Whether you are a devotee of the Chinese/ Lunar calendar, for many of us, horses are our spirit animals, and the Year of the Horse reminds us why. Since the earliest civilizations – is any other creature so well-represented on the world’s cave walls, ancient scripts, wall carvings? - Humans around the world have fallen in love with the majesty, power, elegance, intelligence and awe-inspiring beauty of horses. Not to mention utility. Horses became invaluable companions in agriculture, early industry, war and transportation. In connection with what may be human’s / history changing relationship with a single animal.
As technology advanced, our relationship with horses everywhere has changed… but in many places, our love affair with horses and riding traditions continues.
Here are just a few of the best experiences in some cultures with rich, storied equestrian traditions. As a spectator or an active participant, here are places to celebrate your inner equine spirit.
Spain
In sun-washed Andalusia, horses are woven into the fabric of history, life, and human drama. They even become high art at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
Here, gleaming Andalusian stallions perform intricate dressage choreographed to Spanish music — precision elevated to poetry, with distinctive historic costumes that remind us that to be Spanish is to ride (pictured, top).
The main attraction is the performance itself, but visitors can tour the stables, watch training sessions and even book riding lessons with school-trained instructors for a deeper connection.
It’s refinement rather than raw adventure — and utterly mesmerizing.
Austria
Beneath the extraordinary chandeliers at Vienna’s palatial, Baroque Spanish Riding School, legendary Lipizzaner stallions perform their famed “airs above the ground” — levades, caprioles, equine dance movements that seem to defy gravity.
The atmosphere is hushed, reverent. Attend morning exercise sessions for a more intimate look at training in progress.
Visitors cannot ride the Lipizzaners themselves, but private carriage tours in Vienna and riding schools throughout Austria allow travelers to connect with the broader equestrian culture.
Its heritage is preserved in military tailcoats and centuries-old tradition.
England
Meanwhile, English polo is outdoor summer theatre -with a competitive edge and Royal pageantry.
At Guards Polo Club near Windsor and Cowdray Park Polo Club in West Sussex, the British season unfolds on immaculate emerald fields. Spectators sip the classic British polo cocktail, Pimm’s punch, picnic beside the pitch and stroll out to stomp divots between chukkas.
The matches are fast and tactical — ponies pivoting sharply, mallets striking with precision.
Travelers can attend major tournaments as spectators, book hospitality enclosures, or – if you’re a rider - arrange beginner polo lessons at affiliated clubs outside tournament play.
It’s sport wrapped in ceremony — linen, horsepower and long golden evenings.
Chile
In Chilean Patagonia, horses aren’t a novelty or a nod to history — they’re part of everyday ranching life.
On remote Argentine estancias, herding days unfold on horseback across grasslands beneath Andean peaks. Gauchos ride with effortless authority over the landscape, horse and rider equally proud. Rivers are crossed without fuss; sheep are herded with quiet whistles.
Travelers don’t just watch — you can jump into the saddle too. Ride alongside working gauchos on half-day, full-day or multi-day estancia programs. No elite experience required; the horses are steady, the pace immersive rather than intimidating. You’re traveling at the speed of sheep, after all.
Evenings end with asado around an open fire and the deep sleep of a day spent outdoors. You won’t need reminding to forgo your devices and stop worrying about wifi. Patagonia teaches rhythm.
Morocco
Few silhouettes are more cinematic than an Arabian horse against the Sahara sands. On your next trip to Morocco, forgo a camel ride in favor of a horse expedition.
Canter along Atlantic beaches near Essaouira or venture inland for guided desert treks across golden dunes. Fabled Arabian horses are spirited but sure-footed, led by Berber guides who balance adventure with safety.
You may even witness a fantasia — ceremonial horsemen charging in synchronized bursts of thunder.
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Make the Year of the Horse the year you reconnect with the ancient, primal human tie to hoofbeats in the world’s epic landscapes and cultures.
START YOUR TRIP!
Images: Getty
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