Encountering big game from the back of a horse is an unforgettable way to see Africa's wildlife, although only experienced riders should apply. A new offering is a horseback safari in Botswana, split between a camp in the Kalahari Desert and fly-camping in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Riders explore acacia forests and the "Land of One Thousand Islands" (vast plains dotted with palm trees) with the chance to see zebra, wildebeest and meerkats. Aardvark Safaris offers the seven-night itinerary from £3190 per person, including full board, all safari activities and internal flights; international flights are not included.
Galloping gourmets
Proficient riders can enjoy unspoilt mountain trekking in the SerranIa de Ronda while discovering the local cuisine on Ride Andalucia's "Gallops for Gourmets" itinerary (10 and 17 March). Guests get to explore this enchanting part of southern Spain and meet producers of the region's gourmet specialities. In the evenings riders return to a historic cortijo with views of the Straits of Gibraltar for cookery lessons, dinner and bed. Seven nights costs from £2160 per person, with transfers and accommodation with most meals, but not travel to Spain.
Pukka chukkas
Experience the traditional life of an Argentine cowboy or "gaucho" with the chance to try your hand at polo at Los Potreros in the province of Córdoba in central Argentina. Home to the Anglo-Argentine Begg family, this 6,000-acre working farm with an antique-filled house at its centre, breeds Peruvian Pasos horses and is also home to criollo steeds traditionally used for farm work and polo. Journey Latin America offers three nights of B&B at Los Potreros from £691 per person. International flights not included.
Cultural canters
Have a Lawrence of Arabia-style adventure on a nine-night trip in Jordan with Ride World Wide. Explore the desert with six days' riding between Wadi Rum and the breathtaking "rose-red city" of Petra, which was rediscovered 200 years ago this year. Pass through empty valleys, towering canyons, sleep under the stars and see Bedouin camps along the way. The trip departs throughout May, June, July, August and September (June and September are likely to be more comfortable for riding) and the price of £1283 includes accommodation, riding, guides, transfers and most meals, but excludes flights from the UK.
Horsing around
Riders can bring their own four-legged friend to experience itineraries devised by Ride Yorkshire. It offers trips across swathes of countryside, ranging in length from one to five days. Its newly introduced Wolds Wanderer explores the rolling countryside, panoramic views, historic villages and stately homes of East Yorkshire via a network of quiet bridleways and country lanes. The five-day ride costs £400 per person and includes B&B, luggage transfers, route descriptions, maps, packed lunches, horse box parking and guide.
Ride 'em cowboy
Ranch holidays are a perennially popular choice, whatever your riding ability. You can saddle up for a week of cattle drives and rides in the Rocky Mountains at Hidden Hollow, a cattle farm in Montana, with Ranch Rider (£1119 per person full board. Flights extra).
If you prefer to ride in luxury try Dunton Hot Springs (doubles from £467, full board), in the Colorado Rockies, where after a day in the saddle you can ease aching muscles in thermal springs.
You could join a cattle drive in June, July or August with a stay at the Cottonwood Ranch (001 775 752 0817; doubles from £183 full board), set in a remote corner of Nevada.
Finally, proficient riders can spend three nights on a camping horse drive in Idaho with American Roundup (01798 865 946). Six nights from £984 per person full board, flights extra.
Horse and snow shoeing
You don't need a pair of skis to enjoy the snow. The Riding Company offers "Ride and Ski" weeks among the Alpine peaks of Austria. Staying at the Hotel Schlosswirt, novice and experienced riders explore the wintry scenery of Hohe Tauern National Park, on native Haflinger horses. There is also the chance to take to the slopes of the Grossglockner Heiligenblut ski area. A five-night Winter Trekking Short Break costs £448 per person, half-board with five hours of riding and a sleigh ride as well as transfers. Flights extra.
Who said that?
"A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!"
- Richard III, William Shakespeare
"No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." - Winston Churchill
"A canter is a cure for every evil."
- Benjamin Disraeli
- INDEPENDENT
