial in the Egyptian empire. This strain of the Arabian horse gave ancient Egyptians the ability to spread beyond their borders.
Breeding of this bloodline is heavily controlled so that breeders can preserve its purity and desired characteristics. Among these characteristics are a refined wedge-shaped head, large eyes, small muzzles, high-set tails, and a temperament that’s spirited, tough, easygoing, intelligent, and sensitive.
What You’ll See and Do on Your Horse Riding Holiday in Egypt
Have you ever wanted to ride through the desert, visit the Pyramids of Giza, travel to Cairo, or enter the Abu Simbel temples? On your equestrian trip, you’ll be able to do things like this and more.
On your tour, you can ride straight to the Pyramids of Giza on an Arabian! Gallop through the desert surrounding these ancient landmarks. Race to these monuments where you can dismount and explore them up close.
Another fantastic but lesser-known sight is the Step Pyramid, also called the Pyramid of Djoser. This is the oldest pyramid in the world, built about 4,700 years ago. The surrounding plateau is filled with relics and tombs for you to uncover.
You can’t visit Egypt without seeing the Nile, and on your tour, you’ll be able to do it in style. Ride along the river on trails cut through the bank’s lavish farmland. You’ll get a taste of life along the Nile as you pass farmers with donkeys, goats, and water buffalo.
One of the most famous places in Luxor is the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of legendary pharaohs including Ramesses II, Merneptah, and Seti I. Here you can learn about these and other pharaohs that shaped the history of Egypt and the world.
There are so many things to see in Egypt; we’ve only touched the surface of the activities your adventure can include! Horse Tours Club will set you up with the perfect visit for you and your group. We offer worldwide horse riding tours, ensuring quality and safety for our customers. Book your Egyptian horseback riding tour through Horse Tours Club today!
