For horse lovers, there’s no better way of seeing the world than from the saddle, exploring new destinations on four legs rather than two. Not only can horses carry you deep into landscapes inaccessible by other means of transport, they also provide adventure, companionship and exercise.

Listed below are five of the best riding experiences worldwide:

1. Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Northern California, USA
   Lari Shea’s team of endurance horses are fit and enthusiastic, relishing day-long rides through majestic redwood forests, silent pine glades and along the wild beaches of the Pacific as much as their riders. Week-long vacations incorporate luxurious accommodation in the hippy haven of Mendocino, fresh, organic food and vigorous riding. Shea’s extensive knowledge of horsemanship and passion for the environment are the icing on the carrot cake. Visit the homepage
   
   
2. La Sierra Cavalcade, Valle de Bravo, Mexico
   From the back of a well-trained, receptive steed to the comforts of a luxury hacienda, a vacation at Finca Enyhe in the colonial town of Valle de Bravo is a sublime experience. The congenial hosts lead treks through tranquil pine forests and rural villages showcasing vibrant Mexican culture, with a visit to a Monarch butterfly sanctuary a seasonal highlight. This is riding in style, five-star from nose to tail. Visit the homepage
   
   
3. Estancia los Potreros, Cordoba, Argentina
   Embrace the culture of the gauchos at this working cattle ranch, where sturdy Criollo cow-ponies and divine five-gaited Peruvian Paso horses carry you smoothly across unfettered grasslands and rugged ranges. Polo is also part of daily life on this historic estancia, with lessons for newcomers part of the riding program. Visit the homepage
   
   
4. Okavango Horse Safaris, Botswana
   To the wildlife of Africa, a horse is just another herd animal, an unthreatening presence in the vast landscape. On a horseback safari in the Okavango Delta, you become one with nature, part of the eco-system rather than just an observer. Close encounters with elephants, wildebeests, zebras and giraffes will leave you breathless with exhilaration, joy and sometimes fear, with your mount providing the bonus of elevation and speed for the optimum game viewing experience. Visit the homepage
   
   
5. Packer’s High Country Horseriding, Victoria, Australia
   Live the legend of the Man From Snowy River on a camping trek into Victoria’s High Plains, a dramatic landscape of forested ridges, wildflower-studded meadows, rocky outcrops and crystal clear streams. Reliable homebred horses, laid back Aussie hospitality and unlimited wilderness dotted with kangaroos and wild brumbies make this an unmissable journey into a mythological heartland. Visit the homepage