As a keen horseman I was drawn to Argentina for my year abroad from studying in the U.K. Not only does it boast a geographic diversity that extends from lofty Andean foothills to the intimate lake districts of Patagonia, but everyone in Argentina rides. The criollo horses – somewhere on the pecking order between walking and the bicycle - are immaculately behaved meaning novice and expert alike can enjoy the gaucho lifestyle. My pick of the best horse-riding trips are with:
Hugh McDermott, having ridden solo across more than four and a half thousand kilometres of the country, combines an intimate knowledge of the north with a great facility for bringing out the fun of travelling on horseback.
and:
Yvonnne Corbett is Patagonia’s best kept secret. Based in the undulating hills above the lake Lolog, expect opportunities for galloping on lake beaches and swimming with your horse. Her attention to detail is what sets her trips apart: from the artisan ponchos to the hand-made chocolates that appear from the saddle-bags to complete the perfect camp-fire idyll, Yvonne’s trips find the balance between adventure and luxury.

www.macdermottsargentina.com/
www.corbettrides.com.ar/

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Travels on Horseback is the only 'trail riding' company in England. It takes good riders out on great horses travelling across the countryside. You and your horse stay in a different hotel every night! It's such amazing fun and really, really good quality.

The riding (in the Quantocks in Somerset), is incredible. They also take people out for shorter rides (a couple of hours, day rides etc), again, just for good riders on good horses. This is what I did in April 09 and here's what I wrote about it as a testimonial for their own site:

It’s hard to believe that a simple two hour train journey out of London would take me to such breathtaking countryside. I’d booked a two hour trek with Kathryn and her stunning horses. I was instantly smitten when I mounted ‘Smooch’ right after grooming him (realising a childhood dream!).

The well-trained and happy horses clearly enjoyed their surroundings almost as much as me. We cantered up hills and through trees, trotted in the forest to the beat of a woodpecker pecking on a tree and strolled under the huge wingspans of buzzards flying overhead. As an Advanced Beginner, I learnt more about riding and horses in those precious two hours than on any riding lesson. Kathryn had responsive Smooch and me naturally entering in and out of canter from and to trot which was so wonderful. This is the best way to learn. I always felt safe too.

As a polluted Londoner, I felt as alive as Kathryn’s horses and smiled all the way home, fully revitalised and back in touch with glorious Mother Nature. I can’t wait to re-visit.
Yorkibar

Nearest station is Taunton. Their website is www.travelsonhorseback.com and the address etc is:
01278 438 794
07900 673 632
47 Farringdon
North Petheron
Somerset
TA6 6PF

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I'm not a great horse rider but there's something about the activity which inspires my romantic notions. While on holiday in Woolacombe I booked some riding lessons with Hannah (based along the coast in Ilfracombe) and she got me riding confidently within a few hours. I joined a group for a beach ride later on in the week and while it wasn't exactly the scene out of the Black Stallion film when he gallops bareback through the surf but it was close enough for me.
I'll never be a dressage queen but Hannah has got me to a level where I can ride ok and will definitely be including as part of future trips.

www.mullacott.co.uk

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Wonderful horseriding opportunities at this Bavarian riding stables located near to Sami. The surrounding area is perfect for exploring the nearby mountain trails and old villages. The horses are beautifully cared for and easy to ride and the owner, Conny, is a welcoming and knowledgable host with a deep love for her horses. All levels are catered for and there's even the option of swimming with your horse in the sea!

cornelia@kef.forthnet.gr
Bavarian Horse Riding Stables
28080 Sami/Koulourata, Cephalonia
+ 30 6977 533203

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In and around Tupiza the landscape is very similar to the wild west in the USA. Lots of weird rock formations and bold colours. The best way to view all of this is on horseback.

There are quite a few different options for people who have never been on a horse, and some for the experienced rider. You can also do a walk-bike-horseride-jeep combination which is quite challenging but very good. The only problem with Tupiza is that there are few restaurants to choose from, but it does have one or two good ones, and an internet cafe.

Tupiza is south Bolivia, near the Argentinian Boarder and there are many places to book activities, usually at hotels which are all central.

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When horseriding in Trinidad, you'll be taken up and down hills affording a great view of the coast, then across the plains and finally up a stream that leads to a waterfall in the glades where you can have lunch. No experience is necessary, the horses are docile, easy to 'steer', and you're allowed to go at full gallop whenever you feel like it. Plus it's an easy way to see some rural villages. Lastly, Trinidad itself is beautiful - the ideal antidote to the stress of Havana.

Walk to highest point in Trinidad for a bit of horse riding.
Trinidad is about 3 hours south-east of Havana.

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