7 equestrian experiences to embrace your inner cowboy

It’s been a strong few years for all things horse-riding. In 2023, BETA’s National Equestrian Survey found 1.82 million regular riders in the UK and, in 2024, the ‘cowboy core’ aesthetic exploded into pop culture with Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album — a trend that continued into 2025 with her worldwide tour.

It’s no surprise, then, that equestrian tourism is on the rise; the sector was worth $2.1bn (£1.6m) globally in 2024 and is predicted to rise to $3.95bn ($2.93bn) by 2033, as travellers continue to hunt for authentic and immersive experiences.

If pulling on a cowboy hat and clambering into the saddle appeals, here are some of the best horse-riding experiences for 2026, from trekking in the Mongolian mountains to learning the ropes at a Montana dude ranch.

1. Ride with Kazakh eagle hunters 

Poised on thick-coated ponies with birds of prey at the ready, Kazakh eagle hunters make a distinctive first impression. A traditional practice deeply intertwined with Kazakh history, it involves training golden eagles to retrieve small game, with their owner’s shouting instructions, hurtling on horseback beneath them. Proverbs describe horses as the “wings of warriors”, and enemies can be cursed with a “horseless” journey.

Traditionally, Kazakhs were nomadic, moving freely between Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China until the 1930s, when borders hardened. Many settled in Western Mongolia, and today about 90,000 Kazakhs reside in Bayan-Ulgii, a remote region of the Altai Mountains, rugged enough for eagle hunters to continue their centuries-old practice.

Effortless communication is required to control both bird and steed, and travellers can attend annual festivals to watch thundering demonstrations across the steppe.

2. Saddle a regal Marwari in India

Instantly recognisable due to their inwardly curved ears, Marwari horses are an integral part of Rajasthan’s heritage, named after the ancient kingdom of Marwar, whose name translates as ‘region of the desert’.

Bordering the arid undulations of the Thar Desert, this region was associated with nobility and grand forts. As early as the 12th century, Marwari horses were the chosen companions of Rajput clans, who were considered the descendants of the warrior ruling class. Famed for their fierce loyalty, this breed were prized cavalry horses. 

From the saddle of a regal Marwari, travellers can admire lingering cultural heritage, spot Asian antelopes on desert canters and explore historical walkways in the Chittorgarh fortress. At the Pushkar Camel Fair, meanwhile, attendees trade horses, cattle and camels.

3. Join the gauchos in Argentina

You probably recognise the image of a typical Argentine gaucho: a man, draped in a woollen poncho and crowned with a wide-brimmed hat, slouching on a criollo horse. Gaucho culture began in the 18th century, when nomadic horsemen sold cattle and traded horses for a living. It was a simple existence, consisting of horses, nature and manual labour. However, gauchos also played an important role in achieving Argentinian Independence in 1816; their resilience and outstanding horsemanship made these cowboys effective in using guerrilla tactics against the Spanish. 

By the 19th and 20th centuries, however, the gauchos’ nomadic lifestyle was under threat from increasingly fenced-off lands. They were forced to permanently settle, and numbers of native criollo horses plummeted alarmingly. Dedicated estancias (ranches) are now preserving gaucho culture in the pampas, with guests able to book a stay and learn the ropes, from cattle herding to navigating the terrain.

4. Head for Iceland’s annual roundups

Iceland’s equines — categorised as horses, despite their small stature — arrived alongside Norwegian settlers in the 9th century and have played an important role ever since. The breed is so deeply guarded that it’s illegal for Icelandic horses to return to the country after being exported.

There’s also a particular national pride in the horse’s unique movement. As well as walking, trotting, cantering and galloping, these sturdy creatures can also pace and tölt. It’s common to see tourists experiencing the latter on guided rides; their steeds accelerate into what can only be described as a wobbling speedwalk, as their thick manes bounce. 

Farmers continue to use horses for herding livestock, and travellers can attend the annual réttir (sheep roundups) and stóðréttir (horse roundups), which take place in September and October. Crossing rivers and volcanic terrain, travellers help farmers herd hundreds of loose animals into pens for winter grazing.

5. Hurtle along the Scottish Borders

From rugged highlands to ghostly pale beaches, Scotland is a jackpot for windswept scenery. Yet, from the Shetland Isles to the valleys of Lanarkshire, its terrain is marked by another familiar sight: grazing equines. Clydesdales, Highland, Eriskay and Shetland ponies are native to Scotland. The country has deep equestrian roots and its breeds have played essential roles in farming and warfare. 

The most exciting way to embrace that equestrian heritage is the Borders Common Ridings. For centuries, the borderlands between England and Scotland were contested, and these conflict zones became rife with opportunistic criminals.  Starting in the 13th century as a protective measure, residents began patrolling their borders to defend towns and villages. Today, they remember their roots through cultural reenactments. 

Borders Common Riding runs from May to September, with each community celebrating on their own historical route. Fast-paced and patriotic, expect mud-splattering gallops and bagpipe welcomes.

6. Embrace equestrian heritage in the U.S.

The US might be celebrating its 250th birthday this year, but its equestrian heritage dates back even further, as archaeological remains of horses show dental damage from bridles from as early as the 16th century.

How horses arrived in North America is hotly debated. However, recent studies suggest equines were deeply embedded in Native American culture by the 18th century. They soon became essential for European settlers, too, aiding them in establishing ranches.

The rest is history, as different states and communities have gone on to develop distinctive breeds and traditions. Bandera, Texas, is nicknamed the ‘cowboy capital of the world’, while chandeliered stables in Lexington, Kentucky, have earned the extravagant title of ‘horse capital of the world’. In Michigan, Mackinac Island has banned motor vehicles, relying solely on horse-drawn carriages; and in fast-paced events across the US and Canada, competitors race without saddles in the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council. From wild horse conservation to rambunctious rodeos, travellers are spoiled for choice.

7. Combine style and grit in Spain

Originating from the Iberian Peninsula evolved over hundreds of years, with King Felipe of Spain formalising their breeding in 1567. The horses have gone from battlefields to working equitation, where they must switch effortlessly between elegant dressage and functional farming manoeuvres, such as penning cattle. 

For beauty, visit Feria del Caballo in Jerez, where elaborate horseback parades are celebrated alongside twirling flamenco performances. For grit, ride the Camino de Santiago, the iconic pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, traditionally tackled on foot. Mount a traditional Spanish horse and practise impressive movements along grassy mountains and coastal trails. Choose one section or test your mettle along the entire length of the trail.