From 17 February, the arrival of the Year of the Horse marks an era of prosperity, strength, and courage. According to Chinese astrology, this is a call to take charge and seize the day with energy and passion. It also marks an extraordinary time for experiential travel, when inspiring journeys are charged with pushing boundaries and discovery.
To celebrate this exciting year ahead, we’ve hand-picked some of our favourite destinations for the Year of the Horse, where equine-related travel meets full-blown cultural immersion:
Patagonia, Argentina
Deep in the heart of Patagonia, seemingly endless grasslands framed by the Andes make for some of the most exhilarating horse-riding adventures on Earth. Take to the saddle and embrace life as a gaucho with an equine expedition in Argentina’s southern backcountry. Traverse the plains of Torres del Paine, explore glaciers, crystal-clear lakes and pristine valleys, and learn all about traditional ranch life.
Sumba Island, Indonesia
For sheer magic, horse-riding at Indonesia’s Nihi Sumba is hard to beat. From gentle beach rides to sunflecked rainforest trails, all levels are catered for with their beautiful horses handpicked by local horsemen. Cantor past rice paddies and palm groves, splash through the waves as they lap onto Nihiwatu beach, and try your hand at horse yoga for something truly unique and connected with nature.
Laikipia, Kenya
With its huge private conservancies and dramatic landscapes teeming with flora and fauna, Laikipia is an epic choice for a horse-riding expedition. You’ll gallop along ancient elephant paths, meander along dry riverbeds, and wander past herds of plains game, including Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. There’s something truly special about a horseback safari, especially where wildlife roams against the backdrop of Mount Kenya.
Ouarzazate, Morocco
Few places live up to the name “House of Dreams” as much as Dar Ahlam on the outskirts of Ouarzazate. A beautifully styled kasbah, where the guest experience is designed with meticulous attention to detail and passion; one of the many highlights is horse riding. Venture out on horseback past the Skoura palm grove, almond trees, and the nearby “Valley of Roses”, before spending the night in a private desert camp beneath the stars. However you wish to plan your days, a first-rate team is on hand to make it happen.
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Arabian horses are revered in AlUla, and guests can now experience this legacy as they explore an ancient and mysterious landscape. Take to the desert, amid sandstone cliffs and valleys, and learn about the history of this fascinating, still relatively unexplored region. AlUla is a centre for Arabian heritage sports, hiking in hidden valleys, wandering through time-forgotten villages, and stargazing surrounded by mystical rock formations.
Mongolia
Horses are integral to Mongolia’s identity, revered for their strength and steadfast spirit, largely unchanged since the time of Genghis Khan. Mongolians learn to ride from a young age, valuing horsemanship as a life skill and celebrating horses as symbols of prosperity. A visit to Mongolia offers guests the rare chance to ride across the steppes, experience the celebrated Naadam Festival races, or witness magnificent Takhi horses, once extinct in the wild, in their natural habitat.
Iceland
Icelandic horses are known for their unique gaits that allow them to navigate challenging terrain. One of these is known as tölt, which feels as if you are floating almost magically above the ground. Few experiences are as exhilarating as riding Icelandic across glacial landscapes, with nights spent in a gorgeously cosy private lodge miles from nowhere, and a helicopter to explore the country’s remotest corners.
2026 promises to be a year full of wonder and the joys of enchanting travel. The trick is proper strategic planning and the utmost attention to detail.
If you want to be inspired and elevate your annual travel, let’s talk.